Advancing the Physically and Intellectually Challenged

Easterner is the first America’s Cup sailboat to be adapted for handicapped sailors. Since its inception in 1986, our sailing program has boosted the “skills of confidence” for over ten thousand physically and mentally handicapped adults and children sailing on our Sonar and Freedom 20's. While this program continues to flourish, Easterner adds a new component to our program. We are in the midst of working with naval architects, engineering multiple possibilities for people with disabilities to participate in sailing.

To participate in the sailing of such a large yacht requires the effective teaching of leadership, teamwork and organizational skills, enhancing self-confidence. These skills are universal and can be applied to other areas of people’s lives.

Attempting to Increase the Survival Rate of Children with Cancer

Chemotherapy treatment is taxing on the mind and body, especially for children. An exhilarating sail on sparkling blue water is great medicine for the spirit. Easterner’s cautious and caring crew welcomes not only these young patients but also their parents and “resident doctors”. This shared sense of adventure helps everyone endure the trials of lengthy chemotherapy treatment in hopes of increasing their chance of survival.

After our successful pilot program with Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, RI, we are extending our program to other ports from Boston to New York. This program is remarkable in that; (1) it inspires children to think in terms of dynamic possibilities and offers freedom from the rigors of chemotherapy; (2) it offers “resident doctors” an opportunity to interact with young patients and their parents in a manner that expands “treatment”, providing insight these doctors will carry with them for the rest of their medical lives; and (3) parents can offer each other support with their common circumstances and share in the joy their children experience in the program.

Getting children out of chemotherapy and onto the water allows them to realize what is possible, hopefully contributing to the probability that more children will survive.

Handicapped Racing Program in the 12-Metre Fleet Easterner will be the first America’s Cup boat in history to compete with a disabled and able-bodied crew working side by side. The racing crew will consist of trained sailors and will sail in various ports including Boston, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket and New York City. Of particular good fortune to Sail To Prevail, Easterner was donated just in time for the Golden Year of Sailing, the fiftieth anniversary of the 12-Metre Class. Similar to the America’s Cup events in Newport, classic 12-Metre yachts from all around the world will be practicing for the World Championship this September. Our disabled sailors will have the opportunity to race against some of the best professional sailors in the world in our home waters of Newport. Never before have disabled sailors competed against some of the best sailors in the world, let alone assembled at the world championship level.

"Easterner" won Race 6 of the 12-Metre World Championship 2009

For the purpose of sharing our expertise and stretching our resources for the greater good, for the first time Sail To Prevail will venture out of our geographical region. Easterner will visit Boston, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Connecticut, and New York City.

We will be adding and working with other non-profit organizations to share our proven and successful approach to conquering adversity.