ABOUT CHALLENGED AMERICA

An organization founded by disabled veterans, Challenged America is San Diego’s answer for people from all walks of life with disabilities of all kinds. Challenged America’s goal since 1978 has been to inject excitement and the love for life by giving the sightless, those with lost or non-functioning legs and arms, and many others the chance to take control of a sailboat and feel the thrill and independence of making their own way on the water. The challenges and camaraderie that comes from working as a crewmember aboard one of Challenged America’s fleet of specially adapted sailboats helps make life fresh and worth living.

The Challenged America staff of primarily volunteer instructors is there to provide the support and coaching necessary to create a feeling of independence and competence in the sport of sailing. Headquartered on Shelter Island overlooking San Diego’s harbor, Challenged America owns and maintains a fleet of sailboats that meets the needs and skill levels of those it’s there to serve, by providing free instructions and classes aboard sailboats such as:

• The “Martin 16” fleet, stable and safe yet swift sailboats specifically designed with disabled sailors in mind and steered by a “Joy Stick” that delivers the “feel” of the helm in a straight foreword manner for sailors with a range of challenges. The Martins seat two giving room for both sailor and instructor.
  
• “LIFT-OFF” A KIWI 35 sloop with room for more sailors and providing the opportunity to give more sailors the chance to advance their skills with more technical equipment - the tools to a faster ride on a bigger boat! The Kiwi can accommodate 8 sailors and give them plenty to do; as she sails with all the gear you’d expect of a boat this size.
  
• Then there’s the queen of Challenged America’s fleet, B’QUEST II, a 43’ racing sloop, only recently donated to the fleet. B’QUEST II has been raced through the fall by disabled sailors of every description, both in San Diego’s harbor and out in the Pacific Ocean. It’s not unusual to find a crew of a dozen or more working together to cross the finish line in many of the local races, experiencing a sense of accomplishment and joy that comes directly from the warmth and generosity of Challenged America's donors.

Funds to maintain such boats are raised with events like the WEST MARINE CHALLENGED AMERICA CUP REGATTA, coming June 12 – 13.

The Challenged America program is supported by tax-deductible donations from the general public, businesses, grants and public-speaking honorariums. All vessels used in its programs are donated. Challenged America is a charitable 501 (c) (3) operation.

Challenged America
2240 Shelter Island Dr. #108
San Diego, CA 92106
Sailing Office: (619) 523-9318
Website: www.challengedamerica.org