Sheila Propp
Executive Editor
Gulf Coast Newspapers
FAIRHOPE – The BP oil spill has resulted in the cancellation of the Southeast Regional Special Olympics Regatta. However, local sailors who might have participated still have a chance to …
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Sheila Propp
Executive Editor
Gulf Coast Newspapers
FAIRHOPE – The BP oil spill has resulted in the cancellation of the Southeast Regional Special Olympics Regatta. However, local sailors who might have participated still have a chance to test their mettle in a competitive race Saturday at the Fairhope Yacht Club.
This regatta for special sailors, launched last year by the FYC, is also sponsored by the ARC of Baldwin County and the Mobile ARC. The approximately .75-mile, one-design race features two-person teams sailing 16-foot Hobies. Currently, 11 athletes are preparing to take part in the seven-boat race, which will start at 10 a.m. and conclude around 4 p.m. Organizers expect to get in two or three races during the day, depending on wind conditions. FYC members will assist with the chase boats.
“It is exciting to me to see what has happened (regarding the special sailor program) over the last two years,” said Nancy Fitzpatrick, fleet team captain. “We invite the public to drop by the yacht club and watch the skill of these sailors and enjoy the colorful sails on the water.”
The special sailors in the race don't just ride in the boats, they are full participants, said Daryl Haskew, a volunteer with ARC of Baldwin County and a certified Special Olympics coach in sailing and powerlifting. “They train as part of a unified team,” Haskew said.
While they sail with an experienced sailor, these ARC members must meet safety and swimming standards. They also train two days a week for 2 to 3 hours, Haskew said.
“When they are on the boats, they have their own job, which they must perform completely by themselves, their partners cannot help – they have their own jobs to do,” said Randy Fitz-Wainwright, a regatta partner and coach.
The special sailors range in age from 25 through middle age. “We do have a 15-year-old partnering with her father,” Fitz-Wainwright said.
The regatta is funded by entry fees and donations from the sponsoring organizations and private donations. The races will be scored on a low-point system. Fitzpatrick said the winners will receive trophies and all participants and their families will celebrate with dinner and perhaps a dance Saturday night.
Haskew said that anyone who would like to donate a Hobie, trailer or other related materials to the FYC for use in programs such as this one, should contact the ARC Baldwin chapter at 251-550-8934..
“I get so much more out of working with and participating in this event than I give,” said Fitz-Wainwright. “I encourage anyone who loves sailing to consider volunteering to serve as a partner in next year's program.” To find out more about the special sailor program, contact her at 377-8419.
About The Arc of Alabama Inc.: It is a volunteer-based membership organization made up of
individuals with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, their families, friends, interested citizens, and professionals in the disability field, according to the organization's website.
For more information about the sponsoring organizations, visit:
