Special Athletes

Since 1999, Special Athletes Sailing at SWYC has developed into a well-respected and successful program benefiting a delightful family of special athletes, their parents, coaches and volunteers.

                                

Special

Athletes

Learn

Through

Yachting!

             
                        Special Athlete's Cheer: "Let's get SALTY!"

The mission of Special Athletes Sailing at SWYC is to empower learning-challenged athletes to realize their full potential through mastering the skills and experiencing the joys of small boat sailing. 

Special Athletes Sailing athletes and coaches compete in monthly Victory Regattas on San Diego Bay and in annual Victory Nationals.  In 2003, our athletes and coaches competed in the Special Olympics Summer World Games in Dublin, Ireland.  The Royal Saint George Yacht club in Dun Laoghaire hosted the week-long regatta and Eunice Kennedy Shriver raced with the athletes.

Three Victory 21' keeled sloops are used for practices and racing, whalers for safety boats and CJFs for advanced athletes.

Special Athletes Sailing practices and races are held on Saturdays during April through October.   Committee meetings are held at SWYC on the first Wednesday of each month during January through October.

                      Click here for Special Athletes Sailing Calendar

Program needs:  Sailing coaches, Shore volunteers, Safety driver, Boat and equipment maintenance, SWYC lockers, Sails for victories, Boom vangs, Corporate sponsorships, Non-skid decks, Monetary donations.

For more information or to join our fun-loving team, please contact the Special Athlete Sailing Chair, Sheila Guerrazzi at (858)488-5465 or by email at sheilasails@usa.net.  

Thank you to the leadership of Southwestern Yacht Club, its members, and all current and former participants for all you have done to support this program!  

    2012 Special Athletes Sailing Committee