Why not sail? Y-Knot indeed!

Sailing is a breeze for David Whalen.

His love of canvas billowing in the wind has taken him from gentle cruises on Lake George to swift races in Vancouver.

"I enjoy the feel of the boat heeling in the wind," said the parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville. "I enjoy the freedom of movement and being able to turn a large boat. It's an interesting art to learn."

Freedom of movement is important to him because Mr. Whalen has been a quadriplegic with limited use of his arms since a 1981 skiing accident.

Mentor

Through his efforts, other people with disabilities and their families can now participate in a regular sailing program. Two years ago, after discovering an adaptive sailing program in Newport, Rhode Island, Mr. Whalen approached the YMCA's Camp Chingachook in Lake George about starting a similar program. The Y-Knot Club is now in its second year.

The name is a play on words, explained Mr. Whalen, an attorney for the state Office of Court Administration. The "Y" is for the YMCA, and the "knot" is for the nautical measure of speed. But the name also reflects an attitude.

"Why not someone who is disabled going sailing?" Mr. Whalen asked. "With a good life preserver, a good boat and good judgment you can sail."

Helping others

Y-Knot offers five to six sailing clinics each year. Individuals with disabilities and their families are able to participate in a day of sailing as well as a barbecue lunch.

While the program is still fairly new, Mr. Whalen was happy to report that at the most recent clinic, ten people with disabilities came for the day with family and friends. One of the key features of the program is that it allows disabled people to enjoy an activity with others.

"Sailing is great because you can participate with able-bodied people right alongside of you," he said, adding that many other recreational opportunities are limited by a disability.

Safety first

Safety is important to Mr. Whalen. The club utilizes two 24-foot Rainbow sailboats, which are built not to capsize. Wooden seats, with hinges designed by the Camp's sailing director Jeff Morris, are placed in the boat, but that wasn't always the case.

"Originally, we went to K-Mart and got a lawn chair and put it in the middle of the boat," said Mr. Whalen. "It was a windy day. Trying out the new homemade seats was scary."

Long-range plans include purchasing an automated lift to make transfer from wheelchairs to the boats easier, buying a specially adapted boat, and hosting "an international regatta for handicapped people to sail competitively."

Volunteers

An important part of the program, according to Mr. Whalen, is the dedication of volunteers. "This program has been made possible by many volunteers," he said. "We don't have a large budget."

The volunteers include experienced sailors who assist on the boats and individuals who are willing to help by providing transportation to the camp and assisting with personal needs, such as helping participants with their meals or putting on their life jackets.

Volunteers, said Mr. Whalen "are the whole key to the program. There are a lot of people with severe disabilities who would love to come but need assistance with transportation, meals or a helping hand."

Breathing room

In Canada's Mobility Cup in Vancouver, Mr. Whalen was able to compete by skippering a boat that was controlled by breathing into a straw-like device. He hopes to bring that experience to others.

"This is a brand new form of recreation" for those with disabilities, he said. "It can be a highlight for them and their family. It's a way to have a lot of fun."

(The next Y-Knot disabled sailing clinic will be offered on August 16. Annual membership is $30 and each clinic costs $20. For more information or to volunteer, contact the YMCA at 373-0160 or email Mr. Whalen at [email protected].)

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