January 2010

Dear Friends,
 
As I mentioned in 2009, we see opportunity in the future - and we are now more confident than ever!
 
As a quick review of 2009, we retrofitted an America's Cup sailing yacht, EASTERNER, for people with disabilities. Naysayers aside, we did it. We competed and even won a race in the 12 metre America's Cup World Championship with disabled crew members participating - a first ever!
 
As for competition versus our all-inclusive general programs, we did it so well that we increased the types of disabilities we effectively served beyond paralyzed and developmentally challenged people, especially with autism and cancer. Further, we expanded from our base in Newport, bringing our programs across the seas, and collaborated with disabled groups in Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.
 
At the same time, our hundreds of disabled sailors in Newport braved the often inclement weather with our fleet of Freedom 20's (a 20-foot fully adapted sailboat). Moreover, our " Confidence is Cool" children's camp for ages 7-12 thrived, once again.  
 
We look forward to 2010 with enormous enthusiasm! We will revisit all of our 2009 locations and continue our collaborations with a concentration on grassroots programs - and planning even more locations. Please join us.
 
All the best,
 
Paul Callahan
CEO