Welcome! Easterner
 
Generously donated by Jamestown, RI resident, Arthur Shlossman, this America’s Cup Yacht, renowned for it’s beauty, will be used to challenge disabled people to their ultimate limits, while gracing the waters of Newport, Narragansett Bay, and the New England coastline. Easterner will join the fleet of SHAKE-A-LEG’s heavily utilized vessels that have been adapted for disabled sailors, who like other enthusiasts come from around the world to sail in the America’s Cup waters of Newport, RI.
 
Easterner will be retrofitted for maximum participation by disabled people, to allow them to become a “total equal”, working along side professional, able-bodied crew members.  Additionally, a new breakthrough concept will be introduced into SHAKE-A-LEG’s pioneering methodology – learning to perform in an able-bodied, competitive environment where gains are expected and losses are detrimental to the whole.
 
The famous 66-foot sailing yacht will be used in SHAKE-A-LEG’s daily programs which serve a large number of people with a wide range of disabilities. Both recreational and competitive sailing opportunities will be available in the summer of 2009.
 
True to the established tradition of SHAKE-A-LEG Newport, no one will ever be turned away due to lack of funds.
 
Finally, SHAKE-A-LEG, the oldest sailing program for the disabled in the USA, and Easterner will make history as they participate in The Golden Tour of the 12-Metres in 2009, culminating in The World 12-Metre Championship to be held next September in Newport. THIS INTERNATIONAL EXTRAVAGANZA will be hosted by the New York Yacht Club, and will be followed by the spectacular 12-Metre Regatta being held in New York City in October, 2009.
 
As we move forward through these “unchartered waters”, we welcome your input, guidance, suggestions or support. Please contact Paul Callahan, CEO at paul@paulcallahan.com with your thoughts.

Read Today's Press Release (11/20/08)