Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating Hosts Semi-Annual Recovering Warriors Sailing Regatta

The Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) organization held its semi-annual Recovering Warriors Sailing Regatta on June 15, 2024, at the Annapolis Adaptive Boating Center. The regatta provided a chance for returning warriors to showcase their sailing skills, while giving first-time sailing warriors a taste of competitive sailing.

The Regatta

The regatta consisted of four races at the mouth of the Severn River, with winds of 15 knots from the North, and waves between one foot and higher on the course. The eighteen warriors and family members boarded CRAB’s fleet of Beneteau First 22A’s and set sail. Joel McCord, a volunteer from CRAB, started the festivities with a beautiful playing of taps on his trumpet.

The Winners

The first-place team was a crew of former USNA All-Americans and lifelong friends Paul Van Cleve and Skipper Tim McGee (RDML ret.) at the helm, showcasing their prowess by winning all four races sailing ‘Lindy.’ The second-place finishers, Jay Streit, his wife Dee Perry, and volunteer skipper Michael Manuzak, demonstrated their resilience by finishing second in the final three races sailing ‘Club Mac.’ Their second-place finish in the day’s fourth race secured their second-place medal by one point. Closely following in third place were Keith Johnson, Trisha Johnson, skipper Trey Warman, and crew Jenn Shea, who showed determination by sailing ‘Andrea’ to the finish line.

The Spirit Award

The family of Sondra Denise, who sailed for their first time and completed the race in last place for most of the regatta, were singing and chanting as they crossed the finish line. They received the “Spirit Award Medal” and took home many wonderful memories from their first sailing experience.

The Purpose of the Regatta

The Recovering Warrior Regatta series at CRAB is a powerful testament to the strength of the military community and the resilience of the participants. The regatta is not just about racing but also a time for the warriors, family members, and volunteers to come together and show support for each other in their passion for sailing.

Move United Sport and CRAB

The event was generously sponsored by Move United Sport, and the CRAB volunteers and staff made it a memorable experience for the warriors. The lunch and awards ceremony at the Adaptive Boating Center overlooking Back Creek was a heartwarming display of the support and camaraderie that defines our community.

The Future

We eagerly anticipate the Fall RWSR with the Naval Academy Sailing Team in September, another opportunity for the military community to come together and celebrate their shared passion for sailing.

Originally Post From https://thebaynet.com/crab-hosts-successful-recovering-warriors-sailing-regatta/

CRAB Hosts Successful Recovering Warriors Sailing Regatta – The BayNet