Accessible boating for all

PBCB can accommodate individuals or groups with limited access to sailing and boating due to physical or cognitive challenges. Our recent upgrades provide a gateway to the water for individuals, including those who use wheelchairs. The adjacent curbside drop-off area ensures easy access to our ADA-accessible dock.

The extra-wide dock is equipped with a transfer bench and Hoyer lift that allows for safe and efficient boarding of our boats. Our launch has been equipped with stable handrails and bench seating, ensuring a comfortable ride for all.

Over the years PBCB has grown the Adaptive Boating program and saw more than 180 individuals in 2023. 

 

 

Current Adaptive Equipment and Fleet:

  • Floating Classroom, Friend: 37′ pontoon boat, wheelchair accessible, very stable and comfortable for larger groups!
  • Modified Catboat, Wildcat: 15′ Marshall Sandpiper, modified with a bucket seat and rigged so that it can be sailed from that seat
  • Modified Flying Scot, RBG: 19′ Flying Scot with a transfer bench added near the transom, additional handholds, a roller furling jib that can be controlled from the cockpit, and extra purchase in the mainsheet
  • Tandem and single kayaks with outriggers for additional stability and upper body support
  • ADA accessible dock, reserved parking, Hoyer lift, slide box, moveable ramp for pontoon boat access, and more!

We are excited to share that we have added a new modified catboat, Wildcat, to the fleet. Working with our partners at Marshall Marine all winter, the “new to us” catboat features a center seat and joystick steering with modified rigging. PBCB has also hired a new part time Adaptive Program Coordinator, Jeff Primeau, to manage the various programs we offer and to continue outreach with the adaptive community. 

All of these additions to our facilities have made it possible for PBCB to effectively expand its adaptive sailing and kayaking programs. We aim to provide safe and enjoyable lessons to anybody who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the joy of being on the water. 

 

 

Current Adaptive Program Offerings:

  • Group outings aboard the pontoon boat, Friend (Email Jeff Primeau for rates and schedule: primeauj@pbcb.cc)
  • Group Sailing and Paddling (Email Jeff Primeau for rates and schedule: primeauj@pbcb.cc)
  • Semi-private sailing lessons (Pleasant Bay Pass, see program details below)

New in 2024! We are offering a Pleasant Bay Adaptive Pass for $150. It allows individuals (including the blind and visually impaired group) to access up to 8 semi-private sailing lessons. For sailors new to PBCB: we will offer 1 free sail so you can get acquainted with our staff, facility, and equipment. 

Scheduling Semi-Private Lessons: Blind and Vision Impaired sailors will meet weekly on Tuesday evenings in July and August from 5 to 7 PM. All other individuals will be welcome to sign up for semi-private lessons throughout the summer. Class openings will be solidified in June, please visit MyRec for reservation availability.

Adaptive Boating Pass Policies:

  • The Adaptive Sailing Pass ($150 in 2024) is redeemable for up to 8 semi – private sailing lessons. 
  • For those seeking a private lesson, Simply Sails are available at our standard rate ($225 in 2024). 
  • Pass purchases are non-refundable, including passes that are not fully used within our sailing season. This is consistent with all PB Pass policies.  
  • If you have never sailed with PBCB before and would like to give it a try, First-timers can register for one “TRY IT” lesson at no cost. This provides a terrific opportunity to become familiar with our staff, dock, and equipment, and to see if a PBCB sailing pass will work for your unique circumstances.  
  • Each participant is eligible to bring one caregiver for their boat ride. This detail will need to be included in the reservation. 
  • Lessons canceled or rescheduled within 24 hours of their start time will not be refunded or returned to your pass. If participants cancel less than 24 hours in advance twice or fail to appear for any lesson without notice, PBCB will limit registration privileges. If PBCB cancels your lesson due to unsafe weather conditions, we will either rebook if possible or refund your pass 1 use.  
  • All boating experiences must be scheduled through our online portal (MyRec) or directly through our Registrar. In addition, staff cannot add or overbook slots; the Registrar can only book existing, open slots. Anything that is not already available within our software must go directly through the Registrar, with approval from program staff. Attempts to schedule lessons in any other manner will not be honored.  
  • Our staff/volunteers are not able to lift participants in any way, for their safety and yours. To accommodate individuals with needs beyond an outstretched hand or transfer box to board or exit their boat, participants will be given the option of using the Hoyer lift. Use of the Hoyer lift can be made mandatory on a case-by-case scenario based on staff discretion. This is for safety and liability purposes. 
  • PBCB cannot make promises to accommodate all boat type requests. We are limited by boat occupancy/availability, instructor availability, and instructor training on each boat.  
  • We are currently unable to provide an Adaptive Boating Rental program. 

We are so grateful to our loyal donors and grantors that help support these programs. Thank you for the generous donations from Wianno Sailing Foundation, and their commitment to help us grow our offerings. Thank you to the Friends of Pleasant Bay for their long-time support of funding and resources.