b'A SUCCESSFUL 2021 SUMMER SEASON HAD BY ALL!Celebrating Accessibility: Dock Dedication and Ribbon CuttingPBCBs summer kicked off on June 25 thwith a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly constructed ADA Accessible Dock system. Our new dock is the only fully ADA-compliant boating facility on Pleasant Bay and just one of a few on the Cape.The dock has been designed to accommodate PBCBs growing number of programs, which include specialized programs for people with physical and cognitive disabilities, temporary or permanent mobility challenges, and age-related accessibility needs who wish to enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of sailing and kayaking. The dock is also a welcome addition for the popular Blind and Vision-Impaired Sailing Program. The wheelchair drop-off area and the permanent pier provide access from curbside to the floating dock system, which includes a Hoyer lift used for transferring wheelchair-reliant individuals onto our boats. Accessibility also includes kayak launchers, making it easier to maintain stability while boarding a kayak. A retrofitted sailboat and adaptive kayak have recently been added to PBCBs fleet with more to follow as our programs grow.A special guest, sailing Hall of Famer Betsy Alison, was part of the ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Winner of numerous world and national sailing championships and former Paralympic coach for the US Sailing Team, Betsy was on the PBCB campus to conduct a special US Sailing Adaptive Sailing Instructor training course for area sailing instructors, including four from PBCB. A heavily interactive course, attendees went through a variety of exercises to help them better understand whats required to teach sailors with disabilities, including physical, intellectual, vision impairments, autism, and other disabilities.A small group of participants were excited to be part of our Adaptive Sailing and Kayaking pilot programs this summer. Staff members are developing new partnerships with groups and individuals who have an interest in engaging in our 2022 programs.The cost of the Accessible Dock was approximately $375,000. Funds were raised from multiple sources, including individual donors, foundations, and nearby towns. In particular, town funding from Brewster, Chatham, Harwich, and Orleans came through their Community Preservation Committees, each granting $25,000. Cape Cod 5 and the Fields Pond Foundation also supported the project with grant awards. This widespread community support affirms the need and value of PBCBs specialized programs. Thank you to all who contributed to this project!'