A CFAAC 25th Anniversary Designated Fund established by Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) to support its mission to bring the therapeutic benefits of sailing and boating on Chesapeake Bay and the freedom it provides to people with any type of disability, recovering warriors, and youth from underserved communities regardless of their financial situation.

Support the CRAB Endowment Fund

A MESSAGE FROM CHESAPEAKE REGION ACCESSIBLE BOATING (CRAB)

Maryland has a long and rich maritime history with the Chesapeake Bay. This great history is continuing to be written with the opening of the Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating Annapolis Adaptive Boating Center (CRAB ABC).

For decades, many members of our community, specifically those with disabilities, have been excluded from accessing the Bay and enjoying the water on a sail or powerboat.  The opening of the CRAB ABC in Annapolis builds upon CRAB’s 33-year history of providing accessible boating for people with disabilities, wounded warriors, and children from underserved communities.

CRAB is the leading outdoor, therapeutic, and recreational program provider on Chesapeake Bay. CRAB’s services are offered free of charge through the generous support of foundations and donors.  The 100% accessible Adaptive Boating Center provides beautiful and equitable facilities to accommodate thousands of people who would not otherwise have access to the Bay.

The opportunity to participate in outdoor recreational adaptive sports is an important part of rehabilitation for people with disabilities. Individuals who participate in adaptive boating receive both physical and psychological benefits while steering the boat and managing its course and performance.  Additional research has demonstrated the benefits of exercise, including improved muscle strength and endurance, decreased insulin resistance, and a decreased risk of cardiovascular mortality. CRAB’s volunteer Skippers and Crew are trained and work to make therapeutic sailing a comfortable and enjoyable activity for our guests and their families.

The opening of the CRAB Annapolis Adaptive Boating Center in 2023 earned national and international recognition as a showcase project supporting people with disabilities. CRAB is using this opportunity to engage the global boating community to raise awareness of barrier-free recreation and to inspire people with disabilities, recovering warriors, and youth from underserved communities and their families to improve their independence and quality of life.

In 2023, CRAB hosted 38 nonprofits serving people with disabilities for sailing and boating events.  Boating programs include sailing, racing, power boating, fishing, and radio-controlled sailboat racing.  The ABC Learning Center and grounds are accessible and available for training or therapy activities benefiting and serving people with a disability.

Support the CRAB Endowment Fund

Many people like you are making tax smart donations with appreciated stocks and bonds, qualified charitable distributions(QCD) from an IRA, or a variety of planned gifts. For more information, please email John@CFAAC.org or call 410.280-1102 x103.