Disabled Sailors Compete in Longest Freshwater Race

When riding the wind and the waves, disabilities seem to go right out the window.

The first predominantly disabled crew ever to compete in the longest freshwater sailboat race in the world - the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac Island - set sail July 25.

The 2004 event is the 96th race, which follows a 333-mile course from Chicago, Illinois, to Mackinac Island, Michigan. The race began in 1898, and then, after a six-year hiatus, picked up again in 1904. This year over 300 boats are competing, including the J-105 class racing yacht, Gigi, carrying her crew of four persons with disabilities and two able-bodied members. As of Tuesday morning, July 27, the Gigi was in a fourth- or fifth-place position in her class. Earlier, she had achieved second place! [Editors note: Watch this page for updates or visit www.chicagoyachtclub.com ]

The disabled crew members include Rick Doerr, MD, a plastic surgeon and paraplegic; Lee Buratti, a paraplegic; Jim Leatherman, a bilateral above-knee amputee who uses a wheelchair; and Richard Hughes, a below-knee amputee who has competed in a dozen Macs. All four are Paralympians.

The two able-bodied sailors are David Wagner, the Gigi's owner, and Kevin DAprile.

One major adjustment was made to the boat, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, which was among the many news media reporting on the first predominantly disabled crew to take to the waves in the historic race.

A wooden grip for better access to the companionway was added, the newspaper explained, along with straps so sailors could stabilize themselves in bad weather. Wagner rented a satellite phone, and Anne Allen, MD, is on call.

GN Corazza, CO, an orthotist at Mary Free Bed Hospital & Rehabilitation Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan, helped serve as part of the "ground crew" to launch the Gigi in the race. She would like to spread the word about sailing to the disabled population: "Sailing is a fun and very 'do-able' and enjoyable sport for amputees and paraplegics," she said, adding, "Sailing is for almost everyone; it can be solo or crew; and one does not have to be in the fantastic shape of a high-hurdles runner." And, it can certainly be exciting!

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Disabled Sailors Compete in Longest Freshwater Race

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Amputee Ice Hockey Wins Big

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