| ody"> | | | | August. This race is just one of many taking place all |
| Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to | | | | across the United States, solely for disabled racers, |
| spectators (to turn a phrase), is really a lot more | | | | and they'll need skippers and deck hands to help get |
| complicated than it looks. Anyone who's ever been | | | | the action going. |
| involved in a "backyard regatta" or a world-class | | | | Usually, the schedule of events covers completing |
| yacht race will tell you: This is a sport that requires | | | | entry forms, yacht measurement, a festive "opening |
| very savvy technical skills and a strategic mind. Still | | | | ceremony," often accompanied with music, light Hor |
| think anyone can do it? Just ask anyone who's | | | | devours and champagne; and on each race day, |
| served as a crew member in a yacht-racing | | | | sailors will enjoy a continental breakfast in the |
| adventure catered to the disabled. Here's a | | | | morning and a fun-filled evening of food and drinks |
| guarantee: They'll look at you like you're crazy. | | | | following the race. |
| Races are always set along a designated course, and | | | | The Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors |
| are usually sponsored by a Disabled Sailors association | | | | (BAADS), like most, allows every participant to solicit |
| (which can be found in most of our United States | | | | foundation or corporate sponsorships, and again, |
| and abroad). Usually, men's and women's teams | | | | many positions are available, from one of the most |
| compete separately, and boats can range from | | | | important sailing races Association and the United |
| Olympic-class dinghies to basic, modern | | | | States 470 |
| fiberglass-planing dinghies. In fact, this sport has been | | | | And, no matter who wins, the closing ceremonies are |
| internationally recognized since 1976, when it was | | | | nothing to sneeze at. You'll be entertained, wined, |
| featured in the Montreal Olympics. | | | | and dined while enjoying the sounds of a great jazz |
| As with any sport, volunteers are always needed for | | | | or blues band, commemorating the event's end. |
| upcoming events. For example, the St. Francis Yacht | | | | Another plus is that, for this race and many others |
| Club will host the upcoming 470 Class North American | | | | throughout the country, you can qualify for an |
| Races in the San Francisco Bay area in mid- to late | | | | Olympic race - if you're the lucky winner, that is. |