Disabled sailors get new Flagship- B'Quest II
by Media Services on 31 Jan 2008
B’Quest II (ex-VIM) welcomed to its new home at Sunroad Marina on Harbor Island, San Diego. Photo: Dennis St.Onge - www.da-woody.com
Challenged America
'I can remember in 2002 when we received the donation of a Tripp 40 sailboat, also donated by the Hulls, what others were thinking and some actually said to us. 'That 40 footer is too large and powerful of a boat for sailors with disabilities to handle. You should stay in those smaller, safer and easier to sail boats. You don't know what you're getting yourselves into.'
'We heard it all, from both sailors and land-lubbers, even the disabled gave us their opinion,. Then, most everyone couldn't imagine how sailors with significant disabilities would be able to safely sail such a physically-demanding boat, especially offshore and against non-disabled crews. The only exception were those who had sailed with and against us previously,' Miyares, a blinded sailor said.
'Then the doomsayers became quiet as we went out and sailed thousands of safe miles in coastal and offshore races, including two Transpac races to Hawaii and a number of races in Southern California and to Mexico, finishing all safely and with respectable times. We learned quite a bit about ourselves and the boat, and how we could compete in such a demanding sport.'
'Now with the donation of this magnificent N/M-43, high-performance, proven race winner, it definitely raises the bar. It's a lot more demanding and high-tech of a boat. The next step up, and a welcome challenge. Still in shock about such a wonderful donation, we're all excited about the new horizons ahead for us with 'B'Quest II'.'
Challenged America is a sailing program for youth and adults with disabilities first conceived in 1978 by disabled veterans. Now in its 30th year of operation, this volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) charitable program (of the Disabled Businesspersons Association) provides learn-to-sail and advanced sailing opportunities for those with disabilities seeking to advance their rehabilitation to increase mainstream outcomes. Adaptive sailing Instruction is also offered to sailing professionals, and those in recreational rehabilitation, sports therapy, participant's loved ones, program volunteers and supporters..
From its new home at Sunroad Marina on Harbor Island, San Diego, the Challenged America program has a fleet of (donated) vessels to include its new flagship 'B'Quest II' (the N/M-43), 'Lift-Off' (a Kiwi 35), a total of seven Martin 16's, and other boats either now being tested or soon to enter the program.
Funding for the Challenged America program comes from tax-deductible contributions from individuals, small business and corporate support, grants, vehicle and vessel donations, and honorariums from speaking engagements by Challenged America participants..
'From its introduction as a winner in the 1998 Key West Race Week and its IMS Championship as VIM, the new Challenged America flagship 'B'Quest II' will go through a number of modifications and adaptations. Designing an elevator for those unable to walk to get access below deck is one immediate addition. And we'll probably add the new talking GPS system for blind sailors to the existing GPS, as well as our innovative, customized cockpit seats -- possibly mounted on a rail system in the large N/M-43's cockpit -- as well as other innovations either on the drawing-board or used on our previous Transpac boat,' Miyares added. 'Getting out on the water first without any changes to the boat, to learn its natural tendencies and abilities, is key, and having Brian Hull talk us through the boat and his experience in racing her. Then getting with the boat's designer, Bruce Nelson, will be the next step to get his input and thoughts about a crew of sailors having disabilities, which I am sure he never envisioned when he designed the then VIM III.'
'B'Quest II' will be used extensively for sailboat introduction, educational programs advanced sailing and racing, to hopefully include offshore racing events, such as the 2009 Transpac. Also a team-building training sailboat for Team Challenged America and others, 'B'Quest II' will be matched in practice races with 'Lift Off', the program's second bay and coastal racer. With is high visibility on the San Diego and Southern California waterfront, 'B'Quest II' is positioned to be an adaptive, high-performance, big-boat demonstration model, for the media, researchers, naval architects and designers, engineers, healthcare professionals, and sailors with and without disabilities.
'Brian and Suzanne Hull's continuous support of Challenged America throughout the years, as well as that by many other boaters, businesses, volunteers and the general public, nationwide, have been the motivation to keep us pushing forward to change lives and demonstrate what is capable in boating by anyone, at any age, including those with significant disabilities,' said Urban. 'It hasn't been easy, with escalating costs everyone in boating experiences, plus those additional expenses we face to pioneer new frontiers for those with various disabilities who desire to sail, we know that without Challenged America, who else would be able and capable to do it?'
For additional information on the Challenged America program and how you or your company can help, or to arrange a presentation by a Challenged America participant, contact Challenged America at Port@ChallengedAmerica.org, phone (619) 594-8805, or visit www.ChallengedAmerica.org.
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