Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating, better known as CRAB, has spent 35 years making sure people with disabilities are not left at the dock. In this Local Business Spotlight, CRAB President and CEO Bo Bollinger joins us from the nonprofit's Adaptive Boating Center on Back Creek to explain how the organization helps guests sail, fish, and experience the Chesapeake Bay safely and independently.

Bo shares the story of CRAB's founding in 1991 after Don Backe, who had been paralyzed in a car crash, rediscovered a sense of freedom aboard a sailboat and decided others deserved the same opportunity. Today, CRAB operates six adaptive sailboats, radio-controlled sailboats, and a 40-foot power catamaran capable of carrying five wheelchair users. The goal is not simply to give guests a ride. CRAB puts the tiller in their hands and gives them the chance to sail the boat themselves.

The conversation also covers the growth of CRAB's waterfront facility, its highly trained volunteer force, free sailing programs, family outings, recovering warrior regattas, Special Olympics sailing and year-round wellness programs. Bo explains how people can volunteer, donate a boat, support the organization financially or simply help someone with a disability discover that this resource exists right here in Annapolis.

Have a listen!

LINKS:

CRAB Sailing (Website)
CRAB Sailing (Facebook)
CRAB Sailing (Instagram)
CRAB Sailing (YouTube)