Shriners Hospitals for Children Sail Day!

July 10, 2011 | News & Events

Sailors from the Erie Shriners Hospitals for Children had a great day on the water Saturday July 9th, 2011.
They sailed in the Bayfront Maritime Center's Erie Adaptive Sailing Experience, EASE, program. EASE began in 2002 and is the only adaptive sailing program in Pennsylvania. Ten sailors enjoyed the perfect wind and weather conditions, sailing from the Wolverine Marina.

EASE has 4 Access Dinghies. The newest addition is an Access 2.3 Wide. This is a two person, cat rigged sloop that is fast, responsive, fun and couldn't be easier to sail. The Junior League of Erie, CVS Caremark, and a $10,000 anonymous donation made the purchase of the new boat possible. The Erie Insurance Group donated $1000 to help with the operating costs of the EASE program.

EASE uses a donated pontoon boat to carry family and friends of the sailors on the water to watch and photograph. The pontoon boat is wheelchair accessible, allowing sailors to ride, watch and drive. EASE volunteers Mike and Carol Hirsch recently donated a 30 hp Nissan 4 stroke outboard to power the pontoon boat making it much quieter, cleaner, and easier to run.

EASE enriches the lives of children and adults with disabilities by providing sailing experiences on Presque Isle Bay. EASE promotes a more inclusive environment for children of all abilities and affords them greater access to one of Erie’s prime recreational activities. EASE participants enjoy the adventure and fun of sailing, while gaining enhanced independence, increased self-esteem, and personal growth.

Last season 17 dedicated volunteers donated more than 1,200 hours of their time to run EASE Program.
We are on track to match that again this season.

Thank you to the many partners, volunteers, and supporters of the Bayfront Maritime Center who make this outstanding program possible.