CYC Foundation Sponsors New "Judd's Sailing Camp" for Chicagoland Children with Disabilities

September 20, 2023

by Megan McNichols

Steering the boat was eight-year-old Ione’s favorite part of sailing while Viviana, 9, liked “riding into the waves because it’s bumpy and so much fun.” Both girls were among the eight Chicagoland children with physical disabilities who got their first taste of sailing this summer at Judd’s Sailing Camp, a new collaboration between the CYC Foundation and the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation.  

The inaugural Judd’s Sailing Camp, sponsored by the CYC Foundation, brought disabled children ages 8-14 to the Judd Goldman Sailing Center in Burnham Harbor on Wednesday mornings over eight weeks for on-the-water instruction on specially-designed keelboats. 

The boats are built with accessibility and safety in mind. “We’re sailing the Independence 20, a big boat that has a very large cockpit with two pivoting chairs, one for the skipper and one for the crew” explained Brian Bell, JGASF instructor. “We have 5-point harness systems so if we have individuals who are paraplegic or quadriplegic, we can support them safely and securely,” Brian said. “Our sailors control the line, the sheets – everything will come back to the cockpit so that the participants have full control.” 

Generally, two to four sailors plus an instructor and an able-bodied volunteer are on each boat. The result is an unforgettable experience for each sailor. “Our boats really allow anybody with any physical limitations to be able to have the same experience as any other sailor,” Brian said. That’s really the objective of the new sailing camp and all of the sailing programs offered through the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation. 

“Sailing is an equalizer,” said Peter Goldman, JGASF president. “Our hope is that the kids get engaged with sailing and see it as a sport they can participate in. Once you’re in the boat and you’re able to control the tiller you’re no different than anyone else. You’re fighting the same wind and you’re trying to get to the same location,” he said. “And unlike some other sports for disabled athletes, the rules for competitive sailing are the same whether you’re disabled or not,” he added.

One especially unique aspect of the new camp is the door-to-door transportation being offered to the children. “Getting any child to and from summer activities can be a challenge, and when you’re disabled it’s much more difficult,” Peter said. “Thanks to the support of the Chicago Yacht Club Foundation, we’re picking the campers up from their homes in specially-equipped vans, taking them to the camp and then returning them home. It’s a really great way to do it.”

Chicago-based Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, a nationally renowned rehabilitation facility, assisted in identifying children for the camp and coordinating transportation to the Harbor. “The kids we have coming to the program each week just get so excited to be near the water, to be with their friends, to be out on a boat,” said Kelsey LeFevour, Manager of Adaptive Sports Programs for the Shirley Ryan Ability/Lab and herself a Paralympian. “I think providing this unique opportunity that otherwise may not have been accessible to the kids has been really rewarding to watch and be part of. I’m looking forward to seeing the program continue.”

Judd’s Sailing Camp is named in memory of Judd Goldman, a competitive sailor and longtime member of the Chicago Yacht Club. Judd was 17 years old when he was diagnosed with a disabling bone disease. After realizing there were few sports in which he could compete, Judd discovered sailing. Over the next 58 years, he competed in races throughout the world including more than 25 Chicago Yacht Club Races to Mackinac. After Judd’s passing in 1989, his family established the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation in 1990 as a public/private partnership with the Chicago Park District. Today, more than 1,000 participants experience the joy and independence of sailing each year through JGASF programs. The JGASF now has a fleet of 20 specially-adapted boats.

“We’re really excited about this new collaboration and the kids’ positive response to the inaugural ‘Judd’s Sailing Camp,’ said Greg Miarecki, CYC Foundation President. “The Foundation is committed to introducing underrepresented Chicagoland children to Lake Michigan and the joys of boating and offering kids transformational experiences. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re able to sponsor summer camps like this, and hopefully introduce children with disabilities to a really fun, exciting and challenging sport.”