Our Challenge Project
Ken Workinger, a past Boat Designer with Tiara Yachts, designed a 28 foot fixed-keel sailboat Challenge with atributes that would make it responsive and stable. The Great Lakes Boat Building School agreed to construct it and donate the finished boat to WMSAIL. The 2022 season was time to rig the boat with a set of custom sails. We used the 2023 season to outfit Challenge with the new “sip and puff” equipment. 2024 will be our launch year after shaking her down, testing the rig and equipment, then allowing a disabled sailor to “take her out.”
Controlling a Fixed Keel Sailboat with "Sip and Puff" Technology
Introducing a revolutionary way to navigate a fixed keel sailboat - "sip and puff" technology. Specially designed for individuals with limited mobility, this cutting-edge system allows sailors to control the boat using only their breath.
By incorporating "sip and puff" technology into the sailboat's steering and sail control mechanisms, individuals can maneuver the vessel with remarkable precision. With a simple sip or puff, sailors can adjust the sails, change course, and tack with ease, empowering them to fully engage in the joy of sailing.
This innovative technology opens up a world of possibilities for individuals with physical disabilities, providing them with the opportunity to experience the freedom and exhilaration of sailing in a whole new way. With the incorporation of "sip and puff" controls, the fixed keel sailboat becomes more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of sailors, ensuring that everyone can revel in the thrill of harnessing the wind and navigating the open waters.
At WMSAIL, we are dedicated to empowering veterans with disabilities, and we are excited to embrace this groundbreaking technology, making sailing an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.
West Michigan SAIL - Helping Vets Help Themselves
At West Michigan SAIL, we are proud to dedicate our resources and services to disabled veterans who have bravely served our country. Our commitment is unwavering, and we continuously strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
One of the ways we uphold this commitment is through our Challenge program.
Through Challenge, veterans not only gain valuable skills and experiences, but they also find a community that understands and supports them. We will be partnering with advocates throughout Michigan in order to extend this program to any veteran, living anywhere in the United States who is able to attend our classes and use our equipment.
At West Michigan SAIL, we believe in the power of Challenge to transform the lives of disabled veterans, and we are honored to be a part of their journey towards self-discovery and resilience.
