Adaptive Sailing Offshore
Build Your Offshore Sailing Abilities
Choose a Membership LevelOur Mission
As a member-supported non-profit, our purpose is to build the broadest possible sailing community. Adaptive Sailing Offshore (AO) achieves this by providing universal access to offshore sailing from Boston Harbor.
Aboard our two capable Beneteau Figaro 2s, we run inclusive, skill-building voyages for people of all abilities. We focus on removing the barriers that have kept people from the sport, and welcome sailors of every ability, experience and income level. Seamanship, confidence, and a diverse offshore sailing community are how we measure success.
Our Fleet: Two Capable Figaro 2s
The AO fleet consists of two 33-foot Beneteau Figaro 2s. These celebrated offshore racers are known for their strength and performance, making them an excellent choice for learning seamanship in true maritime conditions.
As donated vessels (acquisition in progress), these Figaro 2s provide a versatile and reliable platform for our inclusive programs, ready to be equipped for sailors of all abilities.
Our Programs: How We Make Boats Available
Adaptive Sailing Offshore offers two primary ways for members to get out on the water from Boston Harbor, ensuring everyone can participate and grow their skills safely within New England coastal waters (all trips are within SeaTow coverage and prioritize seamanship, inclusion, and personal growth):
1. Scheduled Sails Led by AO:
These outings are organized and led by Adaptive Sailing Offshore's licensed captains and experienced crew. They are perfect for all members, especially those building new skills or seeking a guided experience. Our scheduled outings include:
- Familiarization Sails: Brief harbor tours to get comfortable with our Figaro 2s and offshore basics.
- Day & Overnight Trips: Exciting sails to destinations like Gloucester or Provincetown, often with an overnight at anchor.
- Coastal Passages: Longer adventures to ports such as Boothbay or Newport, usually including overnight sailing, and a long weekend of cruising a new area.
2. Member-Led Expeditions (Boat Reservation):
For our qualified members, AO offers the unique opportunity to reserve one of our Beneteau Figaro 2s to organize and lead your own non-commercial passages. This empowers experienced members to plan their adventures and share them with their chosen crew.
- Qualification Process: To reserve a boat, members must complete a comprehensive skipper checkout process. This includes demonstrating sufficient offshore sailing experience (via resume and on-water evaluation), familiarity with the Figaro 2 systems, and an understanding of AO's safety policies.
- Planning & Approval: All member-led expeditions require a submitted float plan and approval from AO to ensure alignment with our mission and safety standards.
Whether you're joining a scheduled trip or skippering your own, our Beneteau Figaro 2s provide a capable and exciting platform for your offshore journey.
Become a Founding Member: Secure Your Access, Launch Our Mission
To launch our non-profit mission, we are inviting a limited number of passionate sailors to join us as Founding Members. This is a unique opportunity to provide essential seed funding while securing flexible access to sailing for seasons to come.
Instead of a traditional subscription, think of your membership as a bank of sailing months. An 18-month membership, for example, gives you 18 individual months of sailing access that you can schedule whenever you wish during our active seasons (a month is the minimum unit). Your upfront commitment is crucial for helping us get started.
We are committed to making sailing accessible. If the suggested contributions are a barrier, please use our 'Pay What You Can' option in the form below.
Sending in the membership form is the first step; we will contact you to finalize payment and welcome you aboard. All memberships offer flexible access during our active sailing seasons and require a skills verification for skippers wishing to reserve a boat.
Crewmember
Description: Get started sailing offshore. Be part of the crew on scheduled sails. No sailing experience required—all levels of ability and experience are welcome aboard.
Suggested Contribution:
- 6 months: $325
- 12 months: $575
- 18 months: $775
- Or pay what you can.
Day Skipper
Description: Confirm a boat. Pick your crew. File your float plan. Then take the helm for a few hours or a day of sailing. Requires demonstrated experience and skill suited to your plans and the forecast. Activation subject to skills verification (see details below).
Suggested Contribution:
- 6 months: $1,600
- 12 months: $2,600
- 18 months: $3,600
- Or pay what you can.
Mass Bay Skipper
Description: For experienced sailors ready to explore the coastline between Rockport (Cape Ann) and Provincetown (Cape Cod) up to 20nm offshore: schedule multiple trips for up to 4 consecutive days each. Activation subject to skills verification (see details below).
Suggested Contribution:
- 6 months: $3,000
- 12 months: $4,200
- 18 months: $5,400
- Or pay what you can.
New England Skipper
Description: For experienced sailors ready to explore the New England coastline up to 20nm offshore. Schedule multiple trips for up to 10 consecutive days. Activation subject to skills verification (see details below).
Suggested Contribution:
- 6 months: $9,200
- 12 months: $12,500
- 18 months: $14,800
- Or pay what you can.
Skipper Membership Activation Details:
Skipper memberships require demonstrated skill and experience. This involves resume submission, and may include onshore/on-water evaluations. Do not purchase a membership tier beyond the ability level you can confidently demonstrate.
Join Our Mission
AO is a volunteer-driven non-profit (501(c)(3) status pending) dedicated to genuine offshore experiences. Your support directly funds boat maintenance, safety gear, and adaptive equipment. Our first-year fundraising goal is $30,000 to ensure a strong launch from Boston Harbor.
Stay Informed
Sign up for the AO newsletter to follow our progress as we launch from Boston Harbor. We'll send key updates on program schedules, events, and new opportunities. No spam, just the essentials.
About Us
Adaptive Sailing Offshore (AO) was founded on a simple principle: the ocean is for everyone. Based in Boston Harbor and incorporated in March 2025, our organization is guided by a dedicated group of advisors and volunteers. We believe that shared challenges build the strongest communities and focus on hands-on seamanship, mutual respect, and teamwork where every crew member is essential.
Our Leadership Team
Kay VanValkenburgh, President
A dedicated teammate to competitive adaptive sailors since the early 2000s, Kay brings a deep understanding of integrated crew dynamics and on-the-water partnership to this role.
Pauline Dowell, Director
A competitive blind sailor who competes in both mainstream and adaptive events around the world. Living aboard her own boat in Boston Harbor, Pauline is a testament to the freedom and independence that sailing offers.
Andrew Alletag, Director
As a former member of the Community Boating, Inc. (CBI) management team, Andrew played a key role in establishing their Universal Access programs, bringing a wealth of experience in creating inclusive and successful community sailing initiatives.
Brad Moriarty, Treasurer
A lifelong offshore sailor, educator, and adventurer, Brad combines his passion for the sea with entrepreneurial experience to guide AO's financial stewardship and sustainable growth.
Our Advisors
Rich Wilson
An extraordinary offshore sailor, Rich is America's only two-time finisher of the Vendée Globe solo non-stop around-the-world race. As President of the Collegiate Offshore Sailing Circuit (COSC), he is a leader in creating pathways for the next generation of offshore mariners.
Liz Baylis
A Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year and Match Racing World Champion, Liz is a leader in creating opportunities for women in sailing. As Executive Director of the Women's International Match Racing Association (WIMRA), she has championed inclusion at the highest levels of the sport.
Carol Hesson
A USCG-licensed Captain and US Sailing certified Race Coach, Carol has run adaptive racing programs and the largest women's racing program in the country. She is a passionate professional instructor dedicated to empowering people through hands-on experience on the water.
Cindy Walker
A competitive Paralympic sailor who has trained and competed at the highest levels in the SKUD 18 class. Cindy is a powerful advocate for adaptive sports, embodying the principle that sailing is a space where disability becomes secondary to skill and teamwork.
Sarah Everhart Skeels
An elite competitor and leader in the adaptive sailing community, Sarah is a frequent winner of the Clagett Regatta. As a co-founder of AdaptiveSailingEquipment.com, she is dedicated to developing and sharing the knowledge needed to make sailing accessible for all.
Dave DiLorenzo
As the Executive Director of Courageous Sailing, Dave leads one of Boston's premier non-profit community sailing centers. His extensive experience in growing instruction, racing, and adaptive sailing programs makes him an invaluable resource for community-focused maritime initiatives.
Geoff Hyatt
As the founder of Good Sports, a nationwide charity that creates equitable access to sports equipment for youth, Geoff brings deep expertise in building successful non-profit organizations and fostering community through sport.
David Jegen
As a Managing Partner at F-Prime Capital and co-founder of the non-profit Fintech Sandbox, David is an expert in building successful companies and community-driven ecosystems. He serves on the board of Artists for Humanity and brings deep strategic insight to our mission.
Contact Us
Have questions? We'd love to hear from you. Fill out the form below or email us directly at volunteers@adapt-offshore.org.