Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) made a splash this month when it took young patients on a sailing trip. The Adaptive Sports Academy at the New York City hospital treated half a dozen patients, along with their parents or another relative, to a sailing adventure in magnificent Oyster Bay Harbor.

The academy, which is part of the hospital’s Lerner Children’s Pavilion, enables young people with cerebral palsy or another physical challenge to experience the benefits of sports and recreational activities. The excursions aim to build their self-confidence, encourage independence and increase physical activity.

Adaptive sports are designed for people with disabilities. Sometimes rules or equipment is modified to meet their needs. Previous HSS outings have proven to be life-changing for many children and teenagers, enabling them to participate in surfing, skiing, horseback riding and other activities.

Patients on the trip ranged in age from 10 to 20 years old. Most have cerebral palsy or another condition that affects body movement, muscle control, posture or balance. Several patients have had surgery at HSS and still go there for physical therapy.

All Hands on Deck

The WaterFront Center, a nonprofit community marine education and sailing center in Oyster Bay, provided the boats and specially trained instructors. The young people were given the option of sitting back and enjoying the ride or participating in maneuvering the boat. They didn’t think twice: it was all hands on deck.

The relatively calm water made it that much easier for patients to learn the ropes. Ten-year-old twins Maya and Alexandria Vega vied for a chance to steer the tiller. On a separate sailboat, Akeem Johnson of Brooklyn had ample opportunity to help the captain, and the 20-year-old had the time of his life.

The sailing trip was a first for Akeem and his cousin, Andrea Whyte, who went on the boat with him. “He steered the boat, and he also climbed up to help raise the sail. He maneuvered it really, really well,” she said. “It made me feel good, and he was excited to talk about it.”

Gloria Rios of the Bronx said she was reluctant at first, but went on the trip for her son, Charles, who is fearless. “I didn’t know if I should get on the boat. I’m a little scared of the water,” she explained. “But once we set sail, it was the most peaceful, relaxing experience. Oh, my gosh, I wanted to stay longer. And to see the joy on his face, especially when he was standing up there and pulling down the sail, it was amazing.”

“It was a great experience!” exclaimed Charles, who is 18 and always up for a new adventure. “I steered the boat with the tiller and lowered the sail. I learned that the wind needs to be strong to move the boat.”

Therapeutic Benefits

"Sailing can have therapeutic benefits, such as improvement in motor skills and balance,” says Lisa S. Ipp, MD, chief of Pediatric Medicine at HSS. “Sailing and other adaptive sports activities also give patients a sense of accomplishment, and provide an opportunity for them to try new activities. It is always so rewarding to see the big smiles on the patients' and families' faces during these events!"

The WaterFront Center focuses on teaching sailing and seamanship, while promoting camaraderie, personal growth and increased independence for participants, says MacKenzie McGuckin, the center’s sailing director. “The HSS patients arrived eager and excited to go sailing. New experiences can create mixed feelings, but the group had no fears and was ready for a fun-filled day.”

The hospital sailing excursion and other trips for patients are offered without cost, thanks to the generosity of Adaptive Sports Academy sponsors. John Raggio, who owns the company Sealift, Inc. in Oyster Bay, stopped by the WaterFront Center on the day the patients went sailing. He and his wife, Donna, are among the donors who help make the excursions possible.

“On a previous trip, we saw the patients dancing with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, and that gave us more incentive to be involved with the academy,” he said. “It’s great to look at the kids’ faces and see how much they enjoy themselves.”