At the beginning of every Annapolis sailboat show since it was launched in 1970, 54 years ago, Harken has hosted a press event during which they introduce new products and bring us up to speed on what’s going on at this legendary hardware manufacturer. This year, in addition to cool new stuff for sailors, Harken also gave us a pleasant surprise.
The company, which has a long history of giving back to the sailing community, introduced the press to Spectrum Sailing, a grass roots non-profit organization based in Charleston, South Carolina, that provides three-day sailing experiences for children on the autism spectrum, hence the name. Harken is one of Spectrum’s sponsors.
Spectrum Sailing was founded by Scott Herman, a sailor with an autistic child. He had wanted to enroll his son in a local sailing school but the boy was rejected by each one Scott approached. So, Herman decided to start his own program.
For the first, free three-day experience in Charleston, he had room for 10 children. He got 70 applications so he knew he was onto something. This year, Scott has run 10 free, three-day camps and has changed the lives for many autistic children and their families. The stories he tells about how sailing builds skills and confidence in their special children are moving.
One example he gave during his presentation focused on a 16-year old boy who was pretty far on the specrtrum. He was non-communicative and could not make human connections. But, after three days of coaching, learning to tie knots, trim sails and even to steer the small sailboat, he came ashore and spoke actual words to his mother for the first time.
Scott Herman had a need and went out and fulfilled it in an amazing way. For sailors who have taken beginners out on our boats, we have long known how sailing can be transformative. To see Spectrum Sailing use that force to help children with special needs is gratifying and well worth our support.
Spectrum Sailing’s camps are free. Kudos to Harken for stepping up and supporting Herman’s efforts. If you are interested in helping out, check out the Spectrum webide below and watch the video.
Visit Spectrum Sailing website here.
Watch the video below.
