New boat makes sailing possible for disabled
Posted: 07.26.2011 at 5:48 PM

BOYNE CITY, MI -- A specialized boat in Boyne City is making it possible for the disabled, even the paralyzed, to sail the waters of the Great Lakes.

By a breath of air, or by inhaling, a paraplegic can completely control this sailboat, appropriately named "Challenge."

Challenge Mountain funded this $25,000 special needs boat thanks to several donations and anyone with any type of disability can control it by a simple joystick or a breath.

"It's a little different, we want to teach sailing, it's not just a matter of going out and having fun, we want to teach somebody how to sail a boat, and hopefully they'll be able to take it out, it won't cost them anything, and they can enjoy life a little better," said Challenge Mountain Program Director Mike Hurchick.

Cedarville Boat Building School donated the boat, the Char-Em United Way paid for the machines, and Quantum Sails donated a new set of sails.

Challenge Mountain has been working on getting the boat for four years.

They also have a winter skiing program.