A New Vision for Fazisi
The Fazisi has always been more than just a yacht—it’s a vessel with a story and a future yet to be written. With her expansive deck, stabilizing keel, and remarkable history, she has the potential to become a one-of-a-kind marine platform for something bigger than herself.
One possibility now on the horizon is repurposing Fazisi for adaptive sailing and sports—creating opportunities for education, rehabilitation, and adventure on the open water. But her future is not yet decided.
That’s where you come in.
We want to hear from you: What do you think should be the next chapter for Fazisi? Would you like to help shape her future, or even be part of bringing this vision to life?
👉 Share your thoughts with us at [Kennethmickler@gmail.com]. Together, let’s decide what Fazisi can become.
1. Adaptive Sports and Adventure Therapy Hub
A. Onboard Adaptive Sailing Training
- Custom rigging, sip-and-puff steering, joystick-controlled systems
- Safety harnesses and railings for power wheelchair users
- Certified instructors offering adaptive sailing programs
B. Sports Psychology & Confidence-Building Expeditions
- Structured multiday programs pairing physical activity with mental health support
- Group sail missions that mirror recovery goals (e.g., “Crossing the Finish Line” themes)
C. Mobile Paralympic Training Platform
- Invite elite adaptive athletes to train on open water
- Involve future Paralympic hopefuls and veterans in fundraising and outreach
🧪 2. Floating Research Laboratory for Universities
A. Rehabilitation & Kinesiology Research
- Real-time physiological tracking: motion sensors, EMG/EEG devices
- Study how adaptive sailing impacts motor function, pain reduction, and neuroplasticity
B. Marine Biology & Environmental Science
- Enable students (especially with disabilities) to collect and analyze marine samples
- Collaborate with NOAA, universities (e.g., UF, FIU, FAU), or youth STEM programs
C. Engineering Capstone Projects
- Partner with mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering departments
- Student-designed assistive tech (e.g., robotic winch systems, lift platforms)
🌐 3. Multi-Use Platform for Expanded Rehabilitation Impact
A. Aquatic Occupational & Physical Therapy
- Install onboard therapy modules (e.g., resistance bands, balance platforms)
- Use real motion of the sea to challenge coordination, endurance, and proprioception
B. Telehealth & Remote Therapy
- Secure satellite uplink for real-time rehab sessions from therapists on land
- Let remote family members join virtually during immersive therapy outings
C. Floating Retreat for Mental Health Recovery
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression programs using nature immersion
- Meditation, mindfulness, and guided journaling sessions at sea
🧩 4. Broader Outreach & Philanthropy Use
A. Floating Donor Appreciation & Ambassador Events
- Weekend sails with VIP donors, press, and potential sponsors
- Onboard branding for major supporters (plaque, sail logos, naming rights)
B. Documentary & Media Platform
- Film the restoration journey and the life-changing voyages of participants
- Content series could air on PBS, Netflix, or health-focused networks
C. Floating Conference & Innovation Think Tank
- Invite medical professionals, prosthetics developers, AI rehab technologists to host “at-sea” symposiums
- Cross-sector idea exchange to push boundaries of rehabilitative care
🧑🤝🧑 5. Inclusion-Powered Workforce Training
A. Marine Trades Training for People with Disabilities
- Work with local maritime schools and trade unions
- Teach boat maintenance, engine repair, navigation, or sail making
B. Hospitality or Tour Guiding Internships
- Provide real roles (welcoming guests, narrating historic tours, logistics)
- Earn certifications in marine safety, tour operations, or nonprofit support roles
🚢 Special Programming Opportunities
| Concept | Partners | Frequency |
| “Sail to Heal” Day Voyages | Rehab hospitals | Weekly |
| Sea STEM Summer Camp | Universities, middle schools | Seasonal |
| PTSD Veterans Expeditions | VA Hospitals, Wounded Warrior Project | Quarterly |
| Adaptive Sports Mini-Regatta | Adaptive sailing orgs | Annually |
| Floating Research Week | Interdisciplinary university teams | Twice/year |
🔄 Next Steps: Make It Real
- Identify Academic Institutions: Focus on schools with strong marine biology, rehab science, or adaptive tech programs.
- Draft MOU Templates: For shared research, branding, or staff involvement.
- Start a “Fazisi Innovation Council”: Invite one rep each from Brooks, local universities, sailing orgs, and veteran rehab groups.
Here’s a curated list of organizations doing exceptional work in adaptive sailing, rehabilitation, and related water-based activities, including their contact info and website details to help you explore partnerships or gather inspiration for Fazisi’s broader programming:
U.S. Adaptive Sailing & Rehabilitation Organizations
1. Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Program (Shirley Ryan AbilityLab – Chicago, IL)
A long-running program giving individuals with disabilities the opportunity to “take the helm.”
- Fleet: Freedom Independence dinghies, Sonars, 2.4mR boats
- Phone: 1‑800‑354‑7342 or 312‑238‑1000
- More: Available via Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Adaptive Sports team.
https://juddgoldmansailing.org/
2. Challenged Sailors San Diego (CSSD) – San Diego, CA
Offers free weekend adaptive sailing year-round using Martin 16 boats, featuring joystick/power-assist steering.
- Fleet: 8 Martin 16 sailboats
- https://www.challengedsailors.org/
- Notable: 2022 Robie Pierce Award winner for adaptive programs
3. Sail to Prevail – Newport, RI
Operates seven Independence 20 sailboats from Fort Adams State Park, providing ocean sailing access.
- Tel: 401‑849‑8898
- https://sailtoprevail.org
4. Hudson River Community Sailing – Adaptive Sailing (HRCS) – New York, NY
Partners with multiple groups, including Soldiers Under Sail, to offer adaptive sailing access and programs.
- Address: Pier 66, West 26th & 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10001
- Email: info@hudsonsailing.org
- https://hudsonsailing.org
5. SEAS – Sheboygan Adaptive Sailing – Sheboygan, WI
Provides adapted lessons and sailing for mobility-impaired or visually impaired participants on Sonar boats.
6. Community Boating, Inc. (Adaptive Sailing) – Boston, MA
Offers sailing lessons and recreational sails with reduced fees and equipment for accessibility.
- Address: 21 David G Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02114
- Email: info@community‑boating.org | Phone: (617) 523‑1038
- https://community-boating.org
7. Community Sailing School @ Pistakee (Adaptive Program) – Johnsburg, IL
Seasoned adaptive sailing lessons with inclusive curriculum and partnerships.
- Address: 3300 Rocky Beach Road, Johnsburg, IL 60051
- https://hudsonsailing.org/adaptive-sailing/
International Examples & Additional Adaptive Programs
8. Adaptive Sailing Association of British Columbia (ASABC) – Vancouver, Canada
Operates a fleet of Martin 16s with sip-and-puff controls, serving hundreds of sails annually.
9. Disabled Sailors Association (UK) – Hampshire, England
Charity offering ocean cruising and dinghy access via specially outfitted yachts.
10. Community Sailing Organization – Aspen, CO
International nonprofit offering adaptive adventure programs (surfing, sailing, more) for children with disabilities.
- Headquarters: Aspen, CO
- https://www.communitysailing.org/sailing-programs/adaptive-sailing/
https://ablerec.com/adaptive-sailing
https://www.adapt-offshore.org
https://www.challengedsailors.org
https://clagettsailing.org/Adaptive-Resource/Overview-of-boats-used-for-Adaptive-Sailing
https://downtownsailing.org/adaptivesail
https://www.fladaptivesports.org/teamparadise
https://new-horizons.org/recsai.html
https://sailabilitytampabay.org
https://www.shakealegmiami.org
https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/world-of-adaptive-sailing