Sails Of Hope Chesapeake Brings Healing And Renewal To Those Affected By Cancer

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — When Sails of Hope President and Capt. Vicki Saporta talks about the sailing program for cancer patients, she tells stories.

Saporta told stories about the many kids excited to steer the boat themselves, the families who found a moment of peace on the water and a father with a terminal illness who was on a mission to create formative memories for his young children. She shared stories of memorial trips and return visits by family members and one breast cancer patient who steered the sailboat under the Bay Bridge shouting, “Who can think of cancer at a time like this!”

The sailing trips are meant to create moments and memories like this one — and to help people affected by cancer, whether it’s caregivers or patients, step away from a disease that can often feel like it’s consuming your whole identity.

“Each sail is a little different, but each one has its own impact,” Saporta said. “When you see the joy on people’s faces or the sense of achievement, it’s really special.”

Plus, it’s healing to be out on the water. Humans naturally want to be close to water, but it’s also powerful to let people take control of the boat. Steering a 40-foot vessel can give people a sense of power they don’t experience when battling cancer, when so much of treatment involves poking and prodding, waiting and hoping.

“You really can see the difference it makes for people,” Saporta said.

Sails of Hope offers a private, three-hour sailing trip on the Chesapeake Bay. Anyone can nominate someone for a sail, and you can even nominate yourself. People are allowed to bring along five other people. Usually, guests include family, friends and caregivers. Kids are welcome, and people bring along their own food and drink to enjoy on the boat. Any patient of any age is eligible as long as they’re currently in treatment for some type of cancer, as are people who have lost a loved one to cancer within the last three years.

The sails are 100% free of charge.

The group has conducted nearly 400 sails over the past five years, benefiting around 1,800 people affected by cancer. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit began as a way to help out the community with volunteers using their own boats. One of the volunteers was so moved by his experience that when he passed away, he left his boat to the organization to use full time for sailing experiences.

Sails of Hope is working on expanding to include sails for people who are disabled, in hospice or afflicted by conditions other than cancer. They hope to expand their reach and the help they provide into other areas of Maryland, too.

The more sails they can provide, the greater the impact.

“It’s all about giving people that bit of healing,” Saporta said. “I can’t even tell you how moving these sails have been.”

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