ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Don Backe Memorial CRAB Regatta was hosted by the Annapolis Yacht Club on June 6. The day provided warm weather and just enough wind to get five competitive races in the full day of competition. Race Committee PRO Peter Gordon said, “The most important aspect of this regatta is the competitors and seeing them compete, enjoying a day on the water and smiling.”
Secretary of the Department of Disabilities Carol Beatty presented a proclamation from Gov. Wes Moore designating June Adaptive Sailing Month in Maryland and congratulating CRAB on its 35th anniversary. Secretary Beatty has been attending the regatta for years, and she was able to renew friendships with several of the skippers. In addition, she announced that her department will be awarding grants next year for nonprofits serving disabled veterans in a variety of water sports.
In a highly competitive regatta, Christopher Carbery was a first-time winner, overcoming the 2025 champion Justin Disborough by two points. Christopher’s mother, Jowin, told CRAB, “The impact CRAB has had on Christopher is truly beyond what I could have imagined. He loves the program, and through it, he has grown his confidence, developed a love for learning, and discovered a genuine passion for being on the water.”
The competitors enjoyed a midday lunch thanks to Eastport’s Leeward Market.
The top finishers were first place (10 points) Christopher Carbery, Michael Manuzack/Amy Harry; second place (12 points) Justin Disborough, Bob Hyman/Mimi Engelsman; and third place (14 points) Kevin Detwiler, Trey Warman/Maude Laurence.
The awards ceremony and reception were held in the AYC Sailing Center overlooking Spa Creek. The top three finishers received engraved silver cups and plates. The Don Backe Memorial Regatta trophy is on permanent display in the AYC lobby.
CRAB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization recognized as the premier provider of sailing and access to the Chesapeake Bay for people with disabilities, recovering warriors and youth from underserved communities for the past 35 years.