ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) hosted the 2nd Annual CRAB Special Olympics Regatta on July 11, 2026, at the CRAB Annapolis Adaptive Boating Center. Athletes from Maryland and Virginia participated, representing CRAB, Special Olympics Maryland, Virginia and Anne Arundel County. The annual regatta was generously sponsored by the Bill Simpson Foundation, a longtime major supporter of CRAB’s mission and Special Olympics.
The regatta offered beautiful weather on Saturday, with 23 boats across four classes completing five races. Paul Clissold, Eastport Yacht Club Race Committee chair and PRO, was joined by other EYC RC members and MD Special Olympics. Athletes with developmental disabilities skippered CRAB’s Beneteau First 22As, Rainbows from Annapolis Sailing School, Hobie Cats from VA and MD, and O’Day Daysailers, courtesy of private owners from the Severn Sailing Association. Family members boarded the CRAB Dream Catcher catamaran to watch their athletes race around the marks on the Severn River.
CRAB is grateful for the water taxi service provided by Watermark, which transported participants between the CRAB Adaptive Boating Center and the Severn Sailing Association.
Timber Pizza Co. provided delicious pizza and Rita’s Italian Ice refreshed everyone before the medal presentation and lots of dancing. In Special Olympic tradition, all of the athletes received medals or ribbons for their effort, regardless of their finish.