Footloose Sailing Association

Launched in 1991, Footloose Sailing Association (Footloose) is the Northwest’s premiere Sailing program for people of all disabilities, their friends, family, and caregivers. Footloose is dedicated to bringing independence on the water and competence in the sport of sailing to the physically and mentally disabled.

Footloose, a chapter of Move United (formerly Disabled Sports USA), is operated entirely by volunteers. Funding comes from memberships and donations.

Footloose sails out of Leschi Marina on the west shore of Lake Washington, in Seattle. The fleet consists of a Catalina 22, Harbor 20, two Martin 16s, four Access dinghies and a Boston Whaler chase boat. If necessary, a hoyer lift can be used to transfer wheelchair bound participants to any of our boats. The Catalina and the Harbor 20 are each crewed by an experienced skipper and an able-bodied person. The participants can just enjoy the ride or take part in controlling the boat, depending on their interest and ability. The two Martins are sailed by the participant, with an experienced skipper going along for the ride. Electronic controls allow a quadriplegic to adjust the tiller and the sails, using a sip-and-puff system. These controls can be adjusted or removed for participants with lessor disabilities. The Access dinghies can be sailed by the participant or the skipper that sits beside them.