Y-Knot Sailing
About Y-Knot | Schedule | Regatta | Our Sailboats | Donate | FAQs | Gallery
About Y-Knot
Mission:
Y-Knot Sailing strives to make all aspects of sailing accessible to individuals with disabilities by creating opportunities, providing education, and promoting adaptive sailing within the greater sailing community.
Vision:
We want to build Y-Knot Sailing at YMCA Camp Chingachgook into a destination where independence, safety, knowledge, competition, and fun all come together to eliminate any barriers to enjoying the sport of sailing — for sailors with disabilities, their families, friends, and volunteers.
Watch to Learn More!
2026 Sailing Schedule
To sign up as a sailor or volunteer for our summer sailing days or other Y-Knot programs, please use the links below. If you can no longer attend the dates you register for, please make sure to cancel your registration at least 48 hours in advance so another sailor may join. Call 518-656-9462 or email chingachgook@cdymca.org if you have questions.
Learn to Sail 2026 - (May 31, June 7 & June 14)
An introductory, non-adaptive, program for able-bodied sailors consisting of three consecutive Sunday afternoon sessions and includes both classroom instruction and on-the-water practice. The boats we will be using are 24-foot Rainbows and 23-foot Sonars — these boats are stable, safe, roomy, and in general great boats on which to learn. This course is for students and adults ages 12 and up, though anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and all proceeds go toward supporting Y-Knot Adaptive Sailing Days.
Y-KNOT VOLUNTEER TRAINING DAY (JUNE 7)
Join us June 7, 2026, for an introduction to all things Y-Knot sailing! No sailing experience is necessary! Come join us for a variety of training stations to learn how you can help out dockside or out on the water. Light refreshments will be served at 12 PM. Please bring a water bottle and bring layers - this event will happen rain or shine!
2026 Adaptive Sailing Sundays:
VOLUNTEERS & SAILORS REGISTER HERE
(To register, use the link above then click the day you would like on the calendar and make sure to pick the correct volunteer or sailor option)
2026 DATES TBD
Y-Knot Regatta - (Sept. 19-20): SAVE THE DATE! REGISTRATION OPENS SOON.
We are so excited to again host our 2-day regatta event this September! More detailed information is coming soon - including race day schedules. We plan to host a silver and gold fleet for racers should registrations allow. There will be shared housing available at Camp, and in the past, folks have also stayed at hotels in Queensbury or Lake George Village instead.
We will also be hosting our annual “Sailabration” on October 25th-- Registration opens soon! This banquet and silent auction will celebrate the regatta and the full sailing season, plus it will raise funds to continue to offer sailing days free of charge.
Martin 16
Y-Knot has a fleet of six Martin 16s. With a deep ballasted keel and simple control systems, the Martin 16 is a safe daysailer for sailors of all abilities. A second seat accommodates an instructor or passenger. As a sport and recreation, sailing allows sailors with disabilities to sail without compromise, alongside able-bodied sailors. From its inception, the Martin 16 was designed to be accessible to sailors with mobility impairments — without specialized adaptations. Stability, adjustable seating, and simplified control systems make the Martin 16 accessible to most physically challenged sailors. The Martin 16 Power-Assist System provides modular, power-assisted steering, sail-sheeting, and bilge-pumping. The Martin 16’s 330 lb. (150 kg.) bulb keel offers exceptional stability.
Our Sailboats
SONAR
Our two Sonars are the newest additions to our fleet, and include a boat that was given to Y-Knot by the Clagett Boat Grant program. The Sonar is a 23-foot keelboat with a large open cockpit and secure seating for helmsmen and crew. We use this boat in Y-Knot’s “Learn to Sail” classes, and have added modifications to the boat to accommodate our disabled sailors. We have two different helm seats, transfer benches, stability grab bars for both skipper and jib trimmer, and an autohelm that can be controlled by either an electronic joystick or sip ‘n’ puff.
Donate to Y-Knot today!
Y-Knot Sailing offers you an opportunity for you to join the Y-Knot family and support our programs and growth. Your Y-Knot donation will be fully committed to Y-Knot equipment and operations at YMCA Camp Chingachgook on Lake George.
Your support of Y-Knot can provide sailing opportunities for individuals with disabilities and limited resources.
Your donation to Y-Knot Sailing allows us to:
Provide all clinics and sailing days for free!
Offer free group sailing instruction on scheduled sailing days
Fund travel by Y-Knot sailors to regional regattas
Maintain and update our adaptive boats & equipment
Make a Secure Online Donation to Y-Knot Sailing by using the form below!
Frequently Asked Questions
ON SAILING & OUR BOATS:
Do I stay in my wheelchair?
No. The boats have comfortable and secure seating, and you can use any pad or cushion you would like to bring on board with you. We have lifts and slings to move you easily and comfortably from your chair to the boat.
How will I get on the boat?
Sailors board boats based on their particular style. Some folks simply hop aboard, some require the assistance of strong hand, some transfer from wheelchairs under their own power. And for those who need additional help we have lifts mounted on the dock to safely move sailors in and out of the boats.
Can these boats flip or sink?
No. The Sonar and Martin 16 are exceptionally stable keelboats that will not capsize.
Do I have to know how to swim? Will I get wet?
Y-Knot sailboats will NOT capsize. You won’t have to swim, but if the day is windy you may get wet from spray — that’s part of the fun.
ON PARTICIPANTS AND VOLUNTEERS:
What does it cost to be a Y-Knot member and go sailing?
Nothing, you can sail with Y-Knot absolutely free! Y-Knot is supported by donations and sponsors, please consider supporting Y-Knot if you can help.
Is Y-Knot just for people with disabilities?
No! Y-Knot is an adaptive sailing program that works to include people with disabilities in the sport of sailing. We make providing opportunities for people with disabilities a priority, but many of our members are not disabled and participate as sailors, or volunteer captains and crew.
ON YMCA CAMP CHINGACHGOOK:
Is Camp accessible?
Yes, there is good access to the waterfront, and our dock and waterfront headquarters is a completely accessible structure, including an elevator to the top deck. Camp has an accessible bathroom near the waterfront that’s big enough to change clothes in. There is plenty of parking, and we have crushed gravel walkways leading to the waterfront. If you need help getting around, just ask! We have volunteers and staff on hand to assist.
