We are daysailing our way around the world without crossing an ocean.
About us
When I launched AVEIA, a high performance 55′ sailing catamaran, in 1989, I realized I had created something special and dreamed of doing something special with her and on that day dreamed up the “Global Daysail Project.” We would sail around the world without crossing an ocean by daysailing, harbor hopping port to port, down and around all the ports and continents of the world, except Antarctica, by sailing to the extreme ends of the Earth. But a voyage like that would provide an excellent opportunity to bring attention to really important matters that affect the whole world. So was born the concept of S.E.A. Sail to End Autism.
We are daysailing our way around the world without crossing an ocean. This activity of itself will garner much curiosity which will be used to focus attention on Autism awareness, treatment and prevention. We chose the medium of sailing for many reasons. To be a consummate mariner one needs to be well versed and resourceful in a broad spectrum of disciplines and abilities. A lot of these activities are best demonstrated in a hands on format which is most effectual for special needs learning as so many people have major challenges with comprehension of the spoken and written word. But the power of observation is keen. The challenge for the teacher or caregiver then becomes to observe the person for personal interests and abilities. Everyone enjoys doing things they already have a nack for and interest in! What really helps drive this point home is the gratification derived in having what they are learning turn into something that is genuinely interesting and of immediate use for shipboard life as it may relate to caring for the ship, caring for each other or any of a myriad number of other things. Maintaining a logbook and navigating drives home the importance and makes a fun practice for writing and doing math! Living aboard a cruising sailing vessel enable one to travel the world while bringing your message and helping so many people all from the comfort of “your own home.”
Unparalleled opportunities abound for social engagement, which is so often such a major challenge but which is now a necessity just to find your way around a new port. Then there is the massive exposure to the multitude of cultures, languages, ethnicities, art, music, dance. We intend to help cover costs by renting berth space to guests from all over the world and engage in educated banter that, who knows, may result in the creation of a meaningful, sustainable users’ guide for Earth and all it’s inhabitants. All donations whether directly online, onboard for berth space or through our online retail portal will all be tax deductible as S.E.A. is a 501c3 non-profit charitable foundation. All proceeds go to making the voyage happen and teaching and sharing with all the folks who join us for one leg of the voyage or many. Once we are established with ways and means of sustaining ourselves we want to earmark 10% of our earnings to pay back to those organizations that have helped us so much to get to where we are today. Funds will also be allocated in the form of scholarships to help needy kids and caregivers join us for various legs of the voyage. We intend to offer grants to help kids with much needed services or interventions. We are building a base of supporters that will create a portal that will enable us to share our experiences through online video that we can share access with to children in classrooms all over the world. We will be making observations of pollution, marine resources, environmental degradation or enhancement and just generally living with and making note of how people manage their lives in conjunction with the world around them. By constantly giving back to the special needs community and leading through example we hope to act as a guiding light to shed new light on more effective means for communication and education for those more in tune to other ways of learning!