Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) welcomed athletes from across the region for the inaugural CRAB Special Olympics Regatta, held September 5-7, 2025, at the Annapolis Adaptive Boating Center. Competitors from Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania represented CRAB, Special Olympics Maryland, and Special Olympics Virginia. The event was sponsored by the Bill Simpson Foundation, with board members and their families on hand to greet participants.
Previously hosted by Special Olympics Maryland at St. Mary's College, the regatta made its debut in Annapolis with two days of racing on the Severn River. On Saturday, 18 boats completed five races in favorable conditions. The race committee was led by PRO Sandy Grosvenor alongside Eastport Yacht Club Race Committee Chair Bill Levatino. Athletes with developmental disabilities skippered four classes of boats, including CRAB's Beneteau First 22A's, 420s chartered from the Annapolis Yacht Club, Hobie Cats from Maryland and Virginia, and O'Day Day Sailers provided by members of the Severn Sailing Association. Families were able to watch from CRAB's Dream Catcher catamaran.
Off the water, participants and families enjoyed pizza provided by Timber Pizza Co., followed by an ice cream social and dance party. The City of Annapolis fire boat offered a demonstration of its maneuverability and water cannon in Back Creek.
Sunday featured three additional races before athletes and skippers gathered for lunch from Leeward Market. Medals were awarded by performance and class, presented by CRAB Board Chair Will Crump. Families praised the Annapolis Adaptive Boating Center facilities, volunteers, and overall organization of the regatta, calling the weekend a success for both CRAB and Special Olympics.