'Impossible Dream' Boat Gives NYers With Disabilities A Ride

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — An accessible boat that has been traveling up the entire East Coast has docked in Brooklyn to give New Yorkers with disabilities the chance to take a ride.

The 60-foot "Impossible Dream" catamaran sailed into the ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina last week and has been working with local organizations to give free silting outings to New Yorkers with disabilities, serious illnesses or mobility impairments and their families since.

The vessel will stay at the Brooklyn Heights marina, which is also fully accessible, until Wednesday, when it will continue on its journey across the country's shoreline. It is the fourth time the boat has visited the dock.

“We’re thrilled to offer 10 days of berthing for the Impossible Dream, to open the waterways to both disabled and able sailors,” Brooklyn Marina Deputy CEO Estelle Lau said.

(The Impossible Dream).

The Impossible Dream started out in Miami, F.L. in May and will travel 4,000 miles when its voyage to 15 spots on the East Coast is done. Brooklyn is the 10th stop for the vessel.

The boat has a crew of people with disabilities who work onboard for extended periods of time and has taken more than 1,000 others sailing during each of its stops.

"The guest crew are invaluable members of the team who assist with the operation of the vessel, cooking, maintenance, promotion and connecting with the vessel’s day-sail guests," organizers said.

(The Impossible Dream).

ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina, which fully opened this spring, had previously hosted the boat during its construction. This is the first year the Impossible Dream and the dock have partnered since its marina, the only fully accessible one in New York City, has officially opened with all of its programs and amenities.

So far, the boat has taken rides with people from Disability Arts NYC, the Adler Aphasia Center, Wheeling Forward, United Spinal NYC Chapter and BIGVISION. It will stay docked at the marina until Wednesday, Sep. 11.

Learn more about the boat and its outings here.

(The Impossible Dream).