Turning the
Impossible Dream
into reality
26 Marine Electronics Journal September/October 2015
he gentleman I was asked to speak to was Harry Horgan, founder and president
of a nonprofit organization in Miami called Shake-A-Leg. Shake-A-Leg Miami’s
mission is to use the marine environment to improve the health, education, and
independence of adults and children with disabilities, as well as disadvantaged
youth and their families. Harry wanted to discuss the electronics refit of the
organization’s flagship vessel—Impossible Dream—a universally accessible 60 foot sailing catamaran that was designed to be operated by a sailor in a wheelchair. The goose bumps ensued
and suddenly everything I anticipated about this “routine” marine electronics consult instantly
changed. I had never considered the challenges one would face in boating if they had limited
mobility and I was instantly committed to helping the Impossible Dream team accomplish their
goal in any way I could.
That morning started like any other
in the office. I got in, checked my
emails and then received a call from
a friend asking if I would contact an
acquaintance of theirs regarding the
electronics refit of his vessel. The
request seemed routine as we consult daily on projects like this, so I
made the call.
NMEA 2000 tapped to provide disabled
sailors with onboard equipment
monitoring and control
T
by Peter brAFFitt
General Manager, Gemeco Marine Accessories
1
