Sailing for a cause on Biscayne Bay

Teammates adjust their sails of their boat at the Calle Ocho Regatta series, a One Design race hosted by Shake a Leg Miami and Team Paradise Saturday at Bisycane Bay. The event accomodates disabled participants, empowering them to compete with the aid of world-class sailors. Photo by Chelsea Matiash

Team Paradise Sailing Academy joined forces with Shake-A-Leg Miami to host Saturday the Calle Ocho Regatta Series on Biscayne Bay. Five boats, with teams comprised of world-class sailors and physically disabled sailors, raced Sonars in a One Design race.

U.S. Olympic Gold medalist Magnus Liljedahl, organized the regatta, with help from volunteers.  Liljedahl decided to start a nonprofit organization, for sailing focusing on empowering disabled sailors. It is also open to the public to encourage participation at all levels of the community.

Liljedahl, who has been coaching at the Olympic level, wanted to use his skills to give back to the community.

“You want to feel,’’ he said, “that you make a difference, helping people who appreciate your help.’’

The disabled sailors do, Liljedahl said.

Five teams race in the Calle Ocho Regatta series, a One Design race hosted by Shake a Leg Miami and Team Paradise Saturday at Bisycane Bay. The event accomodates disabled participants, empowering them to compete with the aid of world-class sailors. Photo by Chelsea Matiash

The race’s objective was to practice and condition for upcoming competitive sailing.  During the three-round race, sailors were accommodated for their disabilities, including blindness, Spina Bifida, amputated limbs and paraplegia.

Proceeds from all programs help Shake-A-Leg Miami in Coconut Grove achieve their mission of using water environments to benefit the physically, mentally, and economically challenged members of the community.

Team 4, including parapalegic Karen Mitchell, brings in their boat at the final stretch of the Calle Ocho Regatta series, a One Design race hosted by Shake a Leg Miami and Team Paradise Saturday at Bisycane Bay. The event accomodates disabled participants, empowering them to compete with the aid of world-class sailors. Photo by Chelsea Matiash

Team 3, including sailors Brian Fatih, Carlos Aloma, and visually impaired Janice Bartleson, position their weight to control their boat at the Calle Ocho Regatta series, a One Design race hosted by Shake a Leg Miami and Team Paradise Saturday at Bisycane Bay. The event accomodates disabled participants, empowering them to compete with the aid of world-class sailors. Photo by Chelsea Matiash