'Impossible Dream', Wheelchair-Accessible Catamaran, Docks In Greenport, Expands Horizons

Special thanks to McInnis Digital, a leading North Fork website design company, for supporting the Patch community. You can reach out to the Greenport marketing agency at 631-903-4688.

Want to spotlight your business? Sponsoring Patch connects your name to the trusted stories your neighbors love every day. Learn more by contacting Lisa Finn at lisa.finn@patch.com or 917-224-2809.

GREENPORT, NY — Sometimes, seemingly impossible dreams can come true.

For those with physical disabilities, the vision of spending a day on the water, enjoying the fresh air and sparkle of the sun-dappled surf, might seem a hurdle too challenging to navigate.

But sometimes, the power of a dream can achieve the unimaginable: Recently, the "Impossible Dream," a wheelchair-accessible catamaran, returned again for the fifth year to Greenport Harbor to make those heartfelt wishes a reality for disabled individuals who were able to enjoy a day of sailing and adventure.

On June 27, the Impossible Dream, a 501c3 organization that relies on sponsors and private donations to operate, held two sails out of Mitchell Marina.

This year, participants included members of Johanna's Hope, an organization that "empowers people with all abilities to facilitate social connections and create accessible environments to explore the arts and nature" at Jo’s Farm in Riverhead, and in the local community.

After the event, port ambassador Rick Rempe reflected: "Today we crossed a milestone of having taken out more than 100 residents out sailing since the Impossible Dream has been sailing from Mitchell Marina. We continue to gain traction with people taking an interest in this great offering for people that could benefit from a sail. The morning sail was very precious, having a group from Johanna's Hope participating. What a wonderful feeling, seeing the smiles on their faces as we left the dock. Absolutely priceless."

He added: "Capt. Will Rey, First mate Mark Johnson, and guest crew member Rob Kline did a fantastic job, as always. They are first-class at welcoming their guests and interacting with all parties on board."

The sails always begin with a discussion of safety protocols, followed by an overview of the history of the organization's mission, Rempe said.

Eileen Benthal, founder and director of Johanna's Hope, spoke with Patch about a day of simple bliss and wonder.

"A year ago, a friend who has mutual connections with Impossible Dream and Rick Rempe approached me about the possibility of reserving space for our JH participants to go on a sail. I was very excited," she said. "When Rick came to one of our JH classes this spring to share about the history and mission of the ID, everyone was interested and amazed. I started to cry watching the videos because accessible activities that take place outdoors and in nature are difficult to find."

One of the primary missions of Johanna's Hope, Benthal said, is to foster access to nature for people of all abilities.

"Being on a catamaran in Greenport Harbor in wheelchairs and with those who have disabling conditions was more than I could even imagine," she said.

Benthal, of Jamesport, said her daughter Johanna, 29, has faced daunting medical challenges and scores of surgeries due to a disease that causes hemorrhaging in the brain, seizures, and small strokes — but despite battling physical hurdles, her inner faith and spirit have been a shining light, guiding her path and illuminating the way for others.

"Johanna's motor and cognitive and communication skills have declined over the past three years. When we started opening our farm to adults with disabilities, Johanna was walking, giving tours, showing friends her artwork in her cottage, her chickens, and later her goats and bees. We started meeting monthly and then two to three times a month, planning activities outside to explore the gardens, the farm, while integrating art projects with nature."

Eventually, Benthal said: "We saw the need to form our 501c3 to help fund the programs and to make the farm safer and more accessible for people of all abilities. As Jo's skills declined and other adults with motor and cognitive issues joined our programs, we learned what we needed to safely support our friends and connect them to nature and the arts on JO's Farm."

JH is all about giving people with disabilities access to the natural world, she added.

The Impossible Dream filled her heart with joy, Benthal said. "As both a mother and a professional advocate for people with disabilities, being out on the water with Jo and our friends from JH was an incredible experience which taught me to hope and work for access in nature beyond what I can even imagine."

Rempe said the goal is to help scores of disabled individuals to see their dreams realized.

"The Impossible Dream will be returning next year. I encourage anyone with spinal injuries, who wheelchair bound, or have other special needs that could benefit from a sail to reach out," he said.

To contact the Impossible Dream, click here. The Impossible Dream does not charge for their sails. Donations are strictly voluntary.