Port Washington Resident's Nonprofit Brings Hope to Others Through Sailing

Article courtesy of the rOnday vous report

Port Washington resident Stefany Coulter is a true believer in the therapeutic value of sailing — so much so that she and her cousin Rachel Knapp have created a nonprofit organization aimed at offering experience and instruction in sailing for women who are going through difficult times.

Through that organization — Sail Hope Inc. — Coulter and Knapp seek to provide badly needed renewal of perspective, purpose and vitality, in the form of day sails aboard the sloop Mariposa. They also hope to open doors to employment opportunities in the maritime industry that women have not been exposed to.

Mariposa, a Catalina 27, is itself a story of renewal, having been recently rescued from “a chop shop of boatyard derelicts” and restored, refitted and relaunched. It’s the second such restoration project for Coulter. She rescued her own 1980 O’day 28, Silk Purse, from the scrap heap. “It was filled with water, a leaking thru-hull, molded completely inside, almost no working electrical or plumbing, shitty sails and, well, you get the idea,” she said.

But, she added, “I couldn’t stop myself from working on that boat, or thinking about it, or wanting to give everything up just to go sailing.” The four-month experience of restoring Silk Purse, which Coulter did with the help of her cousin and willing friends, got her thinking. “I’m in love with that boat. Maybe she’s not perfect, and still in need of lots of stuff, but she’s mine,” she said. “I thought about using this passion to help other women find themselves again. My cousin was also excited about the idea, and we set about forming this organization with hopes of reaching those who are facing personal, financial or emotional dis- couragement, stress and struggles, and bringing them new joy and hope.”

As a single mom who runs her own business, Coulter knows firsthand how sailing can provide a low-cost and liberating experience that can transform lives. And even before Mariposa was reborn, Coulter was using her sailing skills as a way to help others. One former guest recalled: “I met Stefany when I was going through some personal struggles. Stefany invited me to bring my daughters and come for a sail. Being on the water and just working the sails and act- ing as a mate for Stefany was eye-opening. I could do this! I was strong and realized I didn’t need to be afraid.”

Coulter, who holds a Master Captain’s 50 GT license with Sail Endorsement, is now positioning Sail Hope to provide the same kind of renewal and empowerment to many more women, through sponsored day-sails on Long Island Sound. But nonprofit organizations, even those providing sorely needed services, don’t exist on the strength of loose change found between sofa cushions. It takes generous support from lots of good-hearted, like-minded individuals.

“Through private and government funding, we are growing,” said Coulter, “but Sail Hope is always looking for individuals or companies willing to donate money or their time. Anyone with skills in sailing, boatbuilding, mechanics, electrical or plumbing systems, or just willing to work with their hands, would be a great asset to our mission.”

Used boat parts and navigation equipment are also needed, as are monetary contributions (which are tax-deductible).

Stefany and Rachel will be on hand for the 2015 rOnDAYvous® in Mystic. Be sure to meet them to learn more about Sail Hope, and how you can help them change and rebuild lives through the love of sailing. For more, visit www.sail- hope.org.

Photo Caption: Capt. Stefany Coulter and Rachel Knapp on board the O-28 “Silk Purse.”