Mackinac race to raise autism awareness

By Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki

June 27, 2014 at 12:51 pm

Young adults with autism sailed this week aboard the SC 70 Details.

Carolyn Gammicchia of Shelby Township was smiling as she watched the SC 70 Details pull away from Bayview Yacht Club’s boardwalk. Aboard was her son, Nick, 22.

Nick is autistic. And Nick is a budding sailor.

For the third year, the Metro Detroit Acura Dealers are sponsoring Set Sail for Autism, to help raise awareness of autism through the Bells Beer Bayview Mackinac Race. The program provides the opportunity for young adults with autism to sail on the return trip from Mackinac with selected Mackinac boats.

“It’s just a wonderful opportunity for us to reach out to these young adults who now will have an opportunity to learn all the details of sailing, which also translates into great things in life,” said Doug Fox of Ann Arbor Acura. The young people will be working as part of the team on the boat, learning about weather and every other aspect of sailing, Fox said.

It’s the preparation that helps the young adults with autism make such a big sailing trip, said Colleen Allen, CEO of the Autism Alliance of Michigan.

“I think if you provide the right support and prepare them ahead, they have success,” Allen said.

Nick helped bring the Beneteau 40.7 Engager back from Mackinac last year as part of the Set Sail for Autism program and will make the same trip this year, Carolyn Gammicchia said.

“They just took him under their wings,” Gammicchia said of Engager’s return crew. “They get a chance to belong to something.”

Nick understands the risks, she said, which is plus for her.

“When you have a child with a disability, it’s their vulnerability that worries you,” Gammicchia said.

“The sailing community is an amazingly accepting community,” Gammacchia said.

She believes it’s the sailing community’s commitment to education in teaching sailing and especially through junior sailing that’s a big part of the sailing community’s acceptance of those like her son.

Matthew Johnston, 14 of Warren is also planning to help bring a boat home from Mackinac this year. Matthew also has autism.

“I thought of it as a fun experience,” Matthew said after finishing his sail aboard Detail. “The experience, the excitement that came behind it, and actually driving it.”

He can’t wait for this Mackinac cruise. But he added a small concern.

“I hope the boat doesn’t tip over,” Matthew said.

Matthew will be okay.

“I’ll pull the ropes, steer the wheel, work in shifts,” Nick said of his upcoming Mackinac trip. “And I’ll help Matt.”