Monday marked a very special night at the Pointe-Claire Yacht Club as the Quebec Association for Adapted Sailing kicked off its summer fundraising campaign.

The non-profit group gives low-cost sailing lessons and outings to people with disabilities.

Rene Dallaire, who was paralyzed from the neck down at the age of 19 after a skiing accident, founded the Association 20 years ago.

“Sailing for me has made a very big difference,” he said. “It made a difference because thanks to sailing, I've been able to practice a sport for the first time.”

Dallaire is looking forward to the Sperry Top-Sider Challenge, a regatta and cruise that helps raise money for the association and takes place on August 29 at the Royal St-Lawrence Yacht Club.

The Association has a team of volunteers and certified instructors who help prepare specially-equipped Martin 16-model sailboats that can be operated with a joystick, or, for those who can't use their hands, with a straw system.

“The straws are connected to a mechanical system that are connected to the ropes that connect the sails, so by inhaling on one straw he can pull the sails in, by exhaling on that straw he can let the sails out,” said Emilie Leonard, a manager with the Association. “On the other straw when he inhales he can turn right and when he exhales he can turn left, so he controls the steering. With his breath he can do everything, he can be fully independent on the water.”