Nick the Quick

Nick Scandone, blasted onto the disabled sailing scene last year at the 2004 NACC/IC, since then has qualified as #1 on the US Disabled Sailing Team (USDST) and won for the second time in a row the NACC/IC Single-handed division. I did a google on Nick and found a few things from his sailing past. Hot off the press is the fact that Nick just won the 2005 2.5m World Championships!

• An Ullman Sails article on Winning in Naples Sabots Nick helped pen.
• Nick named to the 1988 College All American Sailing Team
• 2000 Snipe PCC results
• Most recently placing 6th at the 2005 IFDS Worlds.

Sailing Anarchy has always covered all aspects of sailing and as fringe as disabled sailing may be we will not let it go un-noticed. So we shot Nick a few questions so all you other (Able-Bodied) sailors might get some insight into what makes someone who faces a life changing trauma or in Nick's case....well you read and decide for yourself. Medical research may stall for monetary or political reasons but the biological time clock ticks on. - Dawg

Nick, can you give the readers some idea of what you face in terms of your disability/illness?

Nick:
I was diagnosed with ALS(Lou Gerhig’s Disease) over three years ago. The disease is a fatal, progressive one that affects all voluntarily muscles. It started in my feet and has progressed slowly compared with other ALS patients. Most people diagnosed last between two and five years but some have lived over twenty years with the disease.. I feel I’m doing well. I cant move my feet and must use leg braces and a cane to walk. My hands have lost strength in the grip but my mind has not been affected and never will. There are currently no treatments, no cure and no understanding of why people get this disease. Hopefully stem cell research will provide some answers. Time will tell.

What is you sailing/racing background?

Nick:
I grew up in the junior sailing program at Balboa Yacht Club in Corona del Mar, CA. Went on to Orange Coast College and then to University of California, Irvine were we won the Collegiate Nationals in 1988. Campaigned the 470 for the 1992 Olympics.

What is in store for Nick in terms of future whether disabled or not sailing/racing?

Nick(center) at the 2005 NACC\IC in Chicago

Nick:
Mainly to continue to campaign the 2.4 and try my best to get to China in ’08. Disabled sailing has opened a lot of new doors for me. I’m going to Italy, Denmark and Austrialia to race sailboats. What a life!

What has been the highlight of your sailing/racing career?

Nick:
Probably the 470 North Americans in 1991 when I won the regatta with 4 first and a third in a 60 boat fleet. But the Collegiate Nationals of 1988 were the ones I will always remember.

What was your philosophy on life before you were diagnosed and the how did it change after?

Nick:
Before I was diagnosed I figured I had plenty of time to do things in life. I always thought time was on my side. I guess I took life for granted. Now, I look at things like “this may be the last time I get to do this”, so I appreciate things more. I focus more on the present and try not to worry too much about the future.

Nick Scandone w/Comm. Howard Neff (unknown date)

Thanks Nick, best of luck and the last comment is yours.

Nick:
Sailing has been the best way to forget my disabilities. The 2.4 meter is a great boat that allows both able bodies and disabled bodies to compete against one another. The disabled sailing community is made up of some of the best people you will ever meet. I realize that just being out on the water is something to appreciate. People with disabilities are just like everyone else except they have had an unfortunate accident. Treat them as you would treat a friend because one never knows when they may become disabled. It is one of the most inspirational things to see people with no legs and/or limited mobility compete with able body sailors. You may be surprised-these guys are good.