Gemeco Partners to Refit the Impossible Dream
Gemeco Marine Accessories, world-leading experts in the selection, placement and technical support for marine transducers and NMEA networking products, announced today its partnership with non-profit organizations, the Impossible Dream and Shake-a-Leg Miami in the refit of the universally accessible 60-foot sailing catamaran, Impossible Dream. The organizations are developing the Impossible Dream as a flagship vessel to promote sailing as a way to improve the health, education, and independence of people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth, as well as their families.
“Close to 20% of the American population has some form of disability,” said Peter Braffitt, general manager, Gemeco Marine Accessories. “It is humbling to be a part of a project that reaches out to those individuals, regardless of their abilities and welcomes them tothe joy, excitement and even the challenges of sailing.”
“Peter has embraced our dream as his own,” said Harry Horgan, CEO and founder,Shake-a-Leg Miami. “His expertise and commitment has been invaluable in making this project a reality. The purpose of the Impossible Dream is to not only show individuals with disabilities that they canenjoy being on the water, but also to show the industry that it is worthwhile to make every attempt to include this segment of the population. It takes a leader in the industry like Peter to be brave enough to take a stand and drive the industry as a whole in new directions.”
Peter Braffitt is well known across the marine industry as an expert in transducer selection and placement. His passion for cutting-edge electronics and saltwater fishing feeds his relentless drive to discover and understand the latest advancements in marine electronics technology. With nearly 20 years in the industry, Braffitt is an invaluable resource to boat builders and marine electronics installers.
GemecoMarine Accessories,an Airmar company, is a wholesale distributor to thousands of marine electronics dealers worldwide and is renowned for offering the finest technical support in the industry.
Currently Shake-a-Leg Miami serves over 10,000 people annually by offering boating experiences and courses for people with disabilities. The organization includes a fleet of 20 sailboats, 60 kayaks, and several safety boats, operating from a state-of-the-art community boating center. Through a public and private partnership with the City of Miami, Shake-a-Leg Miami converted a former U.S. Coast Guard seaplane base into a model universally accessible facility. The center fills the demand for an inclusive and stimulating environment for water sports activities and community service that benefits people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth.
