As to adaptive sailing specifically, what are the benefits and how do we know it will really work?

Adaptive sailing (also referred to as universal access) provides meaningful therapeutic value in a safe, exciting and enjoyable manner, accommodating a broad range of physical and cognitive disabilities. It includes family involvement and is time tested and delivered in accordance with national standards.

“Instead of acting as the passive beneficiaries of sailing activities, people with disabilities can be direct participants where social interaction and teamwork are promoted in an environment of a sailboat’s cockpit. The integration of these fundamentals reinforces the goals of rehabilitation: independence, communication, identity formation, comprehension, concentration, focus and problem-solving in a demanding environment.” Therapy on the Water, Universal Access Sailing at Boston’s Community Boating, Zechel, Du Moulin and Kunicki, Palaestra, Forum of Sport, Physical Education and Recreation for Those With Disabilities (2013).