Sailing past adversity

Nick Scandone always loved sailing. But when he was diagnosed in 2002 with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which is a terminal and degenerative, his hobby took on an even greater meaning.

“The reality of it is the only time I feel normal is when I’m out on the water,” Scandone said. “Because on land I have a lot of limitations, but out on the water I’m just like any able-bodied person.”

“It’s giving him a reason to live so he can reach his goal,” his coach, Mike Pinckney, said.

In a just a few weeks, Scandone will have a chance to realize his goal: winning an Olympic gold medal.

“It’s something I’ve wanted to do ever since I was a little kid learning how to sail,” Scandone said. “Now that I have the opportunity, I’m just looking forward to relishing the situation.”

Starting Sept. 8, Scandone will be competing in the 2008 Paralympic Games, which take place in Qingdao, China.

Despite his ailments and the degenerative nature of the disease, Scandone and his sailing partner, Maureen McKinnon-Tucker, have a great chance of making waves in their class, SKUD-18.

“I think he has a great chance of medaling,” said Pinckney, who is also the sailing coach at UCI. “He plans on medaling.”

The 42-year-old from Fountain Valley has good reason to think so, too. Scandone holds quite the impressive track record, winning the U.S. Disabled National Championships back-to-back in 2004 and 2005.

At the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials in 2007, Scandone and McKinnon-Tucker were dominant, clinching a regatta victory before the final race.

For Scandone and his family, though, just the fact that he’s making the trip to China this year may be the biggest victory of all.

Individuals diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease usually succumb to it within two to five years. It’s been six years since Scandone was diagnosed, and while the disease has slowed him down, it certainly hasn’t stopped him.

“I’m just proud he’s actually going there,” Scandone’s wife, Mary Kate, said. “It’s such an accomplishment considering the circumstances.”

Scandone won’t be going it alone. In the last few years, a tremendous amount of support has kept him going.

“The support from my friends, family and [the] community of Newport Beach has been pretty overwhelming,” Scandone said. “They’ve not only supported me through their thoughts and prayers, but they’ve been a big financial support, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Island Marine Fuel on Balboa Island is holding a fundraiser next Tuesday for Scandone, with profits from VALVTECT fuel sales being donated for his benefit.

The Balboa Yacht Club will also present a send-off party next Thursday for Scandone, who leaves for China on Aug. 26.

Donations to Scandone’s gold-medal campaign can be sent to the following address: BYC Maritime Sciences and Seamanship Foundation, Nick Scandone Campaign, 1901 Newport Blvd., Suite 350, Costa Mesa, 92627.