• “ABLE to Sail taught me I was really something special!”
  • ​“I learned how to be proud of MYSELF……that I don’t need other people to approve of me to feel good…and I enjoyed that very much!”
  • “I learned I need to stop dwelling on the past…That my past doesn’t define who I am…or make me a bad person!”
  • “I learned how to be more comfortable being myself!”
  • ​“I learned more in three days to help me than being in therapy for the last year.”
  • “i learned that I don’t need people to tell me I’m good to BELIEVE how good I am! I had a life changing experience and TONS of FUN! “
  • “ABLE to Sail taught me I was really something special!”
  • ​“I learned how to be proud of MYSELF……that I don’t need other people to approve of me to feel good…and I enjoyed that very much!”
  • “I learned I need to stop dwelling on the past…That my past doesn’t define who I am…or make me a bad person!”
  • “I learned that people actually like me, and I can make friends just by being myself!”
  • “That people DO understand me and I matter and I can have self-esteem and happiness and be proud of my accomplishments and let go of the past b-cuz tomorrow is a new day I “HEART” ABLE TO SAIL!”
  • “…that no matter what I do I will ALWAYS be important no matter what happens! ABLE to Sail is a fun program that helped me open up my heart and brain. Thank you.”
  • “That I matter in this life. I’m important. People might pull me down but I can pull myself back up now. People say “you were given this life b-cuz you’re strong enough to live it!” Now I believe it! Thank you SO MUCH. I really loved this. It was one of the best experiences ever!”
  • “I learned that I AM good enough…That I’m important…I learned I can actually like me!”
  • “Also…this is the most fun I’ve had in a long long time. Thank you!”

What grown-ups say

Our teens were absolutely captivated –They were inspired to believe that they truly are amazing, beautiful, strong, courageous and ‘good enough.’  In a heartfelt closing ceremony, our kids expressed how much it had impacted their lives in just a few short days…how ‘life changing’ it was. That they had a renewed sense of personal worth and self-confidence.  I would highly recommend ABLE to Sail for any teen navigating the tricky waters of youth!

City of Longmont, Youth Recreation Director

Last summer, we had the pleasure of being introduced to Diane McKinney of Able to Sail. Our program works with youth that are involved in the criminal justice system and are either not enrolled/attending school, facing expulsion, or currently expelled. We work with groups of youthful offenders that are considered high risks to our community, and being connected to Diane was an amazing opportunity to gain a partner in working with and guiding these youth. Diane is impressive in her ability to “keep it real,” as in she is honest and genuine. Diane was unafraid to share her past, mistakes and all, in hopes of supporting and guiding our students. Her ability to be both genuine and vulnerable is what makes her such an asset to the youth in our communities. The messages of self-confidence and acceptance that Diane passes on not only reached our students, but also our staff. We left our week with Diane and her team re-energized and impressed. “

Paul McCain

ROC Coordinator, 17th Judicial District

Thank you for providing such a fun, transformational  experience this summer.  We are so grateful for all of the experiences – from the silly games to the SELF-esteem conversations, from capsizing and sailing, to cherishing our diversities as well as our similarities. What an amazing time to learn and grow together. You are making this world a better place!

Youth Representative, OUTBoulder County

I would definitely encourage you to get your kiddos out there! My kids have loved it! This is not just sailing; it’s about building self-esteem, team-building, leadership skills, loving self, ah-ha moments and a lot more! They do such great work and all of my kids have LOVED ABLE to Sail.  These kids deserve so much more than sitting in my office…ABLE to Sail helps fill that void.

Probation Officer, City of Longmont

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done


The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting...
It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Diane McKinney , who departed this life on April 29th, 2025 of natural causes at home. A guiding force, a steady hand, and a beacon of strength, she led us through life’s storms with courage, love, and grace. Though the journey has ended, Diane's legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.
We grieve deeply, but we also celebrate a life well-lived — a life of purpose, passion, and enduring impact. Rest in peace, dear Captain. You are deeply missed.
The memorial service honoring the life of Diane Mckinney is being planned. We will share details here as soon as they are available. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and pay their respects.
As many of you know, for now Able to Sail is on hold, as we sort things out and try to build a staff/ program worthy to carry on her legacy and help our youth in need as she would have wanted. Details about this will be shared at a later date. Please be patient as we grieve and process.

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