Marblehead sailor to raise funds for trip to Paralympic Games in China

MARBLEHEAD-When the Paralympic Games get under way in China this summer, competitive sailor Maureen McKinnon-Tucker of Marblehead will be there to represent the U.S.Despite having won a slew of races in order to qualify, McKinnon-Tucker must still raise funds to ensure her travel to Asia and for expenses related to shipping and sailing the 18-foot SKUD, a dinghy specially-adapted for the physically handicapped.A fundraiser will be held at The Landing restaurant on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a buffet of seafood Newburg and Gosling-soaked pork. The Little Sister Band will provide entertainment. A portion of the proceeds from each drink sold will benefit McKinnon-Tucker’s Olympic campaign.The fundraiser offers an opportunity to meet the winning sailor and support her quest for a Gold Medal. During the Paralymics, she will handle the sails while sailing partner Nick Scandone of California controls the helm.McKinnon-Tucker, a married mother of two, was partially paralyzed in an accident more than 10 years ago. Scandone suffers for ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The Paralympics will get under way immediately following the Olympics in Beijing.For more information or to make reservations, call The Landing at 781-639-1266. To learn more about sailing with disabilities and the Paralympics, go online at www.sailchallengeinspire.org.