A lack of sight couldn’t stop an enthusiastic group from exploring the Charles by sailboat.

The SailBlind program, run by the Newton-based Carroll Center for the Blind, launched sailboats onto the Charles River Saturday morning crewed by blind participants.

“Whether you are just looking to go for a boat ride, looking to receive sailing instruction and hands on experience, or looking to refine your prior sailing skills and knowledge, we offer all of these,” the program’s website states.

The boats launch every Saturday morning through October 28, though the Carroll Center states that there is reduced staff during May, September and October, which means there will be a cap on the number of sailors who can partipate, which is awarded on a first-come, first-served system.

The program, which began in 1979 when it became the first structured program in the U.S. for blind sailors, is extending the opportunity from now through the fall for blind adults to learn the sort of sailing — no experience necessary.

The Carroll Center itself began as the Catholic Guild for All the Blind in 1936, according to its website, and focused on providing financial aid, clothing, organized reading circles, employment-seeking assistance, talking books, recreational activities, and transportation.