Volunteer skippers wanted for 2016

Team ViSA GB (The Visually Impaired Sailing Association of Great Britain) is looking for experienced sailors, particularly off-shore Yacht Masters with a valid commercial endorsement to sail as volunteer skippers in 2016 and beyond.. The association is a not for profit voluntary organisation led and run by blind and partially-sighted sailing enthusiasts for visually impaired people. They rely on volunteer crew to empower and facilitate sailing for blind or partially sighted crew on five or ten-day cruises. Using Gosport as a home base for the start and finish of most of their cruises, Team ViSA GB are generously supported by UKSA in West Cowes who charter yachts to the association. Colin Fowler, Operations Director for the association, said: ‘We are always pleased to hear from commercially endorsed Yachmasters as well as people willing to volunteer their time to join us aboard as a member of crew. Anyone would be welcome who feels able to help empower visually-impaired crew to ‘get on’ with sailing the boat, maximising their sailing whilst calmly supporting and patiently sharing their sailing knowledge, and ultimately sailing as equals. This can be harder than it sounds, as the aim is to be a ‘non-active’ participant, supporting and stepping in to offer help only when needed.’ Team ViSA GB run familiarisation and awareness training sessions for anyone considering a voluntary role as a member of crew from Haslar marina in Gosport. The association has a full programme for 2016, as well as plans for 2017 including a Clyde sea lochs and islands flotilla week and possibly an entry for the Round the Island Race. Anyone who sails is welcome to give volunteering a go. For more information see www.visa-gb.org.uk or call Colin on 07901 573 570.