Six blind servicemen learn to sail in Suffolk

A Suffolk sailing club hosted six blind veterans for an “exciting” session on the water organised by a charity helping former servicemen who have lost their sight. Blind Veterans UK brought servicemen from Ipswich, Colchester, Ely and Southwold to learn a new skill during a taster session led by The East Anglian Sailing Trust in Levington. One of the blind veterans, Roan Webb, 49, from Ipswich, said he enjoyed his visit so much he was considering joining a sailing club. “Blind Veterans UK have given me equipment which show that by making small adaptations, it’s possible to do things that I never thought I would have been able to do,” he added. Ian Jewry, of The East Anglian Sailing Trust added: “The audio navigation device includes a fluxgate compass which beeps when the boat goes off course, meaning a vision-impaired helmsman can steer the boat.” Visit blindveterans.org.uk/support to learn more about the charity.