Royal Lymington Yacht Club (RLymYC) recently hosted a special week of sailing for blind and visually impaired (VI) people. From 2nd to 9th July, forty people with visual impairments were given the opportunity to discover the joy of sailing.
The Club hosted seventeen yachts, each skippered by their volunteer owner and two sighted mates, which gave their two visually impaired crew a taste of the freedom of the sea as well as the skills of sailing with the wind.
Living aboard their yachts, the VI crew visited ports from Chichester in the east to Poole in the west. They returned to Royal Lymington for an end-of-event dinner sprinkled with salty stories and sea shanties!
Visually impaired Londoner and sailing newcomer Jean quickly learnt safety drills, winching and tying knots by touch, but when first invited to try tacking the boat he said: "Skipper, we'll tack tomorrow!"
On the water, the Club's motorboat section gave visually impaired participants a safe yet thrilling experience of RIB and motor cruiser driving. Having taken the wheel in the open sea, one said; "I've never driven a motorbike or a car...how amazing to be at the wheel of a 100hp powerboat!"
One visually impaired participant said: "This trip has made my year! I never thought I would do this!" Another stated: "I feel empowered and inspired to go forward now."
Visually Impaired Sailing Week is an annual event, organised through the Sailing Vision Trust. Dr Will Bridge, Chairman of Sailing Vision Trust, said: "Royal Lymington Yacht Club hosted and supported Visually Impaired Sailors' Week marvellously, with the enthusiastic support of members. The crews of 17 yachts including 40 visually impaired people were able to experience the freedom, empowerment and camaraderie of sailing."
For more information about the Sailing Vision Trust, visit www.sailingvision.org.
For more information about the Royal Lymington Yacht Club visit rlymyc.org.uk. The Club welcomes new members and is available for functions and events on and off the water, contact sail@rlymyc.org.uk or call 01590 672677.
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