A Sailors Lot

Saturday, 22 May 2010

HOME :: Recreation-and-Sports / Boating Yacht Sailing With Disabilities - Individuals Who Are Making Waves

Many of us enjoy watching various sports tournaments and what fascinates us most is the ability for the sportsmen and women to push themselves to the limits. A sport such as yacht sailing is considerably difficult and sailors must contain physical strength, mental ability and large amounts of determination. I am sure that some of us have entertained the notion of sailing lessons, but pass owing to the fact that it seems like it contains too much hard work and dedication. The world of disabled yacht sailing might be something that many of us have not heard of before, but it is indeed growing and some brave individuals are bringing their wheelchairs on board for the ride.

A courageous man who has been making headlines in the world of yacht sailing lately is Geoff Holt. Holt was recently the first quadriplegic to sail across the Atlantic. But wait, there's more. Not only did Holt complete this journey as a quadriplegic man, he did so sailing his yacht solo. After a tragic diving accident left Holt disabled more than 20 years ago, he decided that he would not give up on the sport that he loved so much and continued on his quest to conquer the sea and this time it would be with more determination than ever.

Another man that has pushed past his disability is John Xuereb. Xuereb recently joined the crew of the Tenacious yacht and represented the disabled community in the sport of sailing. "It was a great experience. When Inspire asked me to join the crew aboard the Tenacious I accepted because I wanted to prove that disabled people can do whatever they put their mind to." The Tenacious yacht is a representation of hope for disabled individuals as this boat is owned by Jubilee sailing Trust, a charity that aims to assist people with physical disabilities that would like to sail.

There are numerous organisations that support disabled individuals and their interest in taking part in the sailing of these yachts. Sailors with DisABILITIES is an organisation that promotes individuals with disabilities to take up the sport of sailing and encourages them to involve themselves in this past time. Their aim is clear: they want people to "take ownership of (their) circumstances and create vehicles to demonstrate what can be achieved." These groups organise various yachting regattas and sailing courses as well as team building events where individuals can come aboard a yacht and try their hand at a sailing experience. There are numerous organisations like this and one can find a charity or association in their area.

These courageous sailors have the same aim as us all - to enjoy life doing something that they love, and for these individuals, yacht sailing is the ultimate in their needed adrenaline rush.

Lauren Potgieter wrote this article for Hamble and their available sailing courses. Choose from their sailing lessons for beginners and professionals.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_Potgieter

HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing A Memorable Sailing Itinerary

Life on board is relaxing and it provides unforgettable experiences since reaching some of Sicily's most beautiful cities by yacht does not provide the same sensations as when landing in by aeroplane or driving in by car. The best way to begin a sailing tour around Sicily is from the historical centre on the Island of Ortigia, Syracuse. The base port in Syracuse is situated on the eastern coast of Sicily and is one of Sicily's main attractions due to its archaeological zone and historical testimony and also being a centre of industry and commerce.

Moreover, the broad waterfront of the Island of Ortigia, is an ideal place from which to appreciate the unique panoramic view of Porto Grande that witnessed great battles and it is ideal for a point of departure for a sailing Sicily tour. Syracuse has two ports to yachting, the main one being Porto Grande and the other one being Porto Piccolo (otherwise known as Porto Marmoreo). The most profitable thing was that the Sleep in Sicily travel agency offered us a 50% discount the night before embarkation and the night of disembarkation for the chosen bed and breakfast in its franchising.

Syracuse and its Province attract tourists for the high quality tourist services, beautiful coasts and historical remains; moreover the area's scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. Amongst the most famous marine localities are Noto, Avola, Capo Passero, Fontane Bianche, Arenella, Marzamemi, Brucolii e Angone Bagni.

On the sailing yacht heading south from Syracuse and surpassing Cape Murro di Porco, one will arrive to the outstanding protected marine nature reserve of Plemmirio (Maddalena Peninsula). Plemmirio faces Ortigia and apart from nesting Greek remains, it boasts enchanting caves and a seabed rich in fauna typical of the Mediterranean hence making it ideal for divers. Moreover its landscape is marked by typical Mediterranean vegetation, especially by the dwarf palm tree. Proceeding coastwise, one reaches the beautiful sandy beach of Arenella, then Fonatne Bianche bay, to then proceed to Avola coast, which is the extension of the town Avola where typical prehistoric Sicilian tombs are found. The itinerary continued to Marina di Noto, which is the seaside extension of Noto, otherwise known as the Baroque City and is also listed in UNESCO world heritage. Along the coast south of Siracusa is the superb Vendicari nature reserve, which is southernmost of all Italian reserves made up of marshy areas and various sea outlets; hence it is an area rich in flora and fauna.

Proceeding along the coast, one reaches the charming and quiet seafaring village of Marzamemi (from Arab meaning harbour of doves) equipped with berthing facilities, to then proceed to visit the nearby Pachino with the Cave of Calafarina amongst its natural attractions and to taste the Mediterranean cuisine decorated with the famous Pachino tomatoes. From Pachino one can proceed to the Southeastern end of Sicily, Capo Passero that is a paradise for divers, ideal for a relaxing holiday and excellent for historical sightseeing. In front of Portopalo there is the little Island of Capo Passero and right between the isle and Sicily is the strategic point for tunny fishing and an attraction for bird watching. Furthermore, for those who wish to sail farther, at a distance of 90 km there is the beautiful Island of Malta with its archipelago to wonder about the Islands' prehistory remains, go back over the footsteps of St Paul and find out where the Knights of St John defended Christendom.

This is only a page of our onboard diary and cannot wait to embark again!

For more details on SICILY CHARTER, SAILING AROUND SICILY, SAILING YACHTS here: http://www.sicilycharter.blogspot.com/

For more details on SICILY TOUR, SICILY HOTELS, SICILY TRAVEL here: http://www.sleepinsicily.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isabella_DeRobertis

HOME :: Travel-and-Leisure / Sailing Solent Sailing & Yacht Charter

The Solent is a magnificent sailing playground on the South coast of England between the mainland and the Isle of Wight. Approximately 30 miles long and 3 to 5 miles wide, it encompasses an amazing variety of geography and sailing conditions. You could choose a quiet natural harbour like Newtown Creek nature reserve or a busy cosmopolitan city like Southampton. Nowhere is more than a few sailing hours apart and it is all protected from the worst of any weather by the Island itself. That's not to say there are no challenges for the yacht sailor and for sailing instruction courses there is no better spot to learn due to the wide variety of navigational obstacles some natural and some man made. To give you an idea, here are some of the obstacles that you may find.

 An historic ship wreck

 Tides in excess of 4 knots

 Dangerous rocks

 Ferries

 A curved ledge with a trap in its hook

 High speed catamarans

 Oil tanker and container ships with moving prohibited zones

 An offshore sandbank suitable for hosting a cricket match

 The biggest yacht race in the world

 Radar speed traps

 Pile moorings

 In excess of 30 marinas

 A National Trust nature reserve

 Hovercraft

 Underwater submarine barriers

 Mid channel defensive forts

 Cross Channel ferries

 Ocean going liners

 Warships & a naval dockyard

 A small boat channel

 Fishing vessels

 Active minesweepers

 Floating dead whales

 Railway sleepers adrift

 Lighthouses, lateral buoys, cardinal buoys, safe water and isolated danger marks

 Locks

 Firing range danger area

 Sand bar

 Chain ferry

 Submerged pipelines marked by a fresnal lens

As a result of this variety, the Solent is a paradise for sailors and Cowes at its centre can rightly describe itself as the home of yachting. The annual Cowes week regatta sees the Solent filled with so many yachts, taking part in so many simultaneous yacht races, that its virtually impossible to navigate a straight course. But it is also this huge variety that enables so many sea schools and yacht charter companies to flourish in the area. It may not be as beautiful as the West Coast of Scotland, but I know where I would rather learn or instruct.

Martin Thomas BSc FCA
Commercially endorsed Yachtmaster & Cruising Instructor
Member of the Royal Institute of Navigation
Member of the Royal Naval & Royal Albert Yacht Club
http://www.solentsail.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Thomas