Sailing without sight
Yachting Monthly|September 2020
David Thompson shares the joy and instructional challenges of being a sighted volunteer for blind and partially-sighted sailors
David Thompson
Sailing without sight

I am sometimes asked whether sailing with a blind or visually impaired crew is dangerous or difficult. The answer is a loud ‘no’ (unless you count eating one of Lofty’s heart-attack generating breakfasts). The Visually Impaired Sailing Association of Great Britain (ViSA-GB) is a registered charity that offers the chance for visually impaired people to participate in offshore and coastal sailing.

For the past four years I have had the privilege of being a sighted volunteer and enjoyed many happy days sailing with ViSA- GB. I learn a lot on each trip, and it certainly challenges my instructing capabilities.

Last October ViSA-GB undertook its first foreign trip in Mallorca. We arrived in Palma on different flights from across the UK. I flew out with our skipper Tim and we met up with another crewmember in Mallorca airport before getting a taxi to Port de Pollença.

Others had arrived before us and were enjoying a glass of wine in the late afternoon sunshine. First job was to allocate a berth to everyone on the Sun Odyssey 43DS we were chartering, and to give a guided tour of the deck and cabin. A party went to the local supermarket for provisions. Later we enjoyed a meal in the marina restaurant.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2020-Ausgabe von Yachting Monthly.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 2020-Ausgabe von Yachting Monthly.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS YACHTING MONTHLYAlle anzeigen
I WAS THE ONLY SAILOR ON OUR FAMILY CHARTER AND IT HAD TO GO WELL
Yachting Monthly UK

I WAS THE ONLY SAILOR ON OUR FAMILY CHARTER AND IT HAD TO GO WELL

Crystal waters, cliff tombs and sunken outboards lain Willis wanted to ensure plain sailing for his family’s first charter around Turkey's Lycian Coast

time-read
8 Minuten  |
October 2024
HOW IT WORKS SEAWATER PUMP
Yachting Monthly UK

HOW IT WORKS SEAWATER PUMP

The water and oil seals on a water pump shaft will eventually wear with time, leading to pump-shaft corrosion or loss of engine oil.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
THOUSANDS OF MILES ACROSS THE INDIAN OCEAN
Yachting Monthly UK

THOUSANDS OF MILES ACROSS THE INDIAN OCEAN

Floris and Ivar battled severe weather and cross swell to sail from Australia to South Africa, but there were beautiful islands on the way

time-read
8 Minuten  |
October 2024
The secret of yachts with enduring appeal
Yachting Monthly UK

The secret of yachts with enduring appeal

Fashions come and go, but J-Boats remain a safe choice for great sailing boats, whether you want to own it for ever or sell it

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
Tragic sinking of Bayesian; Italian prosecutors investigate
Yachting Monthly UK

Tragic sinking of Bayesian; Italian prosecutors investigate

The sinking of the Bayesian superyacht in reportedly only 16 minutes and the tragic loss of seven lives has sent a shudder through the sailing community and beyond.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
October 2024
THE ADVENT OF MARINE AI TECHNOLOGY
Yachting Monthly UK

THE ADVENT OF MARINE AI TECHNOLOGY

Fonathon Savill reports on the revolutionary impact artificial intelligence is about to have on all areas of life at sea

time-read
7 Minuten  |
October 2024
IMPROVING SINGLE-LINE REEFING
Yachting Monthly UK

IMPROVING SINGLE-LINE REEFING

Martin Watts explains how to reduce the friction on the reefing lines of newer yachts

time-read
5 Minuten  |
October 2024
The secrets of skippering a successful cruise
Yachting Monthly UK

The secrets of skippering a successful cruise

Setting off on a cruise is easy, but planning a route that keeps your options open and ensures the enjoyment of all on board is more of an art

time-read
7 Minuten  |
October 2024
CRUISING THE KINGDOM OF THE ISLES
Yachting Monthly UK

CRUISING THE KINGDOM OF THE ISLES

Joanna Martin and her husband Mark sail across the Irish Sea to the legendary sea kingdom and to draw the wonderful wildlife there

time-read
7 Minuten  |
October 2024
MOODY DS48
Yachting Monthly UK

MOODY DS48

Can a boat built for long-term, long-distance cruising and offering one-level living still deliver an enjoyable sailing experience? Theo Stocker sets sail across the English Channel to find out

time-read
10 Minuten  |
October 2024