SAILING FREE

Patrick Souiljaert regularly sails with Sussex Sailability and shares with Yachting Monthly the difference it makes to his life

- Jo Gilham & Patrick Souilijaert

‘Straight away I knew sailing was for me; it was something completely different from what I was doing in my work life. It’s pure escapism and I find it so peaceful; when I’m out on the boat I feel really in the present moment, which is awesome. You only get one chance at life, so why live it with self-imposed limits?’

Patrick Souiljaert first sailed with Sussex Sailability in 2013. The Shoreham author, motivational speaker and meditation teacher was introduced to the sport through his friend, Mike, who was a member of Sussex Yacht Club.

Complications at his birth means Patrick lives with the physical challenges caused by cerebral palsy. It affects movement, balance and, in some cases, speech. But, the 45-year-old doesn’t think of himself as disabled, believing he ‘can do anything I want’.

He said the first time on the water he was a bit apprehensive that the boat might capsize. ‘I can swim, just not very well, but I was wearing a lifejacket and I was with a volunteer, so I felt safe. On my third visit I went out on a boat on my own, it felt exhilarating, even though a lot of the time I was just going around in circles because I didn’t know how to sail!’ he explained.

For the first three years he sailed up and down the River Adur, learning the principles of sailing and techniques, such as joystick steering, to control his Hansa 303.