Blind Aussie sailors in bid for World Champs

by David Staley on 5 Feb 2005 Blind sailors Paul Borg of Paynesville in regional Victoria and Don Scott from Sydney, are teaming up for the 2005 Homerus Autonomous Blind World Sailing Championships being held in Italy in May.

Both have competed in the event before, with Don (sheet hand) winning the World Championship in 2001 sailing with fellow New South Welshman Wayne Thomson. Paul (helmsman) was runner up in the 2002 championship paired with Japanese sailor Michael Oda. As a combination, these talented sailors are well placed to bring home the trophy in 2005.

The Homerus Match racing format, sailed on courses similar to the Americas Cup, uses unique ‘beeping buoys’ and sound signals on each of the two 23 foot keelboats to orient the competitors to the course and the location of their competitors.

Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club was the host for an intensive training session using the Homerus equipment during January. The demanding program concluded with club fleet racing. Paul helmed, Don on sheets, while coach and team manager David Staley acted as tactical advisor. Training boat owner, Colin Lamble, played the part of ‘eyes’ and general hand.

The close boat on boat manouevring and tactical decision making in a large fleet proved the crew could account very well for itself when put under pressure by other yachts.

Selected for the championships by the Australian Blind Sports Federation, the team has some support for training and travel expenses. However, the majority of the funds required to get the team to and from the venue along with expenses in Italy must be raised by the team.

Sponsorship and donations are tax deductible and can be made through the Australian Blind Sports Federation, 150 Caxton Street, Milton QLD, Tel: 07 3369 6433, Email: absf@ecn.net.au.