Blind Sailing at Spinnaker Sailing Club
by Paul Gray 31 Jul 11:27 PDT
One of the 'See Sailing Your Way' sessions for the visually impaired at Spinnaker SC © SSC
A family sailing club in the New Forest has been hosting sailing courses for the visually impaired. Spinnaker Sailing Club near Ringwood has been running a programme 'See Sailing Your Way'. Taking place over fifteen weeks, visually impaired people learned to sail from scratch, with support and coaching for onward development in the sport.
Participants were enthusiastic: "I've had a tremendous feeling of freedom being on the water, it really lifts my spirits... it's hard to describe but it gives me a high," said Louise, while Steve enthused: "it's lovely to be so welcome... and develop your sailing."
During the early stages of the project the Education and Learning Team from Dorset County Council asked the club to arrange a sailing experience for some of the visually impaired children they work with. On Saturday 19th July eight visually impaired children were able to experience sailing thanks to funding and guidance from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).
James Oborne, Club Operations Manager commented: "We are really pleased that the programme has been a success, not just with lots of fun on and off the water. Establishing new friendships and growing people's confidence are all core to what we want to achieve."
He added: "This is part of a national scheme from the RYA, Sailing's Governing Body, and we have been excited to be the local partners. We hope that this will be the start of permanent visually impaired presence and activity at the club, along with New Forest Sailability. We are grateful for the generous grant support we have received."
"The club is more than simply race sailing," said Phil Tinsley, Commodore, "we are a watersports club, with members using the lake each week for canoeing, paddleboarding and windsurfing as well as sailing. Our sheltered waters allow access most days without the complications of shipping, waves and tides. Our aim is to allow people from whatever background to develop confidence and skills on the water.
"We are thrilled that we have been able to bring more people into our activities, and we are proud to offer all participants membership for the rest of the year as part of the programme."
The club is a recognised training centre running courses for adults as well and being member-driven aims to keep costs low. There is an extensive hire fleet of paddleboards, canoes and sailing boats as well as members own boats. Membership starts from £32. See www.spinnakerclub.co.uk for details.