Passion Unlimited !

How would you define passion? What if you could look at a race going on and you wouldn't see anything to let you know the sailors are blind? Well, that’s how I’d describe passion!

To sail. To spread a wing in the air and soar. No internal power. No fuel, just atmospheric energy. The only motion created by the elements of wind and water. To some humans, sailing calls as powerfully as the ancient lure of flight itself, and to those who pursue it, the passion only increases. Can you imagine the feeling for the sailor who is blind?

Where a sighted sailor might look up at the telltales - small ribbons on the aft edge of the sail that indicate optimum wind flow - blind sailors learn to use other senses, such as the feel of the wind on their faces to determine direction, intensity, and critical shifts.
Sailing promotes self-confidence, provides socialization, makes you mentally tough, and gives you the ability to multitask - there are all kinds of abilities that arise from the challenge of competition that go beyond sailing.

To enjoy sailing, blind sailors require no special boats or adaptive equipment. However, boats small enough to provide a responsive helm are recommended. Steering with a tiller rather than a wheel is preferable to improve a blind sailor's ability to "feel" the boat. Equipment such as talking compasses and whistles can be used to provide audio orientation and assure safety. Some blind sailors may also prefer tactile markings.

Blind Sailing International (BSI) Regattas include boats ranging from the 23 foot Sonar to the 36 foot Farr design. BSI prefers to use boats crewed by two blind and two sighted persons. Over the years, several attempts have been made to create aids for blind sailors: noise-making telltales, talking GPS. These would allow blind sailors to handle boats with a minimum of assistance from sighted crew.

Some have learned to incorporate such simple items as kitchen timers and pieces of tape on the sheets to give a sense of sail trim. Talking GPS and compass systems are developing, but are expensive and unnecessary, say some blind sailors!

So don’t be surprised if the next successful circumnavigation is completed by a sailor without sight. For where there is passion there is always a vision!

Ferretti v/s Ferrari: Why a Boat and not a Car !

“Sailing must be the most underrated sport of all time. Although it does not have the instant gratification of motorised sport sought by adrenaline junkies or the forced mate-ship of team games, sailing has long term rewards that far exceed either. Non-sailors seem to view sailing with suspicion as some mysterious art-form that must be passed on genetically. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

SAILING AND CHILDREN

Sailing is simply one of those life skills, like riding a bicycle or swimming. It can be learnt in an hour or two for sheer enjoyment or perfected through Olympic training. The level is up to the individual. I often hear about today's kids being ADD, hyperactive or socially inept. Leave the Ritalin, play therapy & peer pressure behind & introduce them to sailing. They will seek their own pace and meet their own objectives. Sailing provides many challenges, great contentment and teaches the value of self discipline.



SAILING AND SUCCESS

Sailing does not require you to "fit in" or to be "chosen" for a team. You do not need good hand-eye co-ordination or to be fit. You can be any shape, size or age. It is a healthy, outdoor, water sport that builds confident and able young men and women. Think JFK, Ted Turner, Edward Heath, Prince Phllip, Ernesto Bertarelli, Thomas Lipton etc. Not successful men who sail, but rather sailors that became successful.


SAILING AND SELF GROWTH

Competitive sailing requires tactical and strategic thinking more than physical ability which is why older, more experienced sailors often hold the whip hand over the agile youngsters. Do not think "sailing school" or "ocean cruiser" or huge expense. Do not rush out and buy a boat or any "boat-y" gear. Do not think of romantic beaches. Think small, unsinkable, safe boats with sails that will effortlessly and silently propel you across the lake and back again… like magic.
If you enjoy sunshine, water, and outdoor activity, simply phone your local sailing club and they will be only too happy to welcome you to one of their "open days". You can easily have grasped the mechanics of sailing and be able to put this into practice within a couple of hours.

SAILING AND THE ADRENALINE RUSH!


Although I started out saying that sailing held no appeal for adrenalin junkies, I lied. Think windsurfing, kite-boarding, Hobie Cats, sports skiffs like the 49'er, Volvo 70's and the America's Cup. Totally on the edge or tame enough for Ouma, and everything in between. Sailing has it all."
- Nick Mace
(GUEST COMMENTARY from Scuttelbutt)
"Scuttelbutt" is an online newsletter for sailboat racing.