Report on Sea Vision 2021, sponsored by The National Lottery
A three week voyage to Empower, Encourage and Enjoy the experience of sailing for visually impaired adults highlighting the benefits of sailing and travelling along the South West coast.
Dates: 7th August to 28th August 2021, split into three one week trips.
Locations: Falmouth, Fowey, Dartmouth, Weymouth, Poole.
Boat: Bavaria 46 Sailing Yacht, chartered from Cornish Cruising, Falmouth
Skippers: Peter Sandover, Tim Sandford, Rosie Dalton.
Sighted Crew: Viv Sullivan, David Muldoon, Wes Nixon, Tracey Mackenzie, Bruce Dudley, David Thompson.
Visually Impaired Passage Sailors: Nathalie Wright, Toby Jones, Ramin, Denis Manning, Liam Harkness , Anthony Quant, Elsie Wilcox, Vijay Pakeh, Dee Jones, Sue Hogge, Paul Woffendene, Verity, Anil,
Visually Impaired Day Sailors: 19 day sailors joined us across the four days
Total of Visually Impaired Sailors taking part: 32
Overview: Sea Vision aims to promote the benefits of offshore sailing to Visually Impaired adults which helps to improve confidence, social interaction, shared living skills, team work and a sense of wellbeing. With crews moving the boat to different locations where additional visually impaired adults could join the boat for a day sail to give them a taste of the benefits of yacht sailing.
Preparation: Thanks to the National Lottery grant of £10000 we were able to deliver the Sea Vision program in 2021. The funding allowed us to charter a suitable yacht and cover all costs associated to allow participants to take part free of charge. Due to Covid 19 regulations additional care in the preparation, cleaning and running of the yacht where put in place. All participants were required to take lateral flow tests prior to joining the trip, social distancing was adhered too when appropriate, all participants completed medical questionnaires before joining.
Note: No person taking part reported catching Covid 19 during or immediately after the Sea Vision voyage.
Photos show crew and sailing, Alt Description added for screen readers
Day sailing encourage those that may have never had the chance to try yacht sailing. Based in Poole we delivered three days of sailing, each day saw visually impaired adults join the boat. Our first priority was to make newcomers feel comfortable so we started the day with a cuppa and a chance to get to know the boat. Following a safety briefing and the fitting of life jackets we left the marina and made our way out into Poole harbour. Our day sailors were encouraged to try steering and getting involved in pulling sails up, all under the supervision of the crew.
On one day we were joined by Ocean Sailor and patron of Visa-gb Pip Hare. Pip helped on the boat and here company was much enjoyed by all involved. Here’s as link to a short film when Pip was onboard:: You Tube film Pip Hare & Day sailors
Day sailor Judith said: “ Having the chance to try yacht sailing was fantastic, meeting my hero Pip Hare was the icing on the cake!”
Day sailor Mike said: “I used to sail dinghies when I had sight, it was a real thrill to get back onboard a boat again”
Day sailor John said: “ I never imagined myself on a yacht let alone steering, it was a great experience and I hope I can do it again”
Volunteer report:
This is a report from Viv Sullivan, a first time volunteer with Visa-gb on her Sea Vision trip, here’s the link: volunteer-viv-reports-from-sea-vision
Skipper of Week one, Peter Sandover said: “ ‘It was great week, the team rose to all the challenges thrown at them with enthusiasm and a sense of humour. I look forward to the next sailing trip with VISA-GB’
First time Blind sailors Liam and Anthony took part in week two, not only the sailing, sleeping and cooking they were put to work cleaning the boat, here’s a link to a short film of them scrubbing the decks: Scrubbing the decks
Anthony said:
“Despite a bit of sea sickness the sailing was a great experience, I felt like I learned a lot and really enjoyed meeting new people and working as a team. It would be good to have another go”
From blind sailor Vijay:
“I have sailed with Visa-gb before and I really like being on a boat, I learn new skills and try new things. On this trip I paddled in the sea for the first time in my life. I like to help with the food so tried to chop vegetables, it was good to feel useful”
Report from Dee, one of the visually impaired sailors on week three:
We joined the Visa-gb boat in August at Plymouth and spent a fabulous week sailing along the Cornish coast to finish at Falmouth calling in at Salcombe and mooring in the Helford river along the way. This is a great way to experience this beautiful stretch of coastline. No sooner had I stepped on the boat on arrival in Plymouth having been carefully guided along the pontoon than the 1st mate introduced himself and took me on a tour of the layout of the boat followed by the 2nd mate who was unpacking the food delivery for the week who showed me where everything was stored. Memorable moments were early morning with the first cup of tea on deck in the fresh air whether in a marina or moored in a bay. We were encouraged to take part in all of the sailing and there was always one of the sighted crew ready to advise and keep us safe. Also moments to sit at the bow and watch the sun glistening on the water. All together a great week.
Sea Vision Summary:
An ambitious program of sailing to encourage more visually impaired people to experiences and understand the benefits of sailing on a yacht with a group of like-minded people. Originally planned for early summer and around Blind week in 2020 it was delayed by Covid-19 to 2021. With Blind Week then cancelled for 2021 Visa-gb were determined to deliver this long awaited trip as so much interest had be shown. With more time and more locations it is felt that the Sea Vision concept could bring significant numbers of visually impaired adults to participate. We hope to apply for further funding to deliver this in future years.
