This exciting event was the second of Visa GB’s 2025 trips dedicated to getting young visually impaired adults out on the water. This fantastic sailing experience was made possible by a very kind donation from the Powell Family Foundation, and by UKSA, the United Kingdom Sailing Academy who kindly donated their yacht Nonna Olive, as well as our volunteer skipper and sighted crew who donated their time and skill.
This wonderful experience started and ended from Southampton Town Quay with sailing, and everything that goes with it taking place in the Solent UK, with port calls to Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, as well as Portsmouth, as well as anchoring in Osborne bay.
The weather over the weekend was breezy with gusts and with a mixture of sun and showers.
Thursday evening started by welcoming everyone on board the boat an ensuring that everyone was familiar with their life jackets and the safety features and procedures on the boat. This also included a tour but the top sides of the boat to familiarise the visually impaired young people with where winches cleats at other parts of the boat were along with familiarisation with the ‘heads’. We have our first meal on board and this provided an opportunity to discuss where we were going and what people wanted to get out of the trip: for all of the VI’s this was their first experience of sailing on this type of boat.
Friday morning everyone was up early to have a shower and be ready to slip our lines at 9:00. We set sail down Southampton water with clear skies and a gentle breeze towards Osborne Bay: this was to be our first stop where we would anchor and have lunch. Each the vi’s helmed the yacht and took an active part in raising, lowering and setting the sails on our trip. At Osborne house Branden set the anchor under Clive’s supervision. That afternoon the anchor was raised by Estelle and we tacked our way down to Yarmouth with Hannah and Estelle on the winches whilst Branden helmed before switching around; a journey of about two hours. Unfortunately, the weather turned wetter and some of us took shelter down below; However, when we arrived in Yarmouth the sun came out and we enjoyed our cup of tea and some snacks up on deck. That evening we enjoyed a meal of sausage and mash before going for a walk to have a drink before going to bed. By this time everyone had started to get to know each other and Brandon was sharing interesting facts from his large repertoire of knowledge: he also played a game of chess with Clive. After one day each of the VIs was asked whether they would come again and, with no hesitation they all said YES!
On Saturday, everyone wanted to try the ice cream at Yarmouth so I’ll start was delayed until 10:30. However this did not stop us from sailing all the way to Portsmouth and doing a quick tour of the harbour while we made and ate lunch before heading back to Southampton Town Quay. The morning sail was downwind and therefore we just had the Genoa out and each of the VI’s took turns to helm the boat very well to this swashway at Portsmouth harbour entrance. The afternoon sail back was very wet and gusty. Whilst the VIs braved it for so long the rain and wind eventually took its toil and they retired down below. As we went back up Southampton water we were met by an ‘Armada’ of six cruise ships leaving the terminal. Our final evening all together was spent aboard sharing a large meal of bolognaise and pasta followed by a round of the After Eight game which was introduced and run by Emma (her first trip with visa-gb). Despite some initial reservations, everyone had a go along with tears of laughter. A fitting end to a short but fun trip in which the 3 young VI’s had their first taste of sailing or sailing on a yacht and were eager for more.
Date of trip: 28th – 31st August 2025
Where: Solent
Boat charter: UKSA – Jeanneau 449, Nonna Olive
Crew:
VI’s (*Visually Impaired): 18-25 year old: Branden Fox, Estelle Roos, Hannah Bromley
Volunteers: Lynda Crocker (skipper), Clive Crocker, Emma Lister
Trustee: Simon Maycock
Feedback:
VI Crew:
Estelle Roos:
On my train journey down, I was terrified, because I didn’t know what to expect or how the weekend would go. But now that I’m heading home, I wish this weekend was about twice as long. I did so much more than I imagined I would, and want to come back in the future for more sailing trips when possible. Thank you so much for the opportunity, it’s an experience I will carry with me for a long, long time.
Brandon Fox:
‘I have had experience sailing in the past, both with sight and without, but this is the first sailing trip that I’ve been on, that felt like a family vacation. By the end we had become such a tight-knit group that we were often anticipating the next move. Whether that be at the helm or on the winches, this was a fantastic sailing experience, and hands down, I will be doing this again and again and again.. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity. Absolutely fantastic weekend, it was amazing to meet you guys and do this trip with you all.’
Hannah BC:
‘Hi, I just wanted to say what a fantastic time I had on the trip. I really enjoyed everything about it and loved learning new things like the ropes and winches, and being at the helm was so great, especially when the boat was at an angle. I loved the feeling of the wind and the speed and getting involved with everything. I really enjoyed making new friends and hope to do this many more times. Thank you for making me feel safe and included. Hope to sail with you again soon.’
Sighted Crew Report:
Emma, tells us of her first experience with Visa-GB & working with Viaully Impaired Sailors, and how she came to know about the charity.
Emma Lister:
I first heard about the Visually Impaired Sailing Association (VISA) through another volunteer who spoke so passionately about their experience. Hearing how the charity helps the visually impaired gain confidence and enjoy the freedom of the water inspired me to get involved. I wanted to give my time to support such an inclusive and empowering community. I’ve now completed my first trip, and it really is magical.
For me, the trip was really about making it the best experience possible for everyone who was part of it. I didn’t spend much time thinking about myself or taking my sight for granted — my focus was on how incredible the visually impaired and blind individuals were. Watching their independence, adaptability, and resilience gave me such a deep respect for them. It was inspiring to see how they approached challenges with such confidence and positivity. On reflection after the trip, it has made me appreciate my eye sight more.
Photos:
