Our Volunteers

We can’t sail without our wonderful Volunteers

There’s nothing better that sailing a boat with a crew that are keen, eager and able to do all that’s needed to support their skipper.  At Visa-gb we turn things on their heads! As a volunteer skipper you role is to do as little as possible, you are there to empower the visually impaired crew to sail the boat for you.

With help from a suitably qualified sighted mate you’ll be amazed of just how rewarding the experience is.  It is also a great way to improve your skills as well – ask any skipper or mate that has sailed with Visa-gb or other sailing charities.  There is a sheer joy in that feeling of achievement, getting your crew to set the boat up properly, put it through it’s paces and park up at the end of the day with stories, laughter and a real sense of inner pride.

So can you help?   Our skippers are usually qualified to Yachtmaster Offshore or equivalent, for some yacht charter we need our skippers to be commercially endorsed – but not always.

Our first mates need to be able to sail the boat should anything happen to the skipper – so Day Skipper or a wealth of sailing experience.

Additional mate needs to be confident on a sailing yacht – no qualifications are needed but we do need to know you are capable.

Number one skill is clear communication backed with a sense of humour and patience!  You’re there to enjoy the trip, encourage the visually impaired sailors to do as much as they can.  Empower your crew to do everything for you – it works!   Interested? Please email Anil on volunteers@visa-gb.org.uk and get onboard.

Here’s what some of the visa-gb volunteers say about it:

“This has been the best weeks sailing with visually impaired sailors I’ve ever had”

David Hadaway, mate onboard Visa’s boat at Blind Week 2018

Here’s what some of the visually impaired sailors say about our volunteers:

“The reason why I like sailing with Visa is because you are valued as yourself. We all get a chance to have a go at all aspects of sailing, and no matter how good or bad you are you are never judged or look down upon by anyone. We all have a good laugh and it is a good way to make new friends as well as learning new skills.” Nathalie W 2019

An example of empowerment, Eddie Kitchen getting ready to launch the asymmetric spinnaker, sighted crew on hand to help, but only if needed.