Here’s a film about Visa-gb:

What it’s like to sail for the first time:  This video interview was made by Anita Davies, a first time visually impaired sailor, following a week sailing with Visa-gb in Milford Haven.  Anita interviewed another novice, Martin Griffiths, who in his own words was very nervous about the idea of sailing, this is what he said:


Here are some of the comments people have made about sailing with Visa-gb:

Diane:- “Sailing with Visa-gb is like nothing else, it’s very special. Your sight loss is not seen as a barrier and the sighted crew are absolutely great at explaining and letting you have as much hands-on experience as possible the patience is outstanding and they are great company too.“

Graham:- “Having sailed when I was fully sighted I missed the joy of seeing the coast but the feeling of moving under sail
power, was still good.“

Adele:- “The trip was amazing, I learned so much about others and myself too. Seeing the positive transformation of the VI  crew was humbling and incredibly rewarding. The Skippers were so patient and understanding of VI’s needs when sailing. Nothing was too much trouble I will support and advertise Visa-gb as best as I can going forward’ (First Time Volunteer, Milford Haven).“

Liam of Somerset Sight talking about Lottery sponsored Sea Vision 2021:

 “I would just like to thank VISA GB so much for giving seven of our service users here at Somerset Sight the fantastic opportunity to have an amazing sailing experience in Poole this summer.  One of our relatively new service users made their own way from Bridgwater to attend the sailing on Thursday 12th August.  Considering this was only the second activity she had attended with us and there was no other Somerset Sight member or volunteer with her was a huge achievement.  This was due to wanting to experience the sailing so much enabled her to overcome her anxieties and considerable logistical difficulties in getting there.

On Monday 16th August, we had six Service users attend and again many of them had to overcome considerable difficulties to get from all over Somerset to Poole.  It was one gentleman’s first activity since his sight loss with us and it was so well run by VISA GB, he felt so welcome and safe it has given him more confidence to try new things in the future.

Every single person who took part in the trip has called me to say how friendly and helpful the crew were, they were all made to feel safe and secure at all times and they all loved every minute aboard.  I would also like to say a huge thank you for making this event free for our service users to attend as many are on a low income and their travel expenses were quite considerable to get to Poole and having this event with no charge certainly made it possible for some.

So a huge thank you for enabling Somerset Sight to give some of our members this fantastic opportunity and I hope to work with you again in the future.“

2021 – First trip of the year:

“Hi Tim

Thanks again to you and Bruce for making this possible for all of us.  The trip far exceeded my expectations which were tinged with a lot of ‘what ifs’.  I even discussed an escape route with Sue in case I really didn’t like it.  But I need not have worried, and as I said more than once it was just so lovely to be able to be yourself – not having to worry about not being able to see as that bit was ‘a given’.  You and Bruce were there to make it happen for each of us, and you certainly did.  I hope you both have now had enough quiet and relaxation to recover, and I hope to sail with you again.  Now here comes the crunch  …in  3 weeks’ time I will be trying to put my learning into action …..I will let you know how it goes!

Thanks again

Diane“

Ellie B sailing yacht with crew standing in cockpit
The Happy Crew

 

This is from Nathalie a visually impaired sailor:

“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 looked 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.“

One from sighted volunteer David:

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

David supervising VI sailor Dan on the helm

here’s a comment from Karen, a first time sailor with Visa-gb, from a recent trip:

“I would like to thank Jane for all the loo’ trips and laughs, and for letting me do the stuff I can, even if it just pressing the number on the pad and teaching me the pattern.

I would like to thank Jane for teaching the rope stuff over and over till it finally went in. I would to thank Bruce for making me jump up to get the sail cover down even though I had no idea what to do. I would like to thank Bruce for helping me steer the boat, it was lovely to be in charge of something that moved again. I would like to thank Tim for walking me to the hotel and waiting for me in the morning. I would to thank Tim for the calm way you gave out instructions to everyone over and over again. It made it a lovely 1st experience of sailing.

I really hope we get more volunteers to come forward to teach people who have no idea of what sailing is about how to sail.

To share your passion with people who have no idea what it does and the freedom it gives them.

The fact that you can morally count it as a charity donation is a win-win.

You are giving to charity by sharing your passion.

Thank you!“

This is a quote from Dee before she became a trustee:

“My first sailing trip with VISA GB  was also my first experience of spending a week on a yacht. I had heard great reports of VISA GB from my visually impaired friends and when a space came up unexpectedly for the trip I only hesitated for a moment.

Gosh, a whole week on a boat with complete strangers doing something completely new to me. I am so glad that I only hesitated for a moment as the whole week was fabulous. What is not to like? Fresh air, great company and new friends, fabulous scenery and learning to sail.

The visually impaired crew were a mixed group of all ages and backgrounds and the skipper and first mate gave clear instructions and encouraged all to take part as much or as little as we wanted whilst keeping us safe.

Since being diagnosed with Rod and Cone dystrophy 15 years ago leaving me with no central vision but a good awareness of shapes, I have been keen to keep pushing out of my comfort zone. Sailing with VISA GB was more than a great, fun holiday, it was inspiring and confidence-boosting.”

 

Dee with crew having lunch in Majorca

Karina at the helm

Karina Gregory – How sailing helps me
“Having a visual impairment, whether it be from birth or acquired in later life, can be an isolating and exhausting experience and thus can lead to many people with a visual impairment also experiencing poor mental health.

I started sailing in 2019, whilst accessing a series of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions after being diagnosed with anxiety and depression in 2018. It was something I had never done before, but I have always had a love for the sea. I was feeling overwhelmed by everything and needed some space and wasn’t wrong when I thought sailing was just the thing.

Sailing with Visa-GB gives me the opportunity to escape from everyday reality for the duration of the trip; to completely unwind and refocus my mind. Being in the company of other visually impaired people is hugely beneficial as there is so much to learn from each other, not only about sailing but about all aspects of daily life. Earlier this year I had to go back to using a long can after my guide dog retired which led to me losing a lot of confidence. I still haven’t worked out the logic of how I could get to Cowes to go sailing but going to my local shop feels like such a daunting prospect!

That’s the great thing about Visa-GB; it’s empowering from the start – from how to get there and taking a full role in the running of the boat.“