Sea vision taster day with Visa-GB

On Sunday I was reminded what an incredibly liberating and diverse sport sailing is when I joined a group of partially sighted sailors on a sea vision taster day run by Visa-GB. Sailing out of Poole Quay, I joined the crew on a day trip to Studland bay and back, taking the role of passenger while the partially sighted crew ran the boat.

Our crew had a range of experience and motivation for getting afloat. From Neil, a self confessed petrol head who was trying sailing to find new thrills, to Mike who has dinghy sailed in the past and was rekindling his passion for the sport and Judith who has a lot of sailing miles and is keen to improve her skills.

The day was busy, we laughed a lot and I enjoyed watching the skilled volunteers supporting the partially sighted sailors to take control of every part of the trip, rope handling, helming, raising and lowering the anchor as well as the compulsory production of tea.

I fell in love with sailing when I was in my teens, because it allowed me a freedom and responsibility I struggled to find elsewhere in my life. I still feel the same way about our sport. It is a great leveller and offers a world of opportunities to so many.

I am proud to be the patron of Visa-GB. They are always looking to recruit both new partially sighted sailors and sighted volunteers to help with their regular sailing trips. Please head over to their website to find out more about these opportunities.