Author: linda

My coach Steve basically put me on the boat and pushed me out. Zero sailing knowledge. I mastered it in 30 minutes but still had a lot to learn.

I like the feeling of freedom, the sound of no engine and no petrol smells when sailing.

I like competing here because I am learning so much from other sailors. Everybody gives you little bits and pieces of information and I have to put it together to sail well.

Inclusion means fair to me.

I will remember the happy people and the light winds when I return to New Zealand.

If I could invite anyone in the world to sail with me it would be Russell Coutts.

I started sailing in 2010 in Mie, Japan. My mother’s work is as a Care Worker and I remember she went to Hansa sailing. She took us sailing on Saturdays because we don’t have school.

I feel very good because it is fast, fun and safe when I sail. I sail 2.3 single and communication with the other sailors is good. I can do it. Sailing involves every age which I love.

Here in Hiroshima, I like the cheers from the spectators and there are lots of boats in my races.

I believe inclusion means that people are all the same and the Hansa boat is inclusive. I can compete against my family members and everybody.

In Hiroshima I am meeting a lot of people who I will remember. I have lots of new Facebook friends now.

If I could sail with anyone in the world it would be difficult because I sail as a single but I want everyone in the world to try sailing Hansa boats!

I was wondering what activity I could direct the boys into that they would enjoy. I looked out of my window at home and saw these colourful boats sailing by. After making enquiries, we joined Hebe Haven Sailability.

When Leo went sailing it had taken 4 or 5 weeks to get him to get into the Hansa. He spent a lot of time on the safety boat watching. One day he leapt into a docked Hansa boat when the safety boat went past it. That was the beginning and now 5 years later we are at the 2018 Hansa Worlds.

Leo really enjoys sailing. Somehow he feels a sense of achievement and it obviously has a calming effect on him.

Sailability is a community that equalises our abilities. We only focus on sailing. This makes it inclusive sailing.

When I go home, I will remember the friendliness of everybody and the team work regardless of which country you are sailing/volunteering for. It is also very humbling for me.

If Leo could sail with anyone in the world it would be Bruno Mars because Leo likes the song Just The Way You Are. Leo also like sailing with his carer Joel.

Legends in the UK!

Each year at the beginning of August, at Rutland Sailability, we have a multi class regatta. It’s a 3 day event. In 2017 at the official dinner we sat next to each other. We talked about family and we both quite enjoyed the conversation.

Pat asked Pauline out to dinner in November 2017 (after a few Sailability club days).

At the multi class regatta official dinner, August 2018, Joff from RYA, joked in his speech that as well as sailing, romance can be found at Sailability.

Footnote from Jackie
A little more about Pauline…….  Pauline has been involved in disabled sailing for the past 25 years.  With her husband Ian, they committed their lives to the empowerment of people with disabilities through the sport of Sailing.  Under their watch Sailing was accepted into the Paralympics.  For many years Pauline was Chair of the IFDS Development Committee which saw disabled sailing grow throughout Asia and Europe.  Having lost Ian several years ago we are all very pleased that Pauline and Pat have teamed up and are travelling the world together.

The first day of sailing was on a 32 foot long boat. Sailing from Marseilles to local Islands with 5 of my friends. I was discovering sailing. It was 4 days of sailing and I loved it.

I started sailing Hansa in 2011. 303 Double. I am visually impaired, Classification B1

I like that it’s a small boat and it gives a lot of sensations to me. When you are blind you really FEEL the wind. For example when you trim the jib you immediately feel the sensation of speed (whether it is slower or faster and whether it is leaning over).
Another thing is that the controls are simple and close to me.

The Hansa is a good beginner boat. I like that I can sail with a partner because I cannot sail alone except in some situations like when I use my mobile app on my iPhone – SARA (Sail And Race Audio Guide). My team developed this software. It is made for every blind sailor and it is free on App Store.

I feel so good about being here in Hiroshima because what is very interesting is meeting lots of people from many countries, with many disabilities that are different to mine. It is a humane event and we sail together, discuss everything and we sing together. The Opening Ceremony was great.

It’s not finished so I cannot say. We come here to have a prize but for the moment it is not so easy. Day 1 we came first but the pleasure we took in the race was more important. The conditions were good and the start for us was excellent. It was nice competition with the Aussie team on the water and we won.

if I could sail with anyone in the world? I like to sail with Guyon – “Gillou”, my existing sailing partner.

My first experience with sailing:
My 8 year old son had seen posters for a come and try sailing day. The whole family went husband, wife and 3 kids.

We continued to return to sailing because the children enjoyed it so much. They did a one week sailing course in the first and also in the second year. In the third year my daughter, Jessica, took off with sailing. She would sit on the steps at the sailing club and ask all Sailors if they needed more crew. The rest of the family gave up but not Jess.

A long time later (2014) I purchased 3 boats and started the South West Scotland Sailability group. There Jessica teaches folk to sail and race.

The success (or not) is evident on Jess’s face when she leaves the water and generally it is success. Lots of smiles which are infectious with those sailing with her. My grandchildren aged 6 and 8 are now also involved thanks to Aunty Jess.

I like to be involved in inclusive sailing events because it gets me out and about and involved with other folk.

Inclusion to me means SAILING IS FOR EVERYONE! We have got to get away from thinking that sailing is only a rich person’s sport.

After Hiroshima, I will remember the sunshine, lots of happy folk and the Sanyo High School students drumming at the opening ceremony.

If I could invite anyone in the world to sail with me, I would invite someone who thinks they cannot sail.

With Translator: Mariko Komatsu

We tried out the Hansa about 4 years ago. Mao appeared to have a lot of fun. I had not sailed ever before, so now we sail together.

Mao looks very happy when sailing.

Mao loves sailing. She has lots more fun when the wind is up and the waves are rough. She loves getting splashed by the waves. I also like going fast.

Mao is in the boat with me. To me it means a lot when we get good results. When I am happy about the results, Mao feels that happiness too.

In para sailing Mao is not eligible to compete.

Inclusion means to us that everyone is welcome. That is my understanding. I am grateful that there is an occasion like that where Mao can compete.

This is a big event and the first time we have spent so much time together. Us together, keeping well for the whole event, will be very special. It is unusual for a Japanese worker to have such a long holiday from work like I am now.

Mao would like to bring her classmates to sail. There are still many people at her school who would like to come but there is still some hesitation there to try.

We are telling many people about this event. We are happy to share on Facebook.

I have only been involved in sailing Hansa boats with my team for about 2 years.

This is my first experience in a competition with our Indonesian sailors.

It is an amazing opportunity to sail against all different countries and sailors of all abilities. It is an opportunity for the sailors to gain valuable experience and meet people who have sailed for a long time. They will learn so much!

The socialising here is very important to us.

Inclusion means putting all people together as one group.

When I go home I will remember the winning attitude of the sailors and also the motivation of the sailors in general. The organisation at Hiroshima is impressive. The food tickets are also a good idea. The facilities are very accessible in Hiroshima and at the marina.

If I could invite anyone in the world to sail with me it would be Jennifer Lopez. (Jennifer, if you read this, my email address will be made available to you if you ask).

Translator: Mariko Komatsu

I went to the University of Marine Navigation. After my accident during my rehabilitation, the sports centre recommended Hansa sailing. I was training when it was suggested that I compete in the IHC.

It reminded me how much I love being on the sea. Hansa allows me to go solo. I can go anywhere. I have a lot of fun. Sea breeze feels really good and it calms me down.

I think it is a good thing that disabled and able bodied people compete together.

I have never been to a competition with so many countries competing. This will be memorable. I am doubling with Aussie Alyse Saxby in the 303 doubles. Sometimes it can be a struggle but I am having fun.

If I could invite anyone in the world to sail with me, it would be my family. My sister resists trying to sail, saying she would get seasick- I’m telling her she won’t!

Julie Plunkett – AUS – Parent of a sailor

My daughter Sarah heard about sailing from Don Scott (Blind World Champion Sailor). Don encouraged Sarah to “try Dobroyd”. It all started from there.

When Sarah first came off the water after sailing I was happy that she could do something that gave her more freedom. Sarah could no longer pilot an aircraft or drive a car. I’m happy if she is happy sailing.

I feel happy for Sarah when she feels free and independent. Taking Sarah to sailing is just another “take my kid to sport” activity for me. I did that for all my kids.  I enjoy the sailing community and I am now part of Dobroyd Aquatic club. We race every Saturday in summer.

At Hiroshima, I think Sarah will learn so much about sailing in a bigger fleet, different sailing methods and she will make huge contacts with people from other countries.

To me, inclusion means being part of the group.

I will remember that the people in Japan are so friendly, polite and helpful.

If I could ask anyone in the world to sail with me it would be one of the Japanese Volunteers I met yesterday on the practice day.  He was so enthusiastic.

One of these pictures features my grandson, Joshua Dening, aged 4. He is one of 7 family members (including my husband Geoff) who have come to Hiroshima to see Sarah compete. Joshua has helped out doing lots of things. Here, he is helping to pull the boat over to the boat ramp prior to Sarah’s practice run. Sarah sails in “Olympic Spirit” – sail number is AUS 1594.