Author: linda

I sailed as a child but my first Hansa sailing experience was in 2008.

The best aspect of sailing now is TOTAL FREEDOM.

I feel only freedom when I sail.

The benefit of competing here in Hiroshima is that everyone is equal.

To me inclusion means everyone is all together. I want it. I don’t want separation!

When I go home I will remember the happy, good people (able bodied and disabled).

I forgot my disability at 2018 Hansa Worlds in Hiroshima.

If I could invite anyone in the world to sail with me it would be a band member from Queen!

The first Hansa sailing experience I had was through my local sailing club. The WHITEFRIARS Sailing Club, Wiltshire. The club had a Liberty with full servo to use. I sailed independently from the beginning. The chairman of the U.K circuit and also of Hansa U.K was the president of my local club and was very encouraging.

The best aspect of sailing the Liberty was having my INDEPENDENCE. There was no carer needed and competition was fair.

I notice the adrenalin rush when I am sailing especially when the wind picks up. Racing is really exciting for me.   I enjoy the boat, the competition and the strategic nature of the races.

I focus only on the sailing and when I sail I feel no pain.

I love competing against able bodied people. It’s fantastic!    Sailing a Hansa is the only sport that enables competition on even terms.

Inclusion means everyone being able to compete on the same terms.

When I go home from Hiroshima 2018, I will go home knowing that I WON the first Liberty race on my birthday (which is today)!!!!!

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

Akko taught me to sail a Hansa 303W about 9 years ago.

My first sailing experiences were on my Parents’ yacht. However sailing alone is very different to sailing with many people. The difference is that being alone you have to think about the wind and how to set the sails. On a yacht you only have one job not all the jobs!

I like sailing solo but also doubles. When I sail I feel satisfied. I normally don’t like crowds so sailing alone with the elements is great.

I like to see the different countries competing and meeting new people at this event. I also like helping others. I like catching up with the others in the Hansa Family.

Inclusion means that everyone needs to have a go at sailing regardless of obstacles.

I will take home with me from Hiroshima: That the Japanese people are always helpful and really well organised.

If I could invite anyone in the world to sail with me, it would be my Dad.

First thing Nobi and Chris picked me up at Hiroshima airport and drove me the 50kms to Kanon Marina.

On first impressions, the organisers in Japan have done a stupendous job!! The thought and care that has been expended at the Marina is highly evident.

My first invitation was to attend a meeting with the Hansa team offering to work with the local organising committee to ensure super smooth entry and exit of boats into the water once competition begins.

Most contingencies were discussed and agreed upon. Keel lifters offered to also aid this process. Organising committee very interested in solutions proposed. Sharing experiences to help with the 2018 Hansa World.

 

My first customs experience in 34 years went well. I reckon that I looked bewildered, lost, confused and old. I passed the test with only one hiccup. The Custom’s lady asked me to empty my water bottle before passing through. I clearly hadn’t checked the requirements. Lately, I have been too busy trying to figure out what I would get for 1000, 5000 & 10000 yen. I’ll just have to wait and see.

I walked to the departure gate and back briskly after looking (in awe) at the magnificent Duty Free section of the airport. Not being able to choose which spirit I should buy I decided not to buy anything!

I did find the bar and am now enjoying a Gin Martini. It’s my reward for all that walking.   Only one Martini just to settle the nerves. 9 hours flying seems a little strenuous.

A couple of my sister’s friends are travelling to Japan tonight on my plane. When I find them, I will take a pic to share. Small world, isn’t it?

So let’s talk about what my aim is once I hit Hiroshima.
I am hoping to interview as many competitors, volunteers and spectators as I can. I will be writing a story about each person I interview (with their permission, of course). It will be nice to share some different points of view.

I hope you enjoy reading about people from all over the world. Join me whist I broaden my horizons- this is going to be fun.

I left work at 11.15am. Home for a nice relaxing shower (because it will probably be >32 hours until my next one). The drive to Sydney was quite congested as today is the last day of the school holidays. Lucky me!
Dropped the car off to my son Simon at his work. Managed to pick up a very hydrating hand cream (which I will use as a face cream whilst away) from Crabtree & Evelyn. La Source to be exact. I had to buy one as believe it or not, the Beauty Therapist forgot her good stuff!!!
What’s that you say? The plumber with the leaking tap. The Builder with the squeaky door. Etc. Oh well.
Getting out of the shopping centre in the direction of the Railway station took me 15 minutes asking many questions of many people.
Successfully made it to the International Airport. I would recommend coming by train as it is very easy to navigate (once you find the station platform). The highlight of the trip so far has been the 40 something stunning lady (who was sitting between two hefty males) who asked me if I would like a seat. Seriously. When I was 36 weeks pregnant (and I was enormous) no-one ever asked me to have their seat on public transport! However, now I have gone gray, it seems I qualify. LOL. I declined the offer.
It seems I am too early to Check In as desk G is unmanned at this time. It’s a great excuse to have a coffee to keep my eyes open for a little while longer. I have a chance to share this first section of my trip with you.