Category: Uncategorized

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.

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.

VIEW VIDEO OF LAST NIGHT’S OPENING CEREMONY.

While we wait for results of today’s racing, here are a few photos of today’s activities.

Saturday Noon Hiroshima time and all systems are tested in order to get multiple boats and sailors onto the water. The sun came out and the clouds were patchy at best.

A steady breeze enabled all practicing sailors to get a feel for conditions at Kanon Marina.

The Hansa C Cranes and Keel Lifters were put into action and worked very well. Lots or smiles everywhere with such perfect weather conditions.

The pictures speak for themselves. So much colour and movement.

Then at 5pm the Opening Ceremony began.  And what an event it was with traditional Japanese entertainment, official speeches with government guests and sponsors, officials from the International Hansa Class Association as well as dedicated Japanese sailors.

PRACTICE RACE

Taka (JPN) Liberty Servo Division

Hanneke and Vera (NED) chatting with Nina from Thailand

OPENING CEREMONY

Photo by Liza Elburg for Hansa Sailing

Official guests on stage for speeches
Photo by Liza Elburg for Hansa Sailing

My first sailing day was in November 2017.

I loved the first experience but I love the sport and I love the person who works in the marina at Valpariaso in my country, Chile. So with this sport I need to demonstrate that this sport has no limits.

I feel secure in my Hansa Boat but most of all I feel complete.

At a Hansa Class event I meet all people whether able-bodied or disabled from all around the world. Making friends and learning about their lives too.

Inclusion is FOR ALL. All people are different and all people are humans.

I will remember the people and hopefully I will be taking home the winners trophy. I will also take home an understanding of Japanese tradition. One day I would like to live in Japan. The people are very kind.

I would like to invite the girls and boys of my model agency academy to sail with me. My academy is called “Academy of Inclusive Models Paula Miranda”

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.

 

With registrations and equipment measuring well under way, today Kanon Marina became a hive of activity with the measurers measuring; regatta office personnel completing lists, score sheets etc; and sailors renewing old acquaintances and making new friends.  The Hansa boats are rigged and ready for action.

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.