When I was in my mid to late teens I was lucky that the local Rotary Club in New Zealand took me out for a sail. I was lucky to get the opportunity then.
Being out on the water and the element of the wind was appealing. Discovering little bays that you cannot see from the road was fun.
I can sail by myself. I think a lot of people, without disability, fail to understand all the things that cannot be done in life when you have a disability. However, Sailing a Hansa Liberty is one thing I can do independently.
For me it is not necessarily about winning the race but using the competition as a yardstick to improve. There are many sailors to learn from. To me, this is a stronger and bigger fleet than you would find in Para Olympic style competitions. I like the camaraderie of this event. The new sailors from many countries I meet are great to talk to and share knowledge with.
I think that inclusion means competing under a set of International Sailing Rules that are not dumbed down for “people who need less challenging courses”. Therefore on the water we are equal in ability.
When I return home, I will remember the peace dome and the peace museum as both were really moving and it made me value even more, my country’s historic stance on nuclear testing.
If I could invite anyone in the world to sail with me it would be Sir Peter Blake.