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04-03-2011, 12:51
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 18
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Blind Skipper ( Don't Panic ) . . .
...as I live in the UK, so a long way from most of you chaps by the look of things. I own a small cruiser, a Westerly 21, and always sail with at least one sighted crew!
I have recently started keeping a blog. My eldest son kept urging me to do so and I must be honest, I have enjoyed it so far. I would love to hear from any other disabled skippers/crew out there to swap ideas and experiences.
My blog can be found at The Blind Sailor | I see no ships! if anyone fancies a peek at it. Still got a lot to learn about 'blogging' but at least I have started!
Cheers chaps, look forward to getting to know you a bit better.
Steve
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04-03-2011, 13:36
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#2
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Solent, England
Boat: Moody 31
Posts: 18,429
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
Steve hi and welcome to CF. Friendly lot on here even if they can't pronounce aluminium
Couple of years ago I was asked by St Dunstans, a UK charity for Ex service blind folk (I am ex service) to take one of there members around the 70 miles of the Isle of Wight on a very nice hot sunny afternoon. Not being able to think of a better way to spend an afternoon I agreed. Mark came accompanied by two gorgeous blond assistants too
After a quick description of the rib we set off and I gave Mark the controls. He quickly settled down to steer a remarkably good course at 28 knots given he was completely blind. He was using the feel of the waves on the hull and the sun shinning on him to judge when we were going off course. A great afternoon and I believe he has since gone on to set a water speed record on Windermere.
Pete
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04-03-2011, 13:54
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: UK,Bristol
Boat: Prout Snowgoose Elite
Posts: 142
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
Hi mate
Lots of diferenly able people here. am dyslexic with hearing loss and last time i sailed had diabetic with me. no real issues like life go for it and work round problems
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04-03-2011, 14:02
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#4
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Gabriola Island & Victoria, British Columbia
Boat: Cooper 416 Honeysuckle
Posts: 6,933
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
A good start to your blog Steve. Welcome to the fray.
__________________
“We are the universe contemplating itself” - Carl Sagan
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04-03-2011, 14:28
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#5
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Manchester, UK
Boat: Beneteau 473
Posts: 5,589
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
Hi Alex,
Enjoyed reading your story, keep up the work, please dont take another dip in the river.
__________________
Nigel
Beneteau 473
Manchester, UK
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04-03-2011, 14:55
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Florida Keys
Boat: 1978 Marine Trader 36
Posts: 312
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
Great blog Steve. I bookmarked it and will check it out periodicaly. What is your vision now?
Good on ya for not sitting back and doing nothing.
I have a vision imparment as well. Legally blind without glasses, 20/60 with glasses. As I am sure you know better than most, never let anyone tell you you can't do something. Where there is a will, there is a way.
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04-03-2011, 15:13
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 18
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
Wow! Thanks for all the nice comments guys. Very much appreciated. Just been looking at some of the locations of sailors on here. We are everywhere! Panama City, how romantic that sounds, great stuff the old www isnt it! Off to bed now, got an early start to catch the tide in the morning, just a one tide mess about, but should be a good 'un. Thanks again.
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04-03-2011, 15:20
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Ohio
Boat: Catalina 22
Posts: 150
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
Hi Steve.
Welcome to CF. I'm glad you haven't let your impairment prevent you from doing the things you love. I, too, have a couple of problems that could keep me in the house all day (crippled foot, diabetes, and ulcerative colitis) but it's never occured to me to not pursue sailing.
It has crossed my mind what I would do if diabetes takes my sight. I'll bookmark your blog, so I can learn from you.
Have you taught your dog how to bark the difference between " ship to port" and "ship to starboard" yet.
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04-03-2011, 15:33
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Winnipeg
Boat: None at this time
Posts: 8,462
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
Welcome to CF Steve. I hope you enjoy the forum. I sent the URL for your blog to a friend in Vancouver who is in a chair and sailed for some years.
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04-03-2011, 23:44
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#12
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,663
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
Steve, you might be interested in some sailing software I am developing for the visually impaired sailor. I am doing this with the assistance and advice of a number of blind sailors, mostly from the U.K. Check out the website and discussion group. I would certainly appreciate any feedback or suggestions.
__________________
Paul Elliott, S/V VALIS - Pacific Seacraft 44 #16 - Friday Harbor, WA
www.sailvalis.com
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05-03-2011, 01:52
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#13
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Moderator
Join Date: May 2008
Location: cruising SW Pacific
Boat: Jon Sayer 1-off 46 ft fract rig sloop strip plank in W Red Cedar
Posts: 21,156
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
G'Day Steve,
Welcome to CF -- it can be an interesting and sometimes contentious place to hang out, sometimes even educational.
And, let me say that I deeply admire your attitude and determination to do what you want to do despite the hand that you have been dealt. Good onya, mate!
Cheers,
Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II lying Morning Cove, NSW, Oz
__________________
Jim and Ann s/v Insatiable II, lying Port Cygnet Tasmania once again.
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05-03-2011, 02:16
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#14
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C.L.O.D
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 8,232
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
Hi Steve,
I'm doing a MA ODE with OU right now, and my last module was accessibility for disabled users, so I was very intrigued to see you used a "degree course with the Open University to begin rebuilding my life" - I'm glad it had such a positive effect. I'd also be interested to hear what tools you use to help you create your blog.
Is there any chance you can add a RSS feed?
Oh, and welcome aboard!
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05-03-2011, 03:34
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Kingston, Ontario
Boat: Saugeen Witch, Colvin design vessel name: Witchcraft
Posts: 383
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Re: Blind Skipper (don't panic)...
Like the blog...and you are so right about the life vest...my friend always says, why fight to get your head above water.
Fair Winds
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