The ISAF blind international sailing championship is all set to be held between 13th - 21st March 2009 at Lake Rotorua - New Zealand. This World Championship will bring together both blind sailors and sighted support crews from around the world to compete in this prestigious international event. It is anticipated that up to 30 crews from 10 countries will participate across the three divisions.
Blind Sailing International (B.S.I.) is the governing body for competitive international sailing for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Sailors who meet the universal criteria for legal blindness are eligible to compete in B.S.I. boat race meetings, called regattas.
Boats with tillers are preferred over those with wheels so that the blind helmsman can gain a better feel of the helm. A responsive helm is more of a factor than the boat size or design.
Neither special boat nor any modification is required for blind sailors. It is to be noted that the preferred type or design of boat is one that is large enough to carry a crew of four while small enough to provide a responsive helm, which will enable the blind sailor to exhibit their 'seat of the pants' sailing ability.
Rules for sailing -
Crew: Team - four sailors on a boat, two of whom are blind according to I.B.S.A. classifications. The other two are sighted and serve as guides.
The helmsman must be a blind sailor, who must steer the boat independently unassisted by any sailor. The other blind sailor serves as crew, primarily trimming the sails.
Roles: The sighted guide for the helm is not allowed to physically touch any of the controls on the boat including sheets, and is responsible for verbally guiding the blind helmsman. The second sighted sailor serves as crew assisting the blind crew with sail trim. The four sailors work together as a team with verbal communication skills and accurate execution of manoeuvres being the keys to success.
Quick Facts – 2009 IFDS World Blind Sailing Championships
Lake Rotorua
Rotorua
New Zealnd
13th - 21st March 2009
Type of yacht - Noelex 25 trailable yachts
Participants - 30 crews from 10 countries
Click here to download entry forms for the race or log onto http://www.blindsailing.org/ (download page) for more details.
Click here to read more on sailing for the blind.
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2 comments:
That's a great initiative of taking the sailing to ALL of the masses...
Definitely a great motivating factor!
We are looking forward for such initiatives from India for the blind. it also goes to show that sailing is open to all...
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