Blind Sailing NZ B1 Chicago
As a supporter you are an essential member of our team!
Manawatu / Whanganui
Group, Manawatu / Whanganui
For the first time ever, a team from our region is representing NZ in blind sailing at the upcoming World Champs.
Russell Lowry (Blind Helmsman), Jonathan Godfrey (Blind sail trimmer), Ian Perry (Sighted tactician), and Philip Paterson (Sighted crew) are preparing to make their mark in Chicago during September.
Your team needs supporters. We need to raise $10,000 before the end of August, and your contribution will make a difference no matter how large or small.
Russell and Phil were part of the NZ squad that took silver in 2013. We aim to go one better this time! With your support we can do it.
Blind Sailing NZ B1 Chicago's involvement (page creator)
As tactician I'll be guiding Russell and Jonathan to sail as fast and efficiently as possible. They are both in the most sight-impaired catagory of this world championship, so it's all about trust and communication.
I've set this page up on behalf or our team. Funds gathered through Give a Little go towards the team's costs which include Travel, accommodation, meals, the boat bond, regatta fee and other fees associated with using the yachts in Chicago.
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Latest update
Half way point, no racing yet, a casualty in B3 11 September 2015
The first race was scheduled for 10.55 this morning. The wind was too light set a course... the fleet mingled close to the committee boat under hot sun waiting for the postponement to end. A VHF radio update changed all that - a lightening storm was fast approaching & for safety we were to be towed promptly back to harbour! Back on the shore the horizon did look a purplish colour, but would there really be a storm? Then the temperature dropped and wind rapidly clawed the water. Later rain poured, but there was less lightening than we saw while waiting to begin the first practice day. Sadly Rachel from the B3 team has her right arm in a sling - a nasty fall on board sent her to hospital with a damaged shoulder... she'll mend in about 6 weeks but won't be able to sail in a blow... B3 are negotiating for a replacement team member. By mid afternoon today sailing might have been possible but for the early evening social calendar: lauch of the long awaited documentary film on blind sailing, "Sense the Wind", at the prestigious Munro Station of Chicago Yacht Club. I've bought a DVD copy and recommend it! We were treated to a fine feast.
Canada's B1 team will have a Chicago Yacht Club member blindfolded to sail as replacement since the helmsman Brian is returning home tomorrow following news of the death of his 94 yr old mum.
The forecast is for storms sufficiently violent to cause flooding of land near the Yacht Club. We don't yet know if we be sailing or sight-seeing tomorrow. It's all part of competitive sailing!
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