Welcome to the Visually Impaired Sailing Association
- About - who is VI-SA-GB?
- Becoming a member
- Sailing Programme
- Application for membership
- Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Supporting VI-SA-GB
- Volunteering for VI-SA-GB
- Booking a berth
- Join the VI-Sailing mailing list
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Invitations go out for the 2012 VI-SA-GB gathering 12.12.11 So what is it all about? It promises to be another years successful promotion of VI-sSA-GB’s forthcoming 2012 sailing programme and some ‘heads up’ on the association for all, plus presentations by many of the other organisations that also have sailing opportunities for visually impaired people throughout 2012.
VI-SA-GB is in the sailing press
12.12.11Yes! national and international coverage thanks to articles in Yachting Monthly (YM) and Practical Boat Owner (PBO) have created huge interest in the association
VI-SA-GB publishes 2012 sailing programme
13.11.11 8 weeks across 56 days of off-shore adventure sailing - check it out and book today!
www.ports.org.uk link added 01.11.11
Ever been taken into a harbour aboard a boat as a guest and wanted to know more about what was going on or the history of that harbour? Welcome to the world outside VI-SA-GB the world of disempowering sailing
Empower yourself! VI-SA-GB has approved links to facilitate you
2012 Sailing season dates being finalised - watch this space! 30.10.11
October voyage - An outstanding occasion!
24.10.11This 5 dayvoyage though unfortunately unable to make passage to Honfleur and the Normandy coast due to gales in the English Channel saw three new VI-SA-GB members enjoy some fun and thrilling sailing sheltered by the Isle of Wight.
VI-SA-GB presentation to the Foreign Office
12.10.11 Colin Fowler was invited to go along to the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices to give a talk about the association and how members are empowered to sail as equals combating the negativity and unintentional discrimination that still exists.
Wow! it's Newsletter time again!
10.10.11The third edition of the now monthly VI-SA-GB Newsletter is dropping into mail boxes as we update the news here.
Visit my harbour?
09.10.11VI-SA-GB and visitmyharbour.com establish reciprecol links bringing a tremendously useful archive of online chartlets and pilotage for UK harbours that can be magnified allowing you to zoom for viewing and printing.
VI-SA-GB welcomes our latest volunteer
05.10.11A tremendous welcome to John Norman who has just joined our ever increasing numbers of highly experienced and qualified volunteers.
John ex RN air sea rescue, Ocean Yacht Master (commercial) and RYA cruising instructor as well as examiner brings to the association invaluable experience having worked for the UK Sailing Academy in Cowes (UKSA) for the last 5 years and gained a remarkably refreshing knowledge around empowering disabled people to sail as equals with Northampton Sailability.
September voyage - a glorious success!
30.09.11The 4 day Solent sailing
voyage was also used as a familiarisation trip for our NEW volunteer skipper and First mate; Bruce Dudley and Chris Hyde. The trip was an overwhelming success, sailing in basking heat, glorious sunshine with the complete empowerment and independence enjoyed by the crew aboard.
5 days afloat in October - Fully booked
23.09.11
Familiarisation voyage in September
23.09.11The 4 day Solent sailing voyage will also incorporate a familiarisation trip for our volunteers to acquire the competence required to sail with visually impaired people in line with the associations core values and vision
PSP Southampton Boat Show – Final weekend 2011
23/09/11
We're pleased to announce that Chris Hyde is joining us as First mate on our September and October voyages
10/09/11
4 day Solent Sailing September
08.09.11Still berths available on our 4 day solent sailing trip, don't delay. Book today!.
That thud was the second edition of the VI-SA-GB Newsletter landing overnight
6.09.11If the paper boy missed you for some reason, make sure of your FREE subscription.
SALE NOW ON
15% off everything
5.09.11Yeah! the Marine Store pre boat show sale - Use code SBXX at the checkout to claim your discount
First mate required - apply within
1.09.11We would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to volunteer their time. In particular – a first mate is needed for our September and October trips. This is an ideal opportunity for you to get on the water and sail too. If you think you may be able to find the time, have the same approach to our vision and would like to help us by volunteering and become involved in our busy 2012 sailing season please don’t hesitate Contact us today!!!
Great Solent Sailing September
11.08.11
Rona cancels September voyage on Donald Serle
11/08/11 The deadline for receiving voyage bookings for the 4 September till 11 September voyage has resulted in the cancellation of the voyage. Due to sail from Universal Marina RSP's Donald Serle had nobookings, and the decision has now been taken to cancel the voyage.
The first edition of the VI-SA-GB Newsletter hits 'in boxes' nationally
09/08/11
Gwenilli announce Comp crew / Day Skipper practical course vacancy
02/08/11
VI-SA-GB stream Cowes Radio live
01/08/11
Travel insurance for visits to Channel Islands (updated)
27/07/11
Rona September voyage on Donald Serle - Hurry! Book today!!!
26/07/11
"Don't fix what's not broke" say the organisers of Blind Week
23/07/11
RORo Project default statement on Spirit of Scott Bader capsize
22/07/11
Discovery Sailing Programme Update
21/07/11
Discovery loses mainmast in Solent
20/07/11
Your opinion sought from the organisers of Blind Week
19/07/11"some feel Blind Week sends the wrong message or is a bit dated in our modern age. Comment and suggestions
welcome." Grant Morris Blind Week Organisation
EAST announce September mini cruise weekend vacancies
19/07/11
Gwenilli announce cruise vacancy
13/07/11
桴摯ാ †††††㰠慰慲捭畯瑮㈾
PSP Southampton Boat Show – 16th to 25th September 2011
10/07/11
Day Skipper theory course for blind and partially sighted students dates announced
30/06/11
The course will be run over four weekends commencing 5/6th Nov, 12/13th Nov, 19/20th Nov, and 3/4th Dec.
Cruising Association discounted membership
15/06/11 We have now managed to get a 50% discount for Visually Impaired sailing enthusiasts who wish to join the CA – using discount code:Get your code
VI-SA-GB October voyage changes
13/06/11Please note some important changes to this voyage It has been necessary for UKSA to substitute the original yacht for an Elan 36 named Harrier. This week will now commence on Sunday 16 October and end on Friday 21 October
The cost for the 5 day voyage shall be £200 for members and £250 for non members.
DSP announces 4 - 14 September voyage full
12/06/11Thanks to an overwhelming response the Discovery Sailing Project have closed bookings for the September 10 day voyage. Registrations of interest are now being taken for potential additional weekend sails on Discovery in August.
Day Skipper theory course for blind and partially sighted students
31/05/11Ever wanted to progress your sailing and understand more about navigation and skippering your own yacht? or chartering?
Ian Jewry will be running the first ever adapted and accessible Day Skipper theory course at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club in the Autuman, and people are encouraged to register their interst in joining this course as soon as possible.
Announcing the Maxpac audio aid to steering for visually impaired people
20/05/11
VI-SA-GB are pleased to announce the availability of an Auto Helm Audio Compass and GPS for use on all voyages and for loan by members
17/05/11
DSP announces 5 - 10 June voyage full
09/05/11Thanks to an overwhelming response the Discovery Sailing Project have closed bookings for the early June 5 day voyage. Bookings are now being taken for the 10 day voyage and cruise for more experienced sailors in September.
Blind Week summer sailing availability
16/04/11This years blind week acceptance letters and e mails have been received from Grant Morris today. The fortunate people sailing on blind week this year from The Royal Southampton Yacht Club, Ocean Village, Southampton are asked to complete and return without delay their sailing CV, the response form, and ensure that payment is made as soon as possible.
DSP announces 6 - 8/9 May voyage full
16/04/11Thanks to an overwhelming response the Discovery Sailing Project have closed bookings for the early May extended weekend voyage. Bookings are now being taken for the early June extended weekend voyage and the 10 day voyage and cruise for more experienced sailors in September.
Discover sail training with DSP
04/04/11 The Discovery Sailing Project (DSP), Universal Marina, Hamble, near Southampton 2011 sailing programme:
- May 6th –8/9th extended weekend on Discovery a seastream 43 with accommodation for 10. Available berths for visually impaired participants 3 as of 03/04/11
- June 6th –10th Midweek voyage on Discovery a seastream 43 with accommodation for 10. Available berths for visually impaired participants 7
- September 4th – 14th 10 day long range cruise on Discovery a seastream 43 with accommodation for 10. Availability for visually impaired participants 7
- October 14th – 16th Short final laying up for Winter weekend on Discovery a seastream 43 with accommodation for 10. Availability for visually impaired participants 7
These are extremely popular voyages and availability may be restricted. People are encouraged to contact DSP to book without delay!
Complete a DSP berth booking application form today
Download DSP berth booking application form word document
EAST May weekend - A personal appeal from their co-ordinator
03/04/11 Good evening everybody,
this is to let you know that there are a few vacancies for VI's on the EAST Spring Mini Cruise May 12 - 15 ( 12 yachts participating)
schedule:
- meet up at Levington Thursday night (May 12) for a dinner on the yacht and a drinks party (take train to Ipswich - pick up organised by EAST)
- Friday : sail to Brightlingsea
- Saturday: sail to Titchmarsh
- Sunday : sail back to Levington (transfer to Ipswich station in the afternoon)
There will be lots of socials included in the cruise, i.e. boat parties etc.
VI contributions for the cruise are £75
anybody interested , please, apply to
Wieland Raatz
EAST Cruising Coordinator
Tel 01473 327556
EAST May weekend - still places!
02/04/11 "VI bookings are coming through very slowly for the Mini Cruise" - Weiland Raatz says, "suppose it is the economy . In order to help, EAST will pay the train fare to Ipswich for VI sailors , who would need this kind of support, for the Mini
Cruise in May" he adds
VI-SA-GB cruising voyage October 2011
01/04/2011
Thanks to the generosity and recognition of the UK Sailing Academy, we shall be chartering UKSA's Sweden 43 yacht for a 7 day cruising voyage in October. Inspiration is a 43 foot Sweden yacht with accommodation for 8 people in four cabins. The week will commence with members joining the yacht on Saturday 16 October at either Portsmouth's Gun Wharf Quays Marina, or at Gosport Marina; a short distance across the harbour via the foot ferry that leaves from outside the railway station. The 7 day cruising voyage will be in and around the Solent, with the possibility of a crossing to Normandy if the weather is favourable, before returning to Portsmouth.Cost for members £225 per person
version 0.1.0.5 Beta release of Audio compass announced
30/03/11
Paul Eliot has just uploaded version 0.1.0.5: of his audio compass programme
http://www.fourfathom.com/AudioCompass/index.htm
The changes are:
Version 0.1.0.5 : (March 30, 2011)
- Added “Single Beep” steering feedback option
- Added main-window steering control menu-items
- Added heading-difference feedback to steering calculations in COG and HDG mode
"I've actually been sitting on this release for a while. I was kind of stuck
on how to improve the keypad control sequence, I could still use some
advice or suggestions on that.
But, the other changes should be helpful. Please let me know if the new
single-beep option is an improvement." says Paul
More details on the Audio Compass project
Rona cancels May weekend on Donald Serle
18/03/11 The deadline for receiving voyage bookings for the 13 May till 16 May weekend resulted in the cancellation of the voyage. Due to sail from Universal Marina RSP's Donald Serle had only two confirmed bookings, and the decision was taken to cancel the weekend. Barry made this regrettable decision for financial reasons. Donald Serle needs 12 paying voyage participants to cover overheads so with just the two confirmed it was wholly uneconomic.
EAST summer sailing availability
15/03/11 EAST have decided to sail to France (Calais) for their summer cruise week event 8-17 July this year.
They still have a few places left,
The same goes for their Mini East Coast cruise 12 -15 May.
Accessible Day Skipper theory course preliminary exploration
12/03/11 Ian Jewry and Frank Hatful, along with Ken Knowles and Colin Fowler held a preliminary Day Skipper course exploration meeting at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club over the weekend of 12/13th March to run a workshop to develop and refine the approach to Navigation for
The blind and visually impaired. The weekend concentrated on teaching techniques for the course and testing adaptations and tools for making navigation and chart work as accessible and manageable independently by blind and visually impaired students doing the Day Skipper syllabus.
By using Frank’s yacht for part of the weekend, a ‘hands on’ of equipment normally described by slides on the syllabus meant that a greater understanding of particular items and their use could be conveyed to the student. Models of boats were used for explaining the ‘rules of the road’ and an accessible method of demonstrating tidal curve was devised for production later.
The weekend was an overwhelming success and many actions were set for exploring further accessibility ideas.
Gwenilli link to VI-SA-GB
02/03/11The Gwenilli Trust who have offered sailing opportunities for all disabled people over a number of years, and who have supported Blind Week by chartering a yacht and providing a skipper and crew each year have added a link on their webpage to http://vi-sa-gb.org.uk. Gwenilli have a full sailing programme for 2011 published on their web site and we would encourage people to visit and see what opportunities they have to offer.
Annual Sailing reunion – London
26/02/11 This years annual sailing information reunion incorporating the Rona Sailing Project reunion was held on Saturday 26th February at the Paternoster, adjacent St Pauls, in the City of London. It was a fresh start for the reunion with a new venue in a modern fully accessible with easy access City var.
Tremendous support was shown by some 50 people attending to hear from Rona, Discovery, Gwenilli, East, Blind Week and SOVI, who all gave a presentation and a flavour of what sailing opportunities there were for 2011.
The day was an overwhelming success, which can only be improved on slightly for next year.
version 0.1.0.2 Beta release of Audio compass announced
21/01/11
Paul Eliot has just uploaded version 0.1.0.2: of his audio compass programme
http://www.fourfathom.com/AudioCompass/indexIn this version I have added a tone "chirp" mode, and a simple keypad-driven steering control function. The user's guide describes the available
key-commands (which are certainly open to change).
More details on the Audio Compass project
AudioCompass - A new program to try
12/01/11
Paul Elliot based in San Fransisco is working on a development project for accessible instrumentation for blind sailing enthusiasts.
For the last thirty years instrumentation that has been accessible for blind sailors has been restricted to a complex system using the Navtech auto helm and a Raymarine ST50 seatop box. This hasn't been readily available to all, and the organisations and trusts that still have this equipment use it for its function as an audio compass alone.
this development project is looking first at the audio compass and secondly as an accessible instrumentation solution using a laptop and Nabmon PC software.
Back to the Media Centre
So what is it all about? It promises to be another years successful promotion of VI-sSA-GB’s forthcoming 2012 sailing programme and some ‘heads up’ on the association for all, plus presentations by many of the other organisations that also have sailing opportunities for visually impaired people throughout 2012.
VI-SA-GB is in the sailing press
12.12.11Yes! national and international coverage thanks to articles in Yachting Monthly (YM) and Practical Boat Owner (PBO) have created huge interest in the association
VI-SA-GB publishes 2012 sailing programme
13.11.118 weeks across 56 days of off-shore adventure sailing - check it out and book today!
www.ports.org.uk link added 01.11.11
Ever been taken into a harbour aboard a boat as a guest and wanted to know more about what was going on or the history of that harbour? Welcome to the world outside VI-SA-GB the world of disempowering sailing
Empower yourself! VI-SA-GB has approved links to facilitate you
2012 Sailing season dates being finalised - watch this space! 30.10.11
October voyage - An outstanding occasion!
24.10.11This 5 dayvoyage though unfortunately unable to make passage to Honfleur and the Normandy coast due to gales in the English Channel saw three new VI-SA-GB members enjoy some fun and thrilling sailing sheltered by the Isle of Wight.
VI-SA-GB presentation to the Foreign Office
12.10.11Colin Fowler was invited to go along to the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices to give a talk about the association and how members are empowered to sail as equals combating the negativity and unintentional discrimination that still exists.
Wow! it's Newsletter time again!
10.10.11The third edition of the now monthly VI-SA-GB Newsletter is dropping into mail boxes as we update the news here.
Visit my harbour?
09.10.11VI-SA-GB and visitmyharbour.com establish reciprecol links bringing a tremendously useful archive of online chartlets and pilotage for UK harbours that can be magnified allowing you to zoom for viewing and printing.
VI-SA-GB welcomes our latest volunteer
05.10.11A tremendous welcome to John Norman who has just joined our ever increasing numbers of highly experienced and qualified volunteers.
John ex RN air sea rescue, Ocean Yacht Master (commercial) and RYA cruising instructor as well as examiner brings to the association invaluable experience having worked for the UK Sailing Academy in Cowes (UKSA) for the last 5 years and gained a remarkably refreshing knowledge around empowering disabled people to sail as equals with Northampton Sailability.
September voyage - a glorious success!
30.09.11The 4 day Solent sailing voyage was also used as a familiarisation trip for our NEW volunteer skipper and First mate; Bruce Dudley and Chris Hyde. The trip was an overwhelming success, sailing in basking heat, glorious sunshine with the complete empowerment and independence enjoyed by the crew aboard.
5 days afloat in October - Fully booked
23.09.11Familiarisation voyage in September
23.09.11The 4 day Solent sailing voyage will also incorporate a familiarisation trip for our volunteers to acquire the competence required to sail with visually impaired people in line with the associations core values and vision
PSP Southampton Boat Show – Final weekend 2011
23/09/11We're pleased to announce that Chris Hyde is joining us as First mate on our September and October voyages
10/09/114 day Solent Sailing September
08.09.11Still berths available on our 4 day solent sailing trip, don't delay. Book today!.
That thud was the second edition of the VI-SA-GB Newsletter landing overnight
6.09.11If the paper boy missed you for some reason, make sure of your FREE subscription.
SALE NOW ON 15% off everything
5.09.11Yeah! the Marine Store pre boat show sale - Use code SBXX at the checkout to claim your discount
First mate required - apply within
1.09.11We would be delighted to hear from anyone wishing to volunteer their time. In particular – a first mate is needed for our September and October trips. This is an ideal opportunity for you to get on the water and sail too. If you think you may be able to find the time, have the same approach to our vision and would like to help us by volunteering and become involved in our busy 2012 sailing season please don’t hesitate Contact us today!!!
Great Solent Sailing September
11.08.11Rona cancels September voyage on Donald Serle
11/08/11 The deadline for receiving voyage bookings for the 4 September till 11 September voyage has resulted in the cancellation of the voyage. Due to sail from Universal Marina RSP's Donald Serle had nobookings, and the decision has now been taken to cancel the voyage.The first edition of the VI-SA-GB Newsletter hits 'in boxes' nationally
09/08/11Gwenilli announce Comp crew / Day Skipper practical course vacancy
02/08/11VI-SA-GB stream Cowes Radio live
01/08/11Travel insurance for visits to Channel Islands (updated)
27/07/11Rona September voyage on Donald Serle - Hurry! Book today!!!
26/07/11"Don't fix what's not broke" say the organisers of Blind Week
23/07/11RORo Project default statement on Spirit of Scott Bader capsize
22/07/11Discovery Sailing Programme Update
21/07/11Discovery loses mainmast in Solent
20/07/11Your opinion sought from the organisers of Blind Week
19/07/11"some feel Blind Week sends the wrong message or is a bit dated in our modern age. Comment and suggestions welcome." Grant Morris Blind Week Organisation
EAST announce September mini cruise weekend vacancies
19/07/11Gwenilli announce cruise vacancy
13/07/11 桴摯ാ †††††㰠慰慲捭畯瑮㈾PSP Southampton Boat Show – 16th to 25th September 2011
10/07/11Day Skipper theory course for blind and partially sighted students dates announced
30/06/11The course will be run over four weekends commencing 5/6th Nov, 12/13th Nov, 19/20th Nov, and 3/4th Dec.
Cruising Association discounted membership
15/06/11 We have now managed to get a 50% discount for Visually Impaired sailing enthusiasts who wish to join the CA – using discount code:Get your codeVI-SA-GB October voyage changes
13/06/11Please note some important changes to this voyageIt has been necessary for UKSA to substitute the original yacht for an Elan 36 named Harrier. This week will now commence on Sunday 16 October and end on Friday 21 October
The cost for the 5 day voyage shall be £200 for members and £250 for non members.
DSP announces 4 - 14 September voyage full
12/06/11Thanks to an overwhelming response the Discovery Sailing Project have closed bookings for the September 10 day voyage. Registrations of interest are now being taken for potential additional weekend sails on Discovery in August.Day Skipper theory course for blind and partially sighted students
31/05/11Ever wanted to progress your sailing and understand more about navigation and skippering your own yacht? or chartering? Ian Jewry will be running the first ever adapted and accessible Day Skipper theory course at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club in the Autuman, and people are encouraged to register their interst in joining this course as soon as possible.Announcing the Maxpac audio aid to steering for visually impaired people
20/05/11VI-SA-GB are pleased to announce the availability of an Auto Helm Audio Compass and GPS for use on all voyages and for loan by members
17/05/11DSP announces 5 - 10 June voyage full
09/05/11Thanks to an overwhelming response the Discovery Sailing Project have closed bookings for the early June 5 day voyage. Bookings are now being taken for the 10 day voyage and cruise for more experienced sailors in September.Blind Week summer sailing availability
16/04/11This years blind week acceptance letters and e mails have been received from Grant Morris today. The fortunate people sailing on blind week this year from The Royal Southampton Yacht Club, Ocean Village, Southampton are asked to complete and return without delay their sailing CV, the response form, and ensure that payment is made as soon as possible.DSP announces 6 - 8/9 May voyage full
16/04/11Thanks to an overwhelming response the Discovery Sailing Project have closed bookings for the early May extended weekend voyage. Bookings are now being taken for the early June extended weekend voyage and the 10 day voyage and cruise for more experienced sailors in September.Discover sail training with DSP
04/04/11 The Discovery Sailing Project (DSP), Universal Marina, Hamble, near Southampton 2011 sailing programme:- May 6th –8/9th extended weekend on Discovery a seastream 43 with accommodation for 10. Available berths for visually impaired participants 3 as of 03/04/11
- June 6th –10th Midweek voyage on Discovery a seastream 43 with accommodation for 10. Available berths for visually impaired participants 7
- September 4th – 14th 10 day long range cruise on Discovery a seastream 43 with accommodation for 10. Availability for visually impaired participants 7
- October 14th – 16th Short final laying up for Winter weekend on Discovery a seastream 43 with accommodation for 10. Availability for visually impaired participants 7
These are extremely popular voyages and availability may be restricted. People are encouraged to contact DSP to book without delay!
Complete a DSP berth booking application form today
Download DSP berth booking application form word documentEAST May weekend - A personal appeal from their co-ordinator
03/04/11Good evening everybody, this is to let you know that there are a few vacancies for VI's on the EAST Spring Mini Cruise May 12 - 15 ( 12 yachts participating)
schedule:
- meet up at Levington Thursday night (May 12) for a dinner on the yacht and a drinks party (take train to Ipswich - pick up organised by EAST)
- Friday : sail to Brightlingsea
- Saturday: sail to Titchmarsh
- Sunday : sail back to Levington (transfer to Ipswich station in the afternoon)
There will be lots of socials included in the cruise, i.e. boat parties etc. VI contributions for the cruise are £75
anybody interested , please, apply to Wieland Raatz EAST Cruising Coordinator Tel 01473 327556
EAST May weekend - still places!
02/04/11 "VI bookings are coming through very slowly for the Mini Cruise" - Weiland Raatz says, "suppose it is the economy . In order to help, EAST will pay the train fare to Ipswich for VI sailors , who would need this kind of support, for the Mini Cruise in May" he addsVI-SA-GB cruising voyage October 2011
01/04/2011 Thanks to the generosity and recognition of the UK Sailing Academy, we shall be chartering UKSA's Sweden 43 yacht for a 7 day cruising voyage in October. Inspiration is a 43 foot Sweden yacht with accommodation for 8 people in four cabins. The week will commence with members joining the yacht on Saturday 16 October at either Portsmouth's Gun Wharf Quays Marina, or at Gosport Marina; a short distance across the harbour via the foot ferry that leaves from outside the railway station.The 7 day cruising voyage will be in and around the Solent, with the possibility of a crossing to Normandy if the weather is favourable, before returning to Portsmouth.Cost for members £225 per person
version 0.1.0.5 Beta release of Audio compass announced
30/03/11 Paul Eliot has just uploaded version 0.1.0.5: of his audio compass programme http://www.fourfathom.com/AudioCompass/index.htm The changes are:Version 0.1.0.5 : (March 30, 2011)
- Added “Single Beep” steering feedback option
- Added main-window steering control menu-items
- Added heading-difference feedback to steering calculations in COG and HDG mode
"I've actually been sitting on this release for a while. I was kind of stuck on how to improve the keypad control sequence, I could still use some advice or suggestions on that. But, the other changes should be helpful. Please let me know if the new single-beep option is an improvement." says Paul
More details on the Audio Compass projectRona cancels May weekend on Donald Serle
18/03/11 The deadline for receiving voyage bookings for the 13 May till 16 May weekend resulted in the cancellation of the voyage. Due to sail from Universal Marina RSP's Donald Serle had only two confirmed bookings, and the decision was taken to cancel the weekend. Barry made this regrettable decision for financial reasons. Donald Serle needs 12 paying voyage participants to cover overheads so with just the two confirmed it was wholly uneconomic.EAST summer sailing availability
15/03/11 EAST have decided to sail to France (Calais) for their summer cruise week event 8-17 July this year. They still have a few places left, The same goes for their Mini East Coast cruise 12 -15 May.Accessible Day Skipper theory course preliminary exploration
12/03/11 Ian Jewry and Frank Hatful, along with Ken Knowles and Colin Fowler held a preliminary Day Skipper course exploration meeting at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club over the weekend of 12/13th March to run a workshop to develop and refine the approach to Navigation for The blind and visually impaired. The weekend concentrated on teaching techniques for the course and testing adaptations and tools for making navigation and chart work as accessible and manageable independently by blind and visually impaired students doing the Day Skipper syllabus.By using Frank’s yacht for part of the weekend, a ‘hands on’ of equipment normally described by slides on the syllabus meant that a greater understanding of particular items and their use could be conveyed to the student. Models of boats were used for explaining the ‘rules of the road’ and an accessible method of demonstrating tidal curve was devised for production later.
The weekend was an overwhelming success and many actions were set for exploring further accessibility ideas.
Gwenilli link to VI-SA-GB
02/03/11The Gwenilli Trust who have offered sailing opportunities for all disabled people over a number of years, and who have supported Blind Week by chartering a yacht and providing a skipper and crew each year have added a link on their webpage to http://vi-sa-gb.org.uk. Gwenilli have a full sailing programme for 2011 published on their web site and we would encourage people to visit and see what opportunities they have to offer.Annual Sailing reunion – London
26/02/11 This years annual sailing information reunion incorporating the Rona Sailing Project reunion was held on Saturday 26th February at the Paternoster, adjacent St Pauls, in the City of London. It was a fresh start for the reunion with a new venue in a modern fully accessible with easy access City var. Tremendous support was shown by some 50 people attending to hear from Rona, Discovery, Gwenilli, East, Blind Week and SOVI, who all gave a presentation and a flavour of what sailing opportunities there were for 2011.The day was an overwhelming success, which can only be improved on slightly for next year.
version 0.1.0.2 Beta release of Audio compass announced
21/01/11 Paul Eliot has just uploaded version 0.1.0.2: of his audio compass programme http://www.fourfathom.com/AudioCompass/indexIn this version I have added a tone "chirp" mode, and a simple keypad-driven steering control function. The user's guide describes the available key-commands (which are certainly open to change).
More details on the Audio Compass projectAudioCompass - A new program to try
12/01/11Paul Elliot based in San Fransisco is working on a development project for accessible instrumentation for blind sailing enthusiasts.
For the last thirty years instrumentation that has been accessible for blind sailors has been restricted to a complex system using the Navtech auto helm and a Raymarine ST50 seatop box. This hasn't been readily available to all, and the organisations and trusts that still have this equipment use it for its function as an audio compass alone.
this development project is looking first at the audio compass and secondly as an accessible instrumentation solution using a laptop and Nabmon PC software.
Back to the Media CentreCopyright © Notice
All information provided and presented by the association is protected by copyright © and other intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, copy or transmit, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the association.