Blind Sailing Update For September – Building Teamwork and Speed

This weekend, our group was keen once again to keep advancing. With selection for December’s World Championships now complete, our focus has shifted to building teamwork and sharpening the skills we’ll need to compete at the highest level.

One of the main themes of the weekend was understanding “what to pull when” – how different controls, crew placement, and rudder movement all combine to impact the speed and handling of the boat.

Learning Before Launching

Saturday morning began with an extended briefing on shore. Working in our teams, we broke down every element that could influence boat speed – from sail controls like the backstay, kicker, and outhaul, to crew weight and positioning.

For some of us, this was a real lightbulb moment. A few sailors openly admitted they weren’t entirely sure what some controls did – or even where to find them!

That quickly changed once we got hands-on. Kate, who’s been sailing with us for several years, took on the challenge of tracking down controls such as the kicker and jib tackline. She later reflected:

“People have always spoken about controls like the kicker and the backstay, but this weekend I actually felt the impact for the first time. I could feel how they helped control the sails and the overall speed of the boat. It was like something just clicked.”

Learning from the Water’s Edge

While some sailors hit the water, others hopped into our coach RIB for a new perspective. Listening as the coach gave live audio descriptions of what each team was doing differently was eye-opening. Every adjustment – from a tweak in sail trim to a change in crew weight – could be heard and understood in real time.

By the afternoon, everyone was itching to put theory into practice during some short races. Watching from the RIB was both exciting and nerve-wracking; each decision on the racecourse had spectators asking “why that choice?” and “What impact did it have?”

Camaraderie On and Off the Water

We ended Saturday with a fun social evening – sharing food, drinks, and plenty of laughs. (Yes, a few of us may have had one or two drinks! 😊)

The camaraderie in Blind Sailing is truly unique. On the water, we train hard and compete fiercely, but back on shore, we’re one big family – supporting each other through challenges and celebrating every success together.

Sunday: Small Tweaks, Big Gains

Sunday built on Saturday’s lessons, with even our amazing volunteers getting involved and learning how small changes to set-up and technique could transform boat speed.

The gusty conditions meant teams had to stay sharp, react quickly, and work seamlessly together. Some sailors rediscovered the power of hiking out – shifting weight to keep the boat flat through the gusts. It was a reminder that sometimes the simplest adjustments can be the most effective.

By the end of the weekend, everyone walked away with a deeper understanding of how to use every tool – big or small – to make the boat fly. Big thanks to coach Becky and all our amazing volunteers that make the weekends run like clockwork.

Join the Blind Sailing Family

It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding weekend, filled with learning, laughter, and plenty of teamwork.

If this update has inspired you, why not get involved with Blind Sailing UK? Whether you’re a sailor looking for adventure or a volunteer keen to support, we’d love to welcome you into our fun, supportive, and slightly crazy family.

Come discover the joy of sailing, the thrill of competition, and the lifelong friendships that Blind Sailing creates. 😊