Simon sets sail for national finale

Blind veteran Simon is preparing to take on the final races of the Hansa TT national sailing series next week, having rediscovered his love of sailing thanks to our charity.

Simon will compete in the final event of the season alongside his sailing partner Terry in a Hansa 303 double-handed boat. The pair are currently sitting fifth in the national standings and hope to finish the season on a high.

Simon served as a Royal Marines junior officer in the 1960s before losing his sight later in life as a result of glaucoma. He was 66 when his sight began to seriously deteriorate and eventually lost it completely. Since then, we have supported him with rehabilitation, training and practical assistance to help him adapt to life with sight loss.

Today, Simon competes in the Hansa TT, a national touring trophy organised by the Hansa Class Association. The specially designed Hansa boats are accessible to sailors with a wide range of altered abilities, creating opportunities for more people to enjoy the sport.

Simon and Terry's partnership is a remarkable example of teamwork. Simon is completely blind, while Terry is a stroke survivor whose left arm and left leg are paralysed. Together they combine their abilities to race competitively against sailors from across the country. Terry steers the boat while Simon controls the sails, relying on communication, trust and experience.

The pair have enjoyed some of their best results this season, securing two third-place finishes at their most recent event.

Far from finding sailing daunting, Simon describes being on the water as exhilarating. Over the years he has developed an extraordinary ability to read changes in the wind and feel the movement of the boat through subtle physical sensations, helping him make crucial adjustments to the sails.

As well as the thrill of competition, Simon believes sailing can play an important role in supporting wellbeing and encourages other blind veterans to give it a try.

He says: “I'd recommend sailing to anyone. The benefits for your wellbeing are incredible and there's a real sense of freedom when you're out on the water. The great thing is that Sailability clubs are all around the country, so wherever you live there's likely to be an accessible sailing opportunity to get involved with and have a go.”

Looking beyond next week's finale, Simon and Terry already have their sights set on climbing higher up the national rankings next season and potentially competing on the European stage in the future.

For now, however, their focus is firmly on the final races of the Hansa TT and ending the season with another strong performance. With, as Simon likes to say, "three working legs, three working arms and two working eyes" between them, they continue to prove what can be achieved through determination and teamwork.