August, 2006 - Nr. 8
Canadian Blind Sailing Team members to cross Lake Ontario
On Saturday, August 12, 2006, three sailors with vision loss are planning to sail a Tanzer 22 sailboat from Toronto Harbour to Youngstown, New York and back, to raise awareness and donations on behalf of the Canadian Blind Sailing Team.
Equipped only with a talking GPS and a Braille compass, Torontonians Frances Lake, David Brown and Randy Nelson will navigate their way to the American destination. The following day, they will return to Toronto to complete their round-trip crossing. A safety boat will assist in docking and aid in the event of major problems.
The team’s next stop is the World Blind Sailing Championships, held in Newport, Rhode Island from September 20 to 27, 2006. Held every three to four years, participants from nearly a dozen countries, including Canada, will compete in this year’s event. Visit
www.blindsailing.org for more information."Canada last participated in 1999," says David Greenwood, leader of the Canadian team.
"We will be sending one team in each of two categories. These are designated as B2 and B3 and represent the degree of vision loss," Greenwood explains. "We have attracted some high-calibre coaching expertise from the Ontario Sailing Association that we believe will lead to a dramatic increase in our standings over 1999," he says.
"This crossing will increase awareness of blind sailing and attract volunteers, donors and sponsors willing to help send the 8 member team to represent Canada at the week long World Blind Sailing Championships."
To volunteer, donate or for more information, please call Randy Nelson at 416-627-6010 or e-mail
cbst@rogers.com.
