VI Sailing - Sunday 24th May
Published 18:07 on 12 May 2026
Volunteers required!
The first of the 2026 series of VI Sailing afternoons will be on Sunday 24th May. We need willing volunteers to help to run these sessions: 2 safety boat helms and 2 crew, 4 dinghy helms (Hansa or Wanderer), 3 shore-based support. Please contact Jeremy to confirm you can help.
Shotwick Lake Sailing is a great supporter of the Visually Impaired (VI) community, so that they can experience what it is like to sail a dinghy. Many of those participating have experienced sailing and racing on yachts based out of Tranmere Sailing Club (also supported by Shotwick members). but dinghy sailing brings a different perspective, being so close to the water and with such a direct response to the elements through the sails or helm.
With an emphasis on safety, two safety boats are deployed on the lake during each session and full safety briefings are required. The VI participants are accompanied by experienced club sailors but as the session progresses they are encouraged to control the sails and take a turn at helming. Usually the club fleet of Wanderers dinghies and Access Hansa dinghies are used as they provide the required stability and security. The Hansa dinghy is specially designed with a joystick helm system that means even those with physical disabilities can join in on the water.
The Vi sessions will be held on the following dates, and club members are encouraged to volunteer either providing safety boats cover, sailing or general shore support, kitting-up our visitors or assisting them onto and off the boats. If you are interested in assisting please let Jeremy know so he can add you to the volunteer list.
VI sailing dates (session preparation starts at 1:30pm - all dates are Sundays):
24th May 31st May 14th June 21st June 26th July 30th August 13th September 20th September
The Mersey based yacht Guillemot is hired from the Guillemot Trust FOC. Yacht Mermerus is a Mersey Milne class yacht which UK North Blind Sailing Association own, it is raced with other privately owned Milnes out of Tranmere Sailing Club (where the Association is based) and the adjacent Royal Mersey Yacht Club.
For more information see: https://www.uknorthblindsailingassociation.org.uk/
Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKNBSA/?locale=en_GB
Last updated 18:07 on 12 May 2026
