Please select your home edition
Edition
Palm Beach Motor Yachts

International Blind Keelboat League 2023 at Rutland Sailing Club

by Bill Stillman 21 Nov 2023 03:10 PST 16-19 November 2023
International Blind Keelboat League at Rutland © RSC

Reviving Global Blind Sailing

Rutland Sailing Club, in collaboration with Blind Sailing UK, proudly concluded the 2023 International Blind Keelboat League, a groundbreaking event that showcased the resilience, skill, and camaraderie of six international blind sailing teams. Under the strategic leadership of Lucy Hodges MBE, Commodore of Blind Sailing UK and European representative for Blind Sailing International, this competition not only marked a triumphant return for Blind Sailing globally but also demonstrated the potential of adaptive sports on an international stage.

The Visionaries Behind the Event

Lucy Hodges MBE, an advocate for blind sailing, envisioned a world where visually impaired individuals could passionately engage in sailing. Her commitment materialized through the relentless efforts of David Wilkins, whose unwavering dedication brought this exceptional event to fruition.

Meet the Exceptional Teams

The participating teams showcased remarkable talent, determination, and sportsmanship.

Australia Lost at Sea:

  • Kylie Forth
  • Kiara Parkinson
  • Erin McGlew
  • Del Kilcullen

French Freedom:

  • Olivier Ducruix
  • Nicolas Rondouin
  • Fabienne Rassat
  • Gilles Guyon
  • Marine Clogenson

GBR 0% Risk:

  • Jonny Cormack
  • Ian Shirra
  • Vic Sheen
  • Sally Rodrigues

GBR Gravity:

  • Jonny Stevenson
  • Steve Tylecoote
  • Lucy Hodges
  • Toby Davey

GBR Barons:

  • Colin Midgley
  • Gareth Robinson
  • Chris Albert
  • Martin Philips

GBR Challengers:

  • Malcolm James
  • Sarah Featherstone
  • Pat Beukenholdt
  • Neil Brooks

Four Days of Unforgettable Competition

From the 16th to the 19th, teams faced varying weather conditions, showcasing their adaptability and skill. The training day allowed sailors to familiarize themselves with the boats, crucial for blind sailors who rely on heightened senses.

Despite the UK's challenging weather, teams embraced the light winds on Friday, engaging in intense races. GBR Gravity claimed an early lead, closely pursued by GBR Barons. The sponsorship from Athletic Brewing and Hogan's Cider added a refreshing touch to each day's conclusion.

Friday evening's welcome dinner provided a platform for inspiring speeches from key figures, including Richard Moxey (RYA Keelboat Development Manager), David Wilkson (Event Manager), and Lucy Hodges MBE (Commodore of Blind Sailing UK).

Day 2: Navigating Stronger Winds

Saturday brought stronger winds, presenting new challenges. GBR Gravity continued their dominance, showcasing exceptional teamwork and strategic sailing. The day concluded with sailors gathering for a celebratory evening filled with singing, camaraderie, and discussions about the day's triumphs.

The Final Day

The final day saw winds reaching 23 knots, testing the teams' abilities. All teams showed amazing boat handling skills and pushed each start looking for that lead and control from the gun. GBR Gravity, with consistent wins and impeccable racing, emerged as the clear overall winners. The final standings reflected the exceptional performance:

Final Standings:

1. GBR Gravity
2. GBR Barons
3. GBR 0% Risk

Overall Helm Winners:

B1 Helm: Vicki Sheen
B2 Helm: Lucy Hodges MBE
B3 Helm: Chris Albert

Gratitude and Acknowledgments

The organizers extend heartfelt thanks to all volunteers, RYA Sailability, and sponsors, including KSail, RYA, British Keelboat League, Rooster, RS Sailing, Athletic Brewing, Hogan's Cider, ARB Tree and Garden Solutions, Rutland Sailing Club, Rutland Sailability, and The Outlook Trust.

Special recognition goes to David Wilkins for his instrumental role in bringing this extraordinary event to life.

For more detailed information and updates, please visit www.gbrblindsailing.co.uk

See also photo gallery from the event

Related Articles

Marine Auctions: March/April Online Auctions
March Online Auction and Special April Online Auction March's Action Bidding to Commence Friday 21st March and will end on Thursday 27th March. And April's Bidding to Commence on Friday 4th April and will end on Thursday 10th April. Posted today at 9:11 am
Seeing double: Moonrise exits the shed
An impressive 101.00-metre yacht in build at the Feadship facility The newly unveiled Moonrise is an impressive 101.00-metre yacht in build at the Feadship facility in Makkum. Posted today at 7:57 am
Barron Boats - The Legend Lives On
The name has long been synonymous with excellence on the water The Barron name has long been synonymous with excellence on the water. Since the 1960s, the Barron family has been at the forefront of innovation, quality, and performance—building boats that weren't just vessels, but symbols of craftsmanship & adventure Posted on 16 Mar
Maritimo M600 Offshore Flybridge American debut
On full display at the 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show Maritimo's focus and dedication to consistent new model introduction is once again on full display at the 2025 Palm Beach International Boat Show. Posted on 16 Mar
Ava Yachts sells first Kando85 Model
Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure AvA Yachts is delighted to announce that the first hull of its Kando85 model has been sold with Maria Razumi from Smart Yachts introducing the buyer. Delivery is scheduled for early 2026. Posted on 15 Mar
Sea.AI makes U.S. debut of Watchkeeper
At the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025 Sea.AI is making waves at the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025 with the official U.S. launch of Watchkeeper, its newest safety system. Posted on 15 Mar
Introducing the Hinckley 41
Commanding power, timeless elegance The new Hinckley 41 is a masterclass in precision, craftsmanship, and refined performance. Propelled by triple Mercury Verado V10 outboards, it glides across the water with unshakable confidence, reaching speeds of nearly 60 mph. Posted on 15 Mar
Azimut attends Palm Beach International Boat Sjpw
World premiere of the Seadeck 6 Sundeck Version The world premiere of the Seadeck 6 Sundeck Version and the two American debuts of the Seadeck 7 and Fly 62 lead the Azimut lineup. Giorgio Sarti, in his new role as Azimut Americas Sales Manager, will welcome owners and enthusiasts at the stand. Posted on 14 Mar
Celebrating 30 years of Palm Beach Motor Yachts
With 3 models on display at the Palm Beach Boat Show The Palm Beach International Boat Show will take place March 19-23, along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, directly across from Palm Beach Island. Posted on 14 Mar
Baglietto expands range with new T54
This new model's classic and slender lines preserve the timeless beauty of the range Baglietto's range expands with a new 54m named T54 under 500GT pencilled by Francesco Paszkowski Design. Posted on 14 Mar
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo 2023 M600 FOOTER