Sailing blindly on the lake

In early August, I and some friends decided to go sailing on Lake Ontario. It was a gorgeous day for sailing as the winds were just right, the temps were warm and the water calm enough. Everything was just right except that on this day I was going sailing as a person with little to no sight.

A few years ago, I had gone sailing and at that time I was able to see so much around me. I could see the horizon, other boats around me, and even some of the landmarks. O how well I remember! How much I enjoyed it all! I could still remember the sun beating down on us in the boat. The sparkling waters rushing by, the sails billowing in the wind, and so much more. It was an experience of a life time.

This experience was an exciting one of a different kind. Whereas then I was able to see, now I had to put my trust in the captain and everyone else. Still, I enjoyed it. The boat tipping backwards but I trusted in our captain. The sound of the sails billowing, the wind blowing, the water gurgling, and happy ones laughing and screaming in other boats around us.

Whereas before I used my limited sight to help me enjoy it all, now I was using my senses of hearing and smell. Sailing blindly on the lake was much fun.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and tell others that yes! Blind persons can indeed enjoy sailing on the lake. Visit www.blindsailing.ca to learn more.