SailBlind provides persons who are blind or visually-impaired with an opportunity to learn the art and science of sailing.

Persons who are blind can learn to sail through the adaptive methods developed by the Carroll Center SailBlind Program and through the abilities of sighted sailors who volunteer as sailing guides. Sailing sessions are conducted weekly for both recreation and racing sailors out of the facilities of the Courageous Sailing Center, Boston Harbor.

SAILING OPTIONS

Recreation Sailing is available to blind persons at all levels of ability and is available every Saturday, from June to September, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to those properly registered.

Family/guests may accompany sailors who are blind provided there is ample room for all other registered sailors.

Novice sailors are introduced to safety considerations, what to wear, the layout and parts of the boat, the principles of sailing and hands-on techniques for steering and sail trim.

Experienced sailors can improve their sailing skills through instruction and practice.

Slight inclement weather will not be cause for cancellation, while stormy or high wind conditions would cancel the day's sailing. Those registered for that day will be called and notified of cancellation at 8 AM Saturday morning (or sooner if pre-arranged).

Racing Program

Experienced sailors who are blind interested in racing and whose ability and skills meet the approval of the SailBlind Director can be invited to join the SailBlind competitive program. Sighted sailing guides, experienced in racing, are encouraged to join the racing program. Guide training is provided.

Racing practice is conducted each Wednesday evening, from 6 PM to sundown on J/22's and Sonars.

Additional weekly CSC club racing is available every Friday evening.

Racing sailors can become eligible to compete in the World Blind Sailing Championships held in a different country every three years.

ALL SAILORS must register with The Carroll Center SailBlind Program and must notify the SailBlind coordinator each week prior to sailing by calling (617) 969-6200, ext. 221, or email: so that proper matching of the number of boats, sighted guides and sailors who are blind can be made. All sailors are urged to notify the SailBlind office ASAP if you are unable to attend a session, previously confirmed, so that those depending on your attendance won't be disappointed. Sailors must abide by the rules and regulations of the Courageous Sailing Center.

SIGHTED GUIDE SAILORS

Sighted Guide Sailors must be experienced sailors on the type of boat used under the existing conditions, and be approved by the SailBlind Director. New guides will be shown methods for guiding a sailor who is blind. Guides must become aware of the right of way requirements for commercial boat traffic in Boston Harbor. Guides are responsible for damage to a boat(s) resulting from careless or negligent seamanship.

COST

Sighted volunteer guides sail free, contributing their time and expertise. Sailors who are blind are charged a nominal fee per session or for the season.

For world wide information on blind sailing, check out: http://www.blindsailing.org