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Blind Adventurer to Sail Around World

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by carelm, Sep 1, 2011.

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  1. carelm, Sep 1, 2011
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    carelm

    carelm Senior Member

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    http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/08/30/sailing.around.world.blind/index.html?hpt=tr_c2

    Dennis Howard who is legally blind will attempt to sail solo around the world in a 20 foot sailboat. It seems a tall order, but I wish him well in his journey. During his trip he will be in regular contact with a group of schoolchildren in Ohio who have various types of disabilities. This should provide all involved with a rich educational experience.
  2. NYCAP123, Sep 1, 2011
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    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    This may be as dangerous and fool-hardy as the kids (with parents encouragement) trying the youngest around stunt, but at least this is an adult and for a great cause. Hopefully the world will follow his adventure, and his support staff and luck will watch over him. I wish him great success and calm seas. Brave man.
  3. C4ENG, Sep 1, 2011
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    C4ENG

    C4ENG Senior Member

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    I am a bit confused here. I am all for charitable acts but I know the Coast Guard wants an eye exam medical report before they will issue any mariners licenses for a reason. You don't have to have great vision but you can't be color blind and you have to at least read the first 3 lines on the eye chart..
    Wait, I just read the article, he said he "can read a license plate on a car from across the street".
  4. Capt Ralph, Sep 1, 2011
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    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Blind and by himself? Around the world?
    Did not know that there were brail chart displays, sextants, compass and brail AIS.
    What shapes and lights would be shown? RAM? NUC? Absent?
    I don't want to slam this guy down, but rite off the dock, I can see this is a hazard not just for him, but every body else out there.
  5. NYCAP123, Sep 1, 2011
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    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    He doesn't need a mariner's license to sail his own boat, and that much vision well tell him when a 20 breaker is about to cross his deck or what's on his radar screen. So what's the confusion? Besides, I know at least one master who is color blind. DK how he got his license, but he's a good skipper.
  6. NYCAP123, Sep 1, 2011
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    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    There's a big difference between legally blind and seeing nothing. Hey, at least he doesn't sound stupid, and we let an awful lot of those on the water. Just watch this weekend. They'll be out in force for the last hoorah.:eek: I say Go 4 It, and god be with you.
  7. Only4Her, Sep 1, 2011
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    Only4Her

    Only4Her New Member

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    This will be such a media spectacle, that I doubt that he will pose a hazard (at least his entry and exit from ports), not with all the support and onlooker escorts. We'll see, but I wouldn't worry about. I'd be concerned at sea, but even then he'll have good support. I wish them the best of luck.
  8. carelm, Sep 1, 2011
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    carelm

    carelm Senior Member

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    Based on the CNN article, he has some vision, although his field of view is rather limited. He also had a number of features built into the boat that were tailored to his needs. He does sum up it rather well.

    "Those who have never sailed in blue water, particularly alone with the moon and stars and phosphorescence and wildlife and the majesty of the ocean would have to struggle to appreciate how beautiful it is."
  9. Capt Ralph, Sep 1, 2011
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    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I'm with ya on that. Wish I could go out there.

    Like the story said, he sees everything thru a straw. Ya think he can see more than two stars or that freighter coming up astern?

    Well luck and rum be with him,