Sense The Wind, Blind Sailors Race Across The Open Water Screening

The sea is bright, there’s a steady wind out of the SW, the race meeting is over and a conga-line of sailors makes its way to the waterfront. A white cane taps along the dock, an outstretched hand struggles to grab a halyard to step up onto the boat deck. In regattas across the US and abroad, visually impaired sailors learn not to fear what they cannot see. They sail by feel: sensing the breeze on a cheek or tension in the tiller, listening to the pattern of waves hitting the hull and sails luffing in the wind. Sighted guides describe the racecourse and give tactical race advice. On the water disability is no longer a focus. $18 (non-members) $15 (JAC Members & Any sailors competing in Sail Newport Blind Nationals) Tickets available at jamestownartcenter.org and at the door