Elementary,
My Dear Watson
Rolex Sydney Hobart - News Update
13:30 AEDT December 29, 2008
13:30 AEDT December 29, 2008
Article By Greg Peart, Rolex Sydney Hobart Media
Team
December
29, 2008.
| Sailing in his fourth Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, 35-year-old Kirk Watson was handed the helm by skipper of Sailors with Disabilities, David Pescud, to sail the yacht across the Castray Esplanade finishing line in 25th place overall today. Nothing unusual about that, you say? Kirk Watson is blind. And he relished the experience. |
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| "It was a bit stressful at first, but exhilarating, and it was great to hear the hooter as we crossed the line," he said. Watson’s major responsibilities are on the mainsheet, optimizing the sail shape of the mainsail. He is expected to perform like any other member of the crew. While he may not be able to see, Watson, like any other sailors trimming the mainsail, relies on feel, but he more so. "I can feel the load on the mainsheet and know instinctively when to ease and when to harden, but communication with the drivers is just so important as well," he said as he worked with others on the crew to pack up sails. For this race, the 54 footer Sailors with Disabilities had four sailors with a disability. One had reduced leg movement due to polio. Two, including Pescud, suffer from dyslexia. Pescud said he was totally committed to providing sailing opportunities for people with a disability and has often sailed with a full complement of sailors with a disability. "It demonstrates the capacity of what disabled people can do, often on a daily basis. And it is important that disabled people participate in this sport... it should be an even playing field," Pescud said. He was a little disappointed with their performance, believing they would have finished a little higher in the pecking order, perhaps even winning their division, if the right tactical decisions were made. |
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| Like many other of the early finishers, Sailors with Disabilities experienced great sailing conditions and arrived in Hobart without breaking any gear and having only one serious problem. "We ran out of coffee!" he groaned. Pescud hopes to continue his involvement in the Rolex Sydney Hobart, but without sponsorship he is feeling the pinch. "I am really hoping we can pick up a generous, committed corporate sponsor to ensure that people with a disability can have the opportunity to participate in this great event," he said today. For more information about the Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008 including the entry list, yacht tracker and results please visit the event website at: www.rolexsydneyhobart.com |
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