Sail Foresight
About Foresight | Katy Our Inspiration | Sail Foresight 2006
Months of preparation culminated in yet another challenge for Katy Newitt on Friday, April 7th 2006.
She sailed around 'The World', an amazing series of man-made islands being developed by Nakheel off the shore of Dubai. In a race aimed at raising funds to help find a cure for hereditary eye disease such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, an eye disease that she suffers from, Newitt and her all woman crew hoped to bring greater awareness of the issues faced by people who are blind.
Katy helmed the Foresight boat and competed against the UAE's up and coming female sailing talent, Shamsa Dasmal. The 2 teams of a total of 14 women of all sailing abilities plus reserves trained 2-3 times a week for several months on 7.5m Beneteaus generously loaned by DIMC (Dubai International Marine Club).
Katy's determination and the commitment of the teams inspired local sailing clubs to be involved in the 'Sail Foresight around The World' campaign and the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club (DOSC) made the race part of their Commodores Cup event. Catamarans from Jebel Ali Sailing Club (JASC) also made up the flotilla. DIMC provided the racing boats and invaluable support throughout the campaign.
Before the race Katy encouraged UAE residents to show their support for the worthy cause: "The team is looking forward to the culmination our months of preparation with a successful sail around the course. This race is not about winning or creating records, when it comes to achievements people with visual impairment can have the same opportunities," she added. "The sponsorship of our efforts and all donations will go towards funding further research into hereditary eye diseases which affect millions of people worldwide."
Hamza Mustafa, General Manager of The World, pointed out that the event was one of the first community activities supported by his organisation. "We have watched Katy Newitt's enterprising spirit and her determination to compete in the race. We wish the contestants the very best in this momentous effort," he added.
Katy and the Foresight team and Shamsa helming the Nakheel team started their race from DOSC at 11 am and made their way to 'The World'. The race was expected to be completed in four to five hours but due to very calm conditions it actually took over 6. The sailing teams were fantastic and worked hard all day in what was a very exciting and close run race - The Nakheel team won after over 6 hours racing by 12 seconds. The Dhow, at Mina Seyahi put on a wonderful presentation. "The atmosphere was one of great excitement and achievement which will, we hope, spur others on to feats like this," said Katy.
Katy depended on all her senses plus an audio compass to guide her through the waters and complete her mission around 'The World'.
Sail Foresight inspired Blue Sail to put together a sailing programme to teach local people who are visually impaired and blind in the U.A.E. For more details ... http://www.bluesailyachts.com
Useful links
International Federation for Disabled Sailing - http://www.sailing.org/ifds.php
International Blind Sports Federation - http://www.ibsa.es/main.htm