I started to learn to sail when I was about 15 years old at a sailing centre near my family caravan in Scotland. I achieved up to RYA stage 4 through 1:1 with a hearing sailing instructor through gesture, drawings, and practical and it wasn’t easy. During my twenties I sailed occasionally and I’ve not met another Deaf sailor, so I got frustrated with the lack of access. I stopped sailing altogether for a few years.

Recently, I joined a deaf sailing club (Deaf Sailing UK) and went on their Yacht trips. I had access to understand sailing more in sign language (BSL) and my passion for sailing came back. I looked for opportunities to get back into dinghy sailing and I met Joanna who is a Deaf dinghy sailing instructor. I had the opportunity to learn more from a Deaf dinghy sailing instructor and sail with Deaf people on a dinghy.

Joanna asked me to join a UK Deaf team to race in World Deaf Sailing Championships in Lithuania this September. Now my passion for sailing has inspired me to not only compete and pursue sailing, but to also be a role model to younger Deaf people who are into sailing and give them opportunities to try sailing.

I would be grateful if you support me and the UK Deaf team to compete, as currently we get no grant funding support. Also, to provide future access to opportunities and training to deaf people at all ages, sailing levels and abilities to allow them to enjoy sailing as a hobby or competitively.

Many thanks

Naomi