Deaf sailing crew hope to prove their mettle

The team from Hastings and St Leonards Sailing Club, based at the Marina, is hoping their efforts will raise awareness of the sport for those with hearing difficulties.

Led by helmsman, Simon Terry, 33, the group is planning to take part with the help of an interpreter, but wants to prove deaf people have a role in the sport.

Mr Terry is passionate about sailing and is looking forward to the challenge. He said: "Even though we have to use an interpreter to communicate, we want to show that sailing is a great sport and can be accessible for deaf people.

"Sailors are coming from all over the world to compete at Cowes Week, and I am really looking forward to showing people what we can do.

"I'm excited that we will be taking on people who are not deaf, and I hope this will inspire other deaf people in Hastings to give sailing a try.

"There are barriers regarding deaf people, which we hope to overcome this summer, and it is great that we have the chance to compete at such a famous event."

Mr Terry, who also teaches sailing at the club, says the sport is not expensive to take up and urges anyone to give it a try.

The crew is also looking for sponsorship to help with travelling costs and mooring the boats at Cowes, and would like to hear from any businesses who would like to join the project.

The team is planning to take in the full weeks racing at Cowes, and Mr Terry says nothing short of victory will do for the determined crew.

They would also like to promote a charity dedicated to people interested in sailing who suffer from hearing difficulties.

Deaf Sailing aims to make the sport more accessible through a series of courses and other opportunities, with details available on their website at www.dsuk.org.uk

If you want to sponsor the team, email Mr Terry at [email protected] for details.