Nancy Blackett played a proud role in this year’s East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST) Visually-Impaired Cruise Weekend, which brought together seven yachts, 29 participants, and seven VIPs (visually-impaired participants) for a memorable few days on the water.

Ahead of the main event, Nancy Blackett hosted a short preparatory sail for four EAST members. The 2.5-hour trip offered a chance for all to familiarise with the yacht and any likely issues.

The main cruise began with a delivery trip from Woolverstone to Suffolk Yacht Harbour (SYH) in strong winds and heavy rain. The VI crew included an experienced sailor with partial sight and his sighted assistant, a volunteer from EAST. The EAST clubhouse buzzed that evening with briefings and laughter as VIPs, many new to sailing, explored tactile charts, model yachts, and inflated lifejackets—essential tools for learning when sight is limited.

After a rain-soaked night, Nancy Blackett set off with two reefs and the staysail. A spirited run upriver and back to SYH ended with a warm welcome from a crowd of curious VIPs eager to explore the yacht. The evening brought more fun and games at the clubhouse, but worsening weather the next day meant sailing was no longer safe, and Nancy Blackett returned to her home berth.

Sailing with a VIP is a humbling and inspiring experience. Many have heightened wind awareness and can steer with remarkable sensitivity to boat heel -sometimes outperforming sighted sailors. EAST supports this by supplying audible compasses. The demand for places is high.

Of the seven yachts taking part, five were privately owned, and one belonged to a local sailing club. Nancy Blackett was proud to represent the Trust. EAST’s help and support was invaluable, from providing expert guidance to skippers and mates, and arranging suitable berths to ensuring someone met us at our berth to take our lines..

Looking ahead, EAST has announced its 2026 VI Cruise dates, all starting and finishing at SYH, Levington:

  • 2-night Taster Cruise (for first-time crew): Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th May
  • 3-night Cruise: Friday 5th – Monday 8th June
  • 8-night Cruise: Friday 11th – Saturday 19th September

These life-changing trips rely on the generosity of local skippers who volunteer their boats and experience. Anyone interested in supporting or finding out more is encouraged to visit the EAST website here.