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Santa Irene Club de Vela Newsletter - 26th October 2005
I’ve no apologies for once again talking to you about the amazing sailor Hilary Lister. The first quadriplegic to sail solo across the English Channel. It was as a teenager, she was diagnosed to have a rare degenerative disorder of her nervous system. Now at the age of 33, she is only able to move her head and needs help to do all the things we take for granted. Two years ago, she was introduced to sailing, which she says saved her life. Can you imagine a garden chair strapped into a Wayfarer Dinghy – this was her introduction! Her cross channel trip was her first time on the sea – she was solo in a 26ft Soling, reefed down. It was the sip and puff method which is used on wheel-chairs and adapted – Heath Robinson style to control the sails and rudder. She is now trying to raise funds to put other disable people on the water, What A Girl! You should see her smiling picture. Her website is www.hilarylister.co.uk.
Hilary started sailing at Westbere Sailing Opportunities in Canterbury. The stretch of water there is about 1km long by 250m wide, does that ring a bell with you – sounds like Big Ben to me, or it could be the boating lake at Cuevas. I can see it now, Cuevas Vela Opportunidad – Vela para todos el mundo. If there are any disabled out there who would like to try sailing, come and talk to me!
Now how about Santa Irene – she’s fit and well and sailing on Sundays. I did wonder, when I took the van down to the playa on the 16th remember that “dull day” but you arrived with lots of enthusiasm to get boats on the water.
Charlie and Lee were out on the “Wave” cat with Jim, then on their own with the KidKat we’ll have to get the second one on the water soon. There’s a lot of comradeship down on the playa all pulling together, thanks lads and lassies.
Welcome back to Jo, John and Jenny after your trip to Poole Dorset. I have happy memories of racing in Poole, during “Poole Week”.
Where will I be on Sunday 7th November? At the Harmony Gym – No, not for a work out. It is the day of the Fun Run and I’ll be there with a couple of boats, hoping to talk to you.
If you would like a sponsorship form in aid of Santa Irene phone me or talk to me on the playa, we have people running for us. I’m sure it will be a great day – come and say “Hola”
Make a note of this date, Saturday 10th December 05, it’s
the Santa Irene Annual Dinner with entertainment, at the Puntazo Hotel. Enjoy
the “Festive Season” with your friends, book a table, go on why
not! Tickets 30€ each from Irene on 627 565 115 or talk to me.
Take Care
John Talliss
Tel : 950 475 157
Movil: 658 548 790
E-mail John@Sailrway.com
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