A blind sailor who lost his sight following a life-changing accident is aiming to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight solo in a unique catamaran, thanks to the outstanding support of the local sailing community.
Dani A. Pich, who is B3 blind after a fire extinguisher exploded in his face while working aboard a merchant navy ship at the age of 31, arrived in East Cowes on Sunday (13th July) after making a 30-hour crossing from Santander in Spain. Towing his highly modified Patí Català catamaran, Dani will attempt the Round the Island Challenge over the coming weeks.
East Cowes Sailing Club Commodore Peter Ball, Rear Commodore Sailing and the Boatyard Manager were all present at East Cowes Shrape to welcome Dani and offer crucial logistical support. The club has generously provided storage and slipway access for the catamaran, ensuring safe launching away from busy beaches that can be difficult to navigate.
Dani has spoken openly about how sailing helped him find hope after nearly two years in isolation and depression.
He said:
“When I got on that boat, I felt alive. I could sense it and the feeling of freedom was everything.”
His Patí Català catamaran has been specially enhanced for the solo circumnavigation, with upgraded non-slip areas, improved seating and pioneering technology including a vest that transmits pings to help him visualise waypoints and marks. The boat itself has no rudder or centreboard and is controlled entirely by shifting body weight – a remarkable feat for any sailor, let alone someone who cannot see.
Support has come from many quarters across the Isle of Wight’s sailing community. The Royal Yacht Squadron’s Andrew McIrvine has arranged for a cannon to be fired when the challenge begins. Peter Morton of Wight Shipyard is providing a guard ship and RIB parking, while Simon and Tom Rogers have offered additional RIB support.
Matt Grier of the Andrew Cassell Foundation, based at Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, has been assisting with advice and equipment, including sourcing a suitable launching trolley. Meanwhile, renowned marine photographer Tim Jeffreys is set to document the challenge for a YouTube feature, which aims to shine a spotlight on blind sailing and boost its case for re-inclusion in the Paralympic Games for 2032.
Local frustrations have been raised about the lack of proper slipway facilities at East Cowes Shrape – an area widely considered one of the best in the Solent for dinghy sailing – with many calling on local authorities and Red Funnel to invest more in accessible infrastructure.
Dani’s remarkable determination, and the wave of community spirit behind him, are clear examples of what makes Isle of Wight sailing special.
Anyone wishing to support Dani’s challenge can visit his Go Fund Me page for further details.
