Dani Anglada Pich – a blind athlete from Catalonia – has made history by becoming the first blind person to sail solo and unaided around the Isle of Wight.
Completing the extraordinary feat on Thursday (24th July) in a total time of 13 hours and 8 minutes, Dani achieved the challenge aboard a rudder-less, centre-board-less catamaran known as a ‘Patí a Vela – Patí Català’, a vessel that demands exceptional skill to handle.
The challenge began with a fast run from the Royal Yacht Squadron starting line in Cowes, where Secretary Patricia Lewington fired the cannon to signal the start. Dani reached Lymington in under an hour, hitting speeds of 12 knots, before continuing towards the Needles where the wind dropped. Despite tough conditions around the south of the Isle of Wight, including challenging seas off St Catherine’s and Bembridge Ledge, Dani persevered with determination.
Dani Anglada Pich said:
“The leg to St Catherine’s was incredibly challenging. On the offshore gybe it felt good with the sea state, but every time I tried to come back into the land, the waves would kick up the stern of the boat and make it uncontrollable.”
Magnus Wheatley – a Round the Island Race winner who supported Dani from a nearby RIB – praised his sailing ability and composure under pressure. With expert navigation and communication from the support team, Dani successfully crossed the Bembridge Ledge despite concerns about the creaking boat.
As he approached the final stretch towards Cowes, with the sun setting and light winds fading, Dani pushed to the limits of his physical and mental strength. Supporters gathered on the Parade to cheer as he crossed the finish line, collapsing on his boat in tears of joy.
The East Cowes Sailing Club (ECSC) hosted a celebratory barbecue where Commodore Peter Ball awarded Dani honorary citizenship of East Cowes and presented him with a trophy.
Peter Ball, Commodore of ECSC, said:
“It was one of the finest moments in the club’s history and all of us at ECSC are proud to have played our part in Dani’s challenge. It has been a privilege as a club to help him make history.”
Magnus Wheatley added:
“In 35 years, I have never seen such determination and skill in a sailor, and I rate Dani amongst the highest echelons of the greats of the sport. After 10 minutes following him you forget that he is blind.”
Dani’s circumnavigation aimed to raise awareness for the re-inclusion of sailing in the Paralympic Games for Brisbane 2032 and to showcase the capabilities of blind sailors worldwide. Supported by Grant Dalton of Emirates Team New Zealand and backed by the YES WE SAIL Association, Dani is now setting his sights on the Bol D’Or Mirabaud race on Lake Leman in 2026.
Reflecting on his experience, Dani expressed gratitude to the Isle of Wight community, his sponsors, and everyone who supported his challenge, saying:
“I have to thank so many people who supported my challenge around the Isle of Wight, and especially the East Cowes Sailing Club for treating me as a sailor and seeing beyond my disability.
“Instead of saying ‘no’ everyone said ‘yes’ and made the challenge possible.”
Well Done Dani, you must be so proud so achieving such a amazing goal.
Well done Dani, what an achievement.