Quadriplegic & Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injuries: Sailing. Is Cruising The Ocean Possible For Quads? - Quadriplegic & Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injuries

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Sailing. Is Cruising The Ocean Possible For Quads? Having a hard time letting go of this haunting fantasy. Rate Topic: -----

#1 User is offline   Captain Pike 

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Posted 03 January 2008 - 07:16 PM

(Not sure this post belongs here... maybe travel?)

Has anyone had any experience sailing? Buying a cruising boat and leaving for the winter was something I was very interested in before my accident. I've tried to shrug off the nagging fantasy of taking to the sea again. There is an outfit in Rhode Island where they have an alternative rehabilitation program called Shake a Leg. I have met one of the operators of this facility, his name was Tim Flynn. Obviously, speaking with him is the right thing to do at this point.

I remember the feeling of being pulled along by the wind. The sound of sea birds and the ocean itself tumbling along the hull felt like freedom as I guided my tiny home through the swells. I recall the warm reflection of the autumn sun on the ever active chop, producing a myriad of shining diamonds, shimmering over a gleaming path to the south. All right, all right, so I'm a bit of a romantic. I remember being a kid and just knowing I would have this in my life always. It's hard letting go... maybe I might not have to.

I just wonder what experience anyone may have with this. Please let me know what you've done or what can we do as persons living with spinal cord injuries.
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#2 User is offline   Cheshire 

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Posted 06 January 2008 - 08:42 PM

Not a quad, but.

Is your dream to do this solo, or have a small crew (either hired, family, and/or friends) with you?
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#3 User is offline   kewlcatkez 

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Posted 06 January 2008 - 09:10 PM

Hello Guys,

Please check out Sailing Alternatives I know of at least one person there ( a founder I think) who is a quad. Her name is Jen French and I read about her after seeing a vid posted about her sailing and 'story' on you tube (sometimes folks do send useful links, lol)

Also a Brit by the name of Geoff Holt was in the News here a bit back. He is a tetra/quad and was the first quad to sail by himself, as in alone, around Great Britain. Here is the Website called Personal Everest of Geoff Holt's. Perhaps contacting either one or both of these site will be able to give you some information and/or some pointers about any equipment, financial assistance and experiences.

Hope this Helps,

Take care,


K

Btw, the first link is a USA link and the second is a GB one...K

This post has been edited by kewlcatkez: 06 January 2008 - 09:11 PM

Ex Nurse (med retired)
Connective tissue disorder & associated paralysis.
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#4 User is offline   Paul Breen 

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Posted 09 January 2008 - 02:31 PM

Hi,

Another UK link which may prove of use.

http://news.bbc.co.u...ent/4175786.stm

Paul

View Postkewlcatkez, on Jan 6 2008, 09:10 PM, said:

Hello Guys,

Please check out Sailing Alternatives I know of at least one person there ( a founder I think) who is a quad. Her name is Jen French and I read about her after seeing a vid posted about her sailing and 'story' on you tube (sometimes folks do send useful links, lol)

Also a Brit by the name of Geoff Holt was in the News here a bit back. He is a tetra/quad and was the first quad to sail by himself, as in alone, around Great Britain. Here is the Website called Personal Everest of Geoff Holt's. Perhaps contacting either one or both of these site will be able to give you some information and/or some pointers about any equipment, financial assistance and experiences.

Hope this Helps,

Take care,


K

Btw, the first link is a USA link and the second is a GB one...K

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#5 User is offline   Captain Pike 

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Posted 09 January 2008 - 09:11 PM

View PostCheshire, on Jan 6 2008, 03:42 PM, said:

Not a quad, but.

Is your dream to do this solo, or have a small crew (either hired, family, and/or friends) with you?

Cheshire:

My fantasy involves a few close friends and family. I just came back to this post intending to relocate it, as of last week, it hadn't gotten much notice. But, just now, I am really excited to see some link bearing responses!

Single-handed sailing would be great too, but I had always imagined taking my wife and my son (and these days a few other people too). Maybe the boat just has to be big enough to bring all my friends!

We
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#6 User is offline   Captain Pike 

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Posted 10 February 2008 - 01:14 AM

I've decided, I just need a bigger boat, and bring more friends.

If I don't buy a sailboat and sail over and see you guys in the UK then I'm going to design and build an airship. Imagine that ! A family sized airship! For those who aren't in a hurry and don't really care where they're going!
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