Blind Lucy Hodges is a true sailing champ

Lucy Hodges has had difficulties seeing since her birth and in 1991 has been registered as a blind person. Nevertheless, this Thursday, she managed to sail 26 miles in only 5 hours in the 'One Lake One Day' competition...

Lucy Hodges has suffered from photophobia nystagmus, ie, has had difficulties seeing since her birth and in 1991 has been registered as a blind person. Nevertheless, this Thursday, she managed to sail 26 miles in only 5 hours in the 'One Lake One Day' competition. For this feat she has decided to raise money for the six-member crew that will accompany her in May at the IFDS World Blind Sailing Championships in Japan. This is a recap of her trip:

  "We set off from Royal Windermere Yacht Club at 10.30, just as the breeze filled in. We headed south through Bowness - the wind was very tricky and in my mind I was wondering if I would make it, but with strong words from Ian and Jonny I was soon in the south lake where the conditions improved, a few guests saw me capsizing twice into the icy cold water but I was soon back in control and made it to the very south of the lake by 12:30.

  It was then a great run back, picking up speed and planing, making great time back to the middle of the lake in an hour. It was at this point I thought I can definitely do it - I had done the hardest part.

  We set off to Ambleside still making great progress, but the temperature was dropping. Ian and Jonny were great gusts calling in and obstructions. We passed our training centers Ark Sailing and Lakes Leisure and headed up to the north lake, turning at Ambleside at about 15.00.

  We then headed back up on a beat, the wind was constant and I finally felt happy in the boat, hiking out making great progress. It was here I just thought what I had done and the fact I can sail, but the input to the sighted guys in time is so valuable and there was time to shed a little tear as we were nearly home and were going to make it.

  At 16:30 we landed to be greeted by Jonny's mum who was very proud that with a bottle of pop and a bunch of flowers. I was overwhelmed we had made it and raised money and awareness of blind sailing. "

  If you want to support Lucy or her performance at the world championships IFDS Blind Sailing in May in Japan, you can do so via the website www.justgiving.com / onelakeoneday.