Lake Geneva, the scene of the world championship this Cécoile

2024-05-10 07:11:00

The world sailing championship for visually impaired people, the Cécivoile, will take place for the first time in France, on the waters of Lake Geneva, in Sciez.

On each boat, the 3 crew members are visually impaired people. @Unadev

The Lake Geneva is preparing for a major international event, the world sailing championship for visually impaired people. In Sciez, eight visually impaired crews will compete in this Blind Match Racing World Championship, coming from 6 different nations (England, Italy, Sweden, Australia, United States, France), representing 3 continents (Europe, North America and Oceania).

The event is under the management of WorldSailing, the International Sailing Federation.

No lights are running

On every boat, the 3 memberss of the crew are visually impaired people. No lights are running. The competition takes place in “match racing”, i.e. a 1 once morest 1 “duel” format. The course is demarcated by sonic buoys which all emit a different sound. Sailors recognize these sounds and thus know how to find their way and orient themselves independently. In sailing, the essential can be perceived other than by sight. The movement of the boat on the waves, the wind on its face, the sound of the sails, the changes of direction are all sensations that allow you to navigate independently and have fun on the water.

Please note: the sailboat is the only vehicle that a visually impaired person can drive.

Alongside the race, discovery activities for the general public will be offered around visual impairment.sporting disciplines accessible to this public (sailing, canoeing, blind football, shooting, etc.) and technological innovations put in place to allow this accessibility.

The Sciez nautical base is one of the para-welcoming clubs, offering sporting activities all year round suitable for everyone. As a national blind sports center, it organizes sports courses every year for visually impaired people.

The National Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired (Unadev) acts to improve the daily lives of blind and visually impaired people, prevent visual disability and advocate for an inclusive society that guarantees individual and collective development for all. It provides financial and active support for the organization of the Cécivoile World Championship, highlighting the work accomplished since 2017 as part of the Cécivoile project, an accessible and attractive sport, which allows visually impaired people to regain self-confidence and to build a strong social bond.

The French Sailing Federation supports this unique event in France which is perfectly in line with its approach to including people with disabilities for mixed disabled sailing.

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