Sailing: Sailor caps off meteoric rise through ranks

Up until four years ago, Tauranga man Ben Geddes was hardly what you would call an old sea dog.

In fact, Geddes, whose optic atrophy means he has trouble seeing long distances, had barely set foot on a boat. But one notice in the Tauranga Yacht Club newsletter changed all that - to the point that Geddes will leave to compete in the Blind Sailing World Championships in Japan in less than a fortnight.

"I got into sailing four years ago because I needed something fun and exhilarating to do," said Geddes.

"I got into the Tauranga Yacht Club and started sailing with a couple of different boats and then learnt about blind sailing."

Blind sailing pairs two visually impaired sailors - a helmsman and another tending to the main sheet - with two sighted sailors including a tactician.

"I can't really see the wind on the water until it's quite close. I've got optic atrophy, which means I can see 6/60 - it's hard to explain but it means I can see six metres clearly and then up to 60 metres. "The biggest limiting factor is the independence. I can't drive, I couldn't do a world tour if I wanted to on a yacht - this is like a really big freedom and you can get really competitive with it."

After an encouraging showing at nationals Geddes set himself a goal to represent his country at the world championships.

"I decided then that I wanted to get more involved in it and with some help from the blind sailing fraternity I got to the trials and had a crack at that and ended up on the main sheet as a main trimmer. It's going to be fun, intense and a great experience. I'm looking forward to the cultural thrill and the competitive edge of world racing." Geddes is looking forward to racing against a number of international opponents over courses stretching up to 1km.

He said it could be difficult for new people to get involved in the sport due to the need for a boat.

"You'll find that if you're good on the crew then you'll find a position - especially if you get on with the team and things like that."

Geddes, who has managed to raise almost all of the funds he needs for the trip, leaves next week for the competition beginning on May 24.