It’s very much ‘that’ time of year again when northern hemisphere sailing goes into reflective mode of a season just past. Down south it’s very different, and I can quite understand why our feathered friends, and antipodeans migrate en masse. Dark nights, the return of copious quantities of rainfall and a strange wind pattern that is either blowing dogs horizontally or is pan flat, as it was off Cowes this afternoon in the mizzle. But I was delighted to see amidst the gloom that World Sailing has published its Rolex World Sailor of the Year nominations and in the ‘Team of the Year’ category is Dani A. Pich’s ‘YesWeSail’ organisation that I’ve been very proud to be a part of this summer.
Getting Dani around the Isle of Wight, as a blind sailor, unaided and solo in a Patí Català was a momentous feat. Approaching the challenge with both technology and unbelievable guts and fortitude, weathering horrendous, boat-breaking conditions near Bembridge Ledge and finishing on the limit of physical and mental endurance, is something that I will never forget.
What Dani showed was that anything is possible when you really apply yourself and for over a year, the planning was meticulous in its detail. A brail 3D printed map became Dani’s life, memorising every facet of this tricky Island and its, at times, vicious swells and weird wind shears.
After 13 hours and 8 minutes, Dani crossed the Royal Yacht Squadron finishing line a different man. He had conquered against the odds and I for one will never forget the final mile with a dying breeze that held almost ethereally just for Dani to cross. Two minutes later it shut down completely. The Gods were smiling on the sailor from Catalonia who had a dream and who was relentless in his pursuit of achieving the impossible. I doubt in my lifetime I will see anything like it again.
Now, we as the sailing public have the chance to vote for the Team of the Year and my nomination of the YesWeSail Foundation needs YOUR support. Please could I urge you to take less than a minute of your time to cast your vote? Dani is up against stiff opposition in the form of Emirates Team New Zealand - but come on, haven’t they won enough? The Kiwis unquestionably supported Dani both in terms of the customised Patí Català and some incredibly neat trickle-down technology from the America’s Cup. If ETNZ were to lose to anyone, they would happiest losing to Dani.
Let’s do it…
Please cast your vote by CLICKING HERE and you will go to World Sailing’s voting form. Simply follow through and you will come to Team of the Year.
Every vote counts. Thank you for considering it.
Magnus Wheatley
Done..!