Issue date
Hudson Andrews is a 14 year old lad who has cerebral palsy and is mad keen on sailing.
Recently Chris Andrews and her son, Hudson, got in contact with Bluff Yacht Club to see how to get Hudson into the sport of sailing. The team at the club has embraced the idea and is totally committed to seeing him on the water.
“Chris has recently purchased an Access Dinghy 303 and has been out for a few sails so far,” reports Graeme Wall, Yachting New Zealand Regional Support Officer.
“There are a few challenges to overcome to make it as easy as possible for Hudson to get in and out of the boat. This may require a small crane and some other modifications to gear to fit to Hudson’s needs. The local engineering firm may well be called upon to see what can be manufactured,” Graeme explains.
“I was able to have a sail on the access dinghy with Hudson at Bluff on a balmy summer evening last Wednesday evening when I was down south. It was a new experience for me and opened my eyes to some of the challenges that need to be overcome but also the possibilities of opening up the world of yachting to more people in our communities.”
“Hudson’s enthusiasm was clearly evident as we sailed out from the club on Wednesday. In my many years of sailing I don’t think I’ve had a more enthusiastic crew member than Hudson was.”
Yachting New Zealand is assisting both Chris and the Bluff Club in ways to make disabled sailing for Hudson and others a reality in the deep south. If anyone has further ideas or advice please feel free to contact Graeme Wall RSO for Otago/Southland on 021 229 8511, email Graeme or contact the Bluff Yacht Club through the YNZ online Club Directory.
Pictured: Hudson and his mother, Chris, sailing their Access Dinghy at Bluff Yacht Club
