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Blind sailing on a worldwide scale was first initiated by the New Zealand Council for Sailing for Vision Impaired Persons, Auckland New Zealand. Headed by Mr. Colin Spanhake, this group organized the first international regatta for the blind in 1992, which later resulted in the formation of Blind Sailing International (BSI). BSI was formally
organized in 1994 at the second International Championships for
the Blind, Fremantle, Australia. Colin Spanhake of Auckland,
New Zealand, was the first elected BSI Chairman and the administration
headquarters was located here. The elections of new leaders
in 1997 at the next world championships later moved administrative
headquarters to Great Britain, under the chairmanship of
Marsha Corper. Elections held in Miami, Fl, October, 1999 moved
the leadership to Massachusetts, USA. Arthur O’Neill
of USA-Massachusetts was named Chairman and Nancy Aronson
of USA- Massachusetts was named Secretary/Treasurer. They were
assisted by an Executive Board of Bugs Hughes representing Europe,
Matt Chao of the United States representing the Americas, and
Don Mason/Paul Barton representing Oceania. There have been six worldwide blind sailing regattas conducted: 1992 Auckland, New Zealand; 1994 Fremantle, Australia; 1997 Weymouth, England and 1999 Miami, Florida, USA, 2002 Gargnano Lake Garda Italy, 2006 Newport Rhode Island. The number of countries participating in BSI regattas has grown from 5 countries in 1992 to 14 countries in 1999. Next Regatta is March 2009 in Rotorua New Zealand and we anticipate continued growth and expansion. As each country is allowed to submit a team in each of three vision categories, any one country could possibly include three teams in their entry, further increasing the number of blind sailors participating.
LIFE MEMBER
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| PAST REGATTAS Six Blind Sailing International or World Regattas have been conducted:
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