A VISUALLY-impaired sailor and his crew sailed into Dun Laoghaire harbour last week as part of a trip around Ireland to promote sailing for people with disabilities.
Chris Egan fundraises for the Irish Guide Dogs and the RLNI while also raising awareness of sailing for people with disabilities by captaining a 34ft yacht around Ireland from May through to July.
Chris was escorted into the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire by a flotilla of yachts on the day.
They have received a great welcome at every stop, meeting up with lifeboat volunteers as well as sailing folk and other locals. Some of their other stopovers will include Waterford, Cork and Kerry.
Chris, from Ardagh, who is a member of Foynes Yacht Club, successfully circumnavigated Ireland with fellow sailor David Bevan in 2013 after they were both diagnosed with cancer. They raised €25,000 then for two cancer charities and the RNLI.
However, since then Chris was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that causes significant visual impairment and will eventually rob him fully of his sight. He has undergone training with Irish Guide Dogs in the use of a long cane for mobility and training on independent living skills which will lead him to getting a guide dog further down the line.
Undeterred by the personal challenges, Chris is determined with this fresh adventure to raise awareness of how visually impaired people like himself can learn the skills required to lead a normal life.
Chris is taking on the challenge with fellow sailors and friends David Bevan and Jim Humphries who are experienced mariners and members of Foynes Yacht Club. Together, they will sail their 38ft yacht ‘Tranquillity’ around Ireland throughout May and June and are hoping to return to Foynes in the first week of July. Weather permitting, the plan is to sail 60 nautical miles every day stopping at several coastal locations along the way.
“Our adventure is called Gangway for Guide Dogs,” Chris explained. “For me, as well as raising awareness and funds for Irish Guide Dogs and the RNLI, this challenge is also about promoting sailing for people like me who may have been sailing for years but who have acquired a disability.”
Cathy MacAleavey, the Irish Olympic Yachtswoman who competed in 1988 in Seoul has for many years since worked tirelessly to make sailing increasingly accessible as a sport to all.
“Chris’s endeavour encourages all of us to take on new challenges in our own way, to take action in whatever way we can,” she said. “Irish Guide Dogs is actively seeking new volunteer applicants for Puppy Walking and I would encourage the public to look at getting practically involved with Irish Guide Dogs in this way.”
Annalise Murphy, daughter of Cathy and Irish sailing Olympian has also navigated her own journey in a very determined way.
Annalise won the hearts of Irish and gllobal audiences with her stunning performances in becoming the first woman to win the Irish National Championships in 2010, taking 4th in the London Summer Olympics 2012, and ultimately winning gold at the European Championships in 2013 and silver at the Rio Olympics in 2016.
“Experience has taught me that challenges in our life can be training grounds for what is to come,” she said.
“I would like to encourage sailors new and old and of all abilities to get involved in this important campaign.
“Join a leg of the journey with Chris or simply help to raise sponsorship for the campaign.
“We wish for fulfilment, confidence and independence equally for everyone. It’s worth supporting and working for this.”
To keep up to date with how the sail is going, where the crew will be stopping, and to find out more about the Irish Guide Dogs and RLNI or how you can donate, updates will be posted on the Gangway for Guide Dogs Facebook page or log onto www.guidedogs.ie
