One experienced sailor says 'Cruising is for those who want to take a bigger bite of sailing'. Cruising generally refers to the use of bigger boats offering berths for long periods of time on large bodies of water. It appeals to people with a wide range of interests, expectations and special needs. Here however, 'cruisingis used to refer to almost all sailing which does not involve racing.

Time Afloat
The period spent on the water can be tailored to suit the needs of the sailors; it can be a few hours, a few days or even a few weeks. As a novice sailor builds up his/her confidence and seamanship, the length of time away from the shore can be increased. Disabled sailors regularly cruise for extended periods.

Someone with learning difficulties may have problems coping with the discipline of being a member of a crew for any length of time. However, a 'buddy systemwhere one person takes responsibility for another while afloat, may be all that is needed.

Don't go to sea unless you are prepared to stay there. Sudden changes in weather can produce delays which may lead to missing tides etc. and make it difficult to return to port. For some sailors, staying at sea may not be a sensible option, so give some thought to planning a passage with access to possible havens.

The Heads
In most standard craft, access to the heads (the toilet), is difficult for a physically disabled person. If someone cannot reach the heads, it is essential that an alternative be discussed before going to sea. Often, the creative use of plastic bottles can extend the time afloat. Check if this is appropriate for female sailors.

Choosing a Boat
A novice sailor is unlikely to be a boat owner and will probably have to take advantage of whatever boats are on offer. There are no firm rules about an 'idealboat. The roles of the disabled members of the crew vary from boat to boat.

Many sailors with disabilities have limited mobility and stability. Where they are to undertake most of the crewing tasks, a small (8-10m) stable boat may be the most appropriate. With a mixed ability crew, a large craft allows easy movement around the boat and stowage for wheelchairs. Some prefer the stability of a catamaran.

Choosing a Crew
As with any group of people sharing a common activity, the choice of crew has more to do with skill, experience and personality than someone's special needs. Obviously, the skipper must be confident that she/he has sufficient people on board with skills to perform the tasks required for safe sailing. This could mean that in the beginning, it is necessary to sail with a higher proportion of able-bodied to disabled crew. It is wise to choose a crew that can function effectively without the newcomer and then gradually train the novice.

Allocation of Duties & Planning Ahead
There are many things that we do can do but it may be neither comfortable nor sensible to do them e.g. a person with lower limb disability may be able to crawl or 'bumonto the foredeck and a visually impaired person may be able to feel his/her way around the rigging, but they should not be expected to dash to and fro. A little anticipation and forward planning will enable them to be in place before a manoeuvre, with all the equipment and understanding needed for the task.

It is worth considering how often an able-bodied sailor chooses to crawl or 'bumaround to lower her/his centre of gravity for added stability. One sailor with no legs felt 'advantagedin foul weather!

Obviously there are cerebral tasks such as navigating, radio work and helming which (with appropriate training) can be undertaken with skill and confidence by people with disabilities.

As always, the skipper's word is final.

Clothing 'Put on all the clothes you think you need and then add another layeris the advice of one skipper. If someone is going to spend long spells in an open cockpit, moving little and unable to go below, then extra attention needs to be paid to warm clothing including adequate head gear. In hot conditions, care should be taken to ensure adequate protection from the sun.

Drinks Most people sweat in hot weather. Some disabled people sweat profusely due to medical conditions. Others must drink copious volumes to maintain their health. For these people, it is important to have plenty of cool drinks available. In cold weather, everyone appreciates a warm drink.

Shore Facilities Ideally, boats should be brought alongside stable pontoons accessed via ramps (see Chapter 7 ­ Access in Clubs). Where yachts have to be moored on buoys or set alongside high quays at low tide, transfer to and from the shore is made easier by an inflatable rubber tender. It may be necessary to rig a hoist from the boom (see Chapter 5 ­ Access to Boats). Facilities on Board Most sailors with disabilities sail on standard boats with few adaptations. Nevertheless, the following 'extrascould be useful:

• Supportive seating (see Chapter 6 ­ Adapting Boats).
• Secure handholds in key areas (cockpit, foredeck, heads etc.)
• Cushions for protection and support
  Slippable guard rails to facilitate transfer from a wheelchair to the deck.
• An all-disabled crew found the following useful:

Using the boom as a hoist

• Uncluttered route to the foredeck
• Flattish cabin top for better stability for foredeck work
• Furling jib
• Seating near chart table, wheel, radio etc.
• Stowage for wheelchairs (rear cabin by day, cockpit at night)
• Slippable mooring lines, secured so that they can be released from on board
• Transferring fenders, wheelchairs, provisions etc. using a human chain
• A lift between cabin/galley and cockpit. 'Talkinginstruments are available to enable visually impaired sailors to hold a given course (but remember to have a sighted lookout on hand!).

Before going to sea, it is essential that all members of the crew are made aware of safety routines. They must know the exact location of safety equipment and be given clear instructions about how to use it. Allow extra time for visually impaired sailors to orientate themselves, to find out where flares etc. are stored and how they are operated.

In any condition other than calm, it is sensible for the skipper to insist that all newcomers wear lifejackets when on deck and safety harnesses when moving out of the cockpit. It is helpful if these rules apply to all crew.

Drugs
If a sailor has epilepsy, asthma, Parkinson's disease, diabetes etc., it is essential that drugs and/or food are administered at regular intervals. Crew members must know where appropriate drugs are located. Everyone should be informed about what to do in the event of a medical emergency. It is the individual's responsibility to inform others of his/her needs and the skipper's responsibility to check in advance.

Seasickness
Never underestimate seasickness; it can be more debilitating than most disabilities. Encourage newcomers to take appropriate precautions.

Good Communication is the Key As with all activities of this kind, it is the responsibility of

• Sailors to make their needs known to the skipper.
• Skippers to make their plans clear to the crew.
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