Setting sail to defend title
A council worker is setting course to defend his world sailing title in the US.
Chris Albert, from Washington, has been chosen to represent Great Britain in the WorldBlindFleetRaceinChicago in September.
The 51-year-old, who lost hissightasaresultofdiabetes, willagaintakehisplaceaspart of a four-man crew.
The team scooped the championship title last year in the event, which will be decided over four days of racing.
Chris, who is a technical support officer for South Tyneside Council’s hearing and visually impaired service, said: “I have been in training all year round to get into the crewandIfoundoutthisweek I had made the team.
“It was an amazing feeling to know I had made the team again.
“Sailing is something I enjoy doing, and being able to represent Great Britain is fantastic.
“Whenyoulosesomething likeyoursightandstillbeable to compete is brilliant.
“When you go to these contests, everyone is so competitive, despite their loss of sight.”
Chris has been sailing since the age of 15 and, when he lost his sight in 2008, he thought he would have to give up on his passion.
However, he was assisted in carrying on after being contactedbytheGreatBritain Blind Sailing Club.
Chris sails with South Shields Sailing Club.
He has now launched a fundraising drive in a bid to raise the £2,000 needed to help him on his way to America.
“The sport does take up a lot of my time and is quite expensive.
“At one point I considered giving it up as it does cost a lot of money, with the training, equipmentandtravellingand sailing fees.
“People think when you are picked to represent your country in sailing, everything is paid for, it isn’t. We have to fund a lot of the costs ourselves.”
Ifanyoneisabletosponsor Chrisorofferanyraffleprizes to help him fundraise, email chrisalb@gmail.com.