The Foundation organizes international voyages on large sailing ships for the blind and visually impaired.
The voyages are addressed to all sailing enthusiasts and those who want to start their adventure at sea. The Imago Maris foundation projects are organised for blind and partially sighted people who want to live a great adventure, sail around Europe, try their hand at the helm, take part in setting the sails or meet other adventurers who love the sea and are looking for experience. People with vision impairment represent half the crew of the sailing ship.
Organizers also invite sighted people who want to take part in a unique project and at the same time to explore the world of the blind.
What distinguishes Imago Maris from other projects is that blind people are full members of the crew. This means that every person, regardless of whether the person is seeing, or blind, performs all tasks related to the operation of the ship.
Before proceeding to the performance of their duties, all participants of the voyage will also have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the basic concepts relating to navigation, boat construction, and meteorology. Their tasks will include, among others, putting the sails, sailing, navigation, as well as such ordinary assignments as cooking dinner for 40 people. Do not worry if you have no experience. The experience crew is on the boat to teach you everything.
This year Imago Maris organizes one voyage, with participants from Poland and other European countries. Organizers invite sailors and future sailors regardless of their country of origin. The participants should have good English communication skills, as it will be the official language of the project.
Participation in the voyage is an opportunity to experience a true sailing adventure and face the challenge of the sea. It’s also a chance to meet new people, make new friends, overcome common obstacles and joint celebration of success. Already in the first hours of the trip, the first tasks to be performed jointly break all barriers between participants.
The initial anxiety and uncertainty in moving on a sailing ship disappears quickly. Already after a few hours it feels like home. Tasks that from the beginning seem impossible to do, become simple after a few days on board. There is no difference between “those who see and those who cannot see.” We all struggle with similar problems.
Each of us has a different experience we can share with other people. This project gives you the opportunity to break stereotypes, to change your way of thinking, and the perception of what is happening around. It is also an opportunity to get acquainted with the “other / another world.” This is an opportunity to gain new experience, which can be useful not only at sea.
The voyage at the Mediterranean Sea will be organised between 11th-18th October 2014.
Feel invited!
More information available on: Imago Maris website.
Photo © M. Sodkiewicz