Mobility Cup Kelowna, British Columbia, 2017

[Alan Milnes]

The Mobility Cup was held in Kelowna, BC the week of September 11-15, 2017. This is an international regatta attracting sailors with disabilities from all over North America and, in some years, globally. I was honoured to serve as the 'official' photographer for the event. But, truth be told, my friend is the executive director of the local Disabled Sailing Association and she knows I have a keen interest in photography.

All of the sailors participating have a disability of one sort or another. Most were physically challenged, some severely so, and a few were mildly mentally handicapped. Once they are moved from their mobility devices into the Martin 16 hull, a boat designed by a Canadian specifically for sailors with disabilities, one would never know these sailors were living with disabilites. It was an incredibly inspiring week to be around these athletes and observe their passion for a sport which provides them with incredible freedom. Some, for medical reasons or because are they new to the sport, sailed with companion sailors, individuals who are familiar with how the Martin 16 is sailed. They are in the boat to assist as needed during a race. The boat itself is virtually uncapsizable! The keel is extra long and has a 330 pound ball of lead on its end as ballast.

I am posting a few today to give you a taste of what I observed all week. Comments and criticisms are welcome and appreciated.

Alan

 

[Ben Egbert]

Great post, inspiring story to go with it. I really like the three aligned sails in the first one and the closeup of the occupants of the second. That gives a sense of scale. How do they get the sails up?

 

[Alan Milnes]

Great post, inspiring story to go with it. I really like the tree aligned sails in the first one and the closeup of the occupants of the second. That gives a sense of scale. How do they get the sails up?

Hi Ben, thanks for the comments. The sails are raised each morning by able bodied individuals. The sailor controls the sails and steers from the cockpit where the lines for the two sails are anchored.

 

[JimFox]

Hey Alan,

Really great shots here.

I know if I was out there sailing, I would figure on tipping over and getting soaked as the angles of the boats are so much!

Both of these are very good. What are you shooting from? Is there a larger boat in the middle of all that in which you are on?

Jim

 

[Linda Combs]

What a wondeful event to focus on disabled people.

 

[Ann S]

Pretty cool shots. And made more special because of the purpose of the event. thanks for sharing.