GBR Blind Sailing's Commodore Lucy Hodges MBE joins Tigress Racing for 49th Rolex Fastnet Race
by Rachel Fallon-Langdon 7 Aug 2021 07:34 BST
8 August 2021
GBR Blind Sailing's Commodore Lucy Hodges MBE joins Tigress Racing for 49th Rolex Fastnet Race © Richard / Ocean Images
The Rolex Fastnet Race 2021 & offshore racing offers continued opportunities for inclusion to all groups for sailing.
Blind sailor and commodore of GBR Blind Sailing, Lucy Hodges MBE will be a crew member taking part in this year 2021 Fastnet Race which starts on Sunday 8th August.
Lucy will be a crew member aboard Susan Glenny's First 40, Olympia's Tigress. Tigress Racing are a team who have introduced many to the world of racing and focus on offering the opportunity to as wide a population as possible. Most recently GBR blind sailing have conducted some race training days with Tigress in a bigger boat setting.
"I am proud to be part of the Tigress Racing, and to Susan and the crew for welcoming me on board. This is a big personal step in my sailing career and I hope a step forward to show all what you can achieve. I may not have the sight to spot shipping but being part of a mixed ability team this does not matter. Sailing is a sport that with the right team behind you is so inclusive. I am truly thankful to Blind Sailing for giving the training to allow me to take this step"... Lucy Hodges MBE
Lucy will be competing with a mixed crew of women and men of varying experience ranging from Harris Cartwright (former British Sailing youth squad member) to Clipper race crew.
The team are looking forward to a challenging Fastnet after a successful Cowes Week winning the Ed Whelan Celebration Trophy for a second time.
"I've known Lucy for some time and she contacted me when we had a place become available at short notice for this year's St Malo Race. She asked if she would be able to give offshore racing a go with us. At Tigress we are very strong on inclusion and enhancement of everyone and with a few adjustments Lucy joined us. She trimmed the main out of the Solent incredibly and I can't tell you how in awe I was of her for her skill and getting stuck in with no sight, incredible, it's a privilege to have her on board with us.".... Susan Glenny, Tigress Racing