Blind sailor from Coventry aims for 2032 Paralympics

A blind sailor is aiming for the Paralympics in Brisbane in 2032, after winning medals in the World Sailing Inclusion Championships.

Karl Haines, 36, from Tile Hill in Coventry, has the hereditary and degenerative eye condition, retinitis pigmentosa, and took a gold as well as the overall bronze for Britain at the inaugural tournament in Oman in December.

He said he and his wife got into the sport after the Covid pandemic, taking advantage of Discover Sailing open days.

“We did that at Tamworth Sailing Club at Kingsbury Water Park and that’s where it all started,” he said.

Karl was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa when he was a teenager and knows he could ultimately lose his remaining eyesight.

“It’s a bit like looking through binoculars with no zoom, so I have very much what people describe as tunnel vision. I do have a very little bit of wide peripheral vision and it’s encompassed with night blindness as well, so in dim light or dark places, I really, really struggle with that as well.”

He said as his eyesight worsened, he would have to give up sailing on his own at the Tamworth club.

“That will end. And that’s what got me involved in the GB Blind Sailing team.

“They did a training event at Draycote two-and-a-half, three years ago. It’s been the opening of a door for me, being able to compete in these international competitions.”

His ultimate ambition is to represent Paralympics GB at the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane, despite para-sailing not being included since 2012.

He added World Sailing was “desperate” to try and get it back in, and the recent competition was the first step in “showing the world” it was ready.

Haines said competing was definitely on his radar.

“If I’m realistic, who knows if I’ll be good enough, young enough or fit enough?

“But I think that has to be the end goal and the aspiration to drive me forward. Yeah, 100 per cent, I want to be there.”