HK Physio enters Cowes week 2023!

... With the support of the Andrew Cassell Foundation, HK Physio put an entry into the most prestigious and longest running sporting event, Cowes Week.  The team raced a Sonar, a four-person keelboat, with three amputees and Holly King, physiotherapist, as part of the sailing crew.  The one-design class comprising an 18 strong fleet and allowed individuals with disabilities to sail alongside able-bodied sailors.

Cowes Week, held from Saturday 29 July until Friday 4 August 2023, involved daily 2-3 hour races around the challenging Solent.  The courses are set around wind direction, strength and shipping traffic.  

This year, the weather proved formidable, with average wind speeds of 18-25 knots with big gusts ripping through the Solent and a large sea state (wind against tide).  Two lay days were declared due to gale force winds, providing much-needed rest for the amputee sailors. 

The demanding weather conditions offered exhilarating racing and put our three amputees to the test.  Manoeuvring from one side of the boat to the other presented significant challenges, requiring precise timing and skilful use of the boat’s heel and momentum.  During a tack or manoeuvre, the amputees often found themselves on the boat’s floor, plus  standing on the windward deck without a leg for stability was particularly challenging.  Despite these obstacles and the 360-penalty turn we incurred for kissing a mark on a rounding, threw everyone off balance, did not hinder the team’s overall success of achieving a great result.

Cowes Week provided a powerful platform to showcase the capabilities of amputees and individuals suffering from life changing injuries, when given support and backing.  The event inspired other amputees, proving that remarkable achievements are possible with the right support.  HK Physio’s strong following at home, diligently tracked and followed the team’s daily progress, celebrating in our victories and commiserating in our regular boat breakages and results lower down the fleet.

As a team, we surpassed all expectations, leaving an impressive impression on fellow competitors, wider sailors of Cowes Week and medical professionals alike.  We have proved that anything is possible, and it serves as an inspiration to advocate for those with disabilities, ensuring they receive the support needed to overcome their unique challenges. The experience demonstrates that while certain physical limitations may exist - moving around small, confined spaces, carrying loads, climbing ladders, or walking long distances, sailing, and racing hard are entirely with the realm of possibility.

Finishing in 5TH PLACE OVERALL from the 18 strong Sonar fleet that included able-bodied sailors, is a spectacular achievement and a testament to the spirit of achievement and determination.  Worthy of a massive celebration, not only for the four amputees that sailed as part of the team Laurence Greenhough, Stuart Gilmour, Ben Pearson, and Stuart Campbell, but also for the wider amputee community.