#neo49510ans : Témoignage Monique Foster

Communication Classe

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Monique a navigué à Port Camargue cet été avec Graham, son mari, le Néo495 les a séduit, et la Class Neo495 est convaincue que Monique sera la meilleure représentante de la Class Neo495, pour convaincre nos amis d’Outre-Manche d’adopter le Neo495.

Pour présenter Monique Foster : Monique Foster first saw the Neo 495 when the Access Class Association Chairman in the UK encouraged her to enter the inaugural Access European Championships in 2009 in Port Camargue in France. Monique has Multiple Sclerosis and also an inherited neurological condition called CMT; the myelin deficiency in both conditions cause a progressive interference with functions that are controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, writing, and memory, as well as muscle wastage. Since starting sailing Monique has finished 3rd place in The Access UK Nationals and 2nd place in both Europeans and World Championships.

“The Neo is a really striking boat. It looks very technical but in fact it is so easy to sail, even single handed. The crew sit next to each other, which is great, as this makes communication so easy, and perfect for the next step up in learning to sail with a spinnaker for instance.  But this seating configuration doesn’t compromise it’s performance as the Neo can point very high to windward and it won’t capsize.” “My husband Graham races yachts offshore and I mainly compete in regattas inshore, so we talk to each other about sailing all the time but we hardly ever actually sailed together. Last summer we visited Port Camargue  and sailed together for the first time in the Neo on the sea! We sailed all the way to the cardinal and channel markers and without an argument ! A miracle!” “Sailing in regattas is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Once you’re on the water you compete on a level playing field with other disabled as well as able bodied competitors. Once you’ve seen someone sailing in a Neo, any doubts you may have had about trying sailing for the first time will certainly disappear.” “I was so inspired by the Neo sailors I met at the National Championships in Cherbourg. They were all absolutely great people. We raced on the tidal waters in front of Cherbourg harbour; with big Channel ferries crossing our course and other huge vessels from this working harbour. I felt that yet again I had stepped out of my comfort zone and moved up to the next challenge.”   “2011 promises to be a great season with the 4 Nations Cup, taking place in Belgium, France, Spain and Switzerland, and hopefully we will be visiting Great Britain at the Mutliclass Regatta in Rutland.” “Alain and Agnes Inzelrac are incredible. They can take care of everyone’s particular needs and requirements. Everything is so well organised and their team of volunteers work tirelessly to help us sail and race. The support they provide has given me opportunities I could never have dreamed of before and they have completely changed my life.” I am delighted to represent the Neo 495 Class Association in the UK, and I look forward to seeing you sailing the Neo on UK waters ». Monique Foster.


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