Deaf Sailors Navigating New Waters: Overcoming Challenges in Sailing Education

For deaf sailors, the thrill of taking to the water is paired with unique challenges. Learning to sail can be demanding for anyone, but for those who are deaf, the experience requires adjustments, patience, and often customized teaching methods. While instructors and students must work around these barriers, many deaf sailors successfully navigate the learning process and thrive. A couple of our American Sailing certified sailors explained the benefits of instruction for deaf sailors at First Reef Sailing School in Boston.

The Challenges of Learning to Sail as a Deaf Student

Adam Skwersky, an American Sailing certified sailor, recalls his difficulties as a deaf student learning to sail. His experience underlines a fundamental challenge: dividing attention between watching the instructor’s demonstration and focusing on the interpreter’s sign language translation. Often, looking at one means missing crucial information from the other. For Skwersky, a qualified ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter was vital, but an understanding instructor made a profound difference. His instructor, Hatch Brown, of First Reef Sailing School in Boston, took extra time after class to provide one-on-one demonstrations, allowing Skwersky to see firsthand how to handle the lines and tiller without missing visual cues.

Similarly, Doug Matchett, another deaf sailor, emphasizes the importance of having an interpreter well-versed in sailing. He recalls situations where misunderstandings occurred because the interpreter wasn’t familiar with sailing terminology, leading to communication gaps. These moments highlight a significant need: interpreters in sailing classes must be prepared to translate both language and sailing-specific terms to ensure accurate and effective communication.

Adapted Teaching Techniques for Deaf Sailors

To effectively teach deaf students, instructors often need to adjust their approach, ensuring visual learning takes precedence over auditory cues. Skwersky points out the value of step-by-step explanations: describing each task in detail before performing it allows deaf sailors to prepare and anticipate each movement visually. Additionally, instructors who incorporate tools like whiteboards to illustrate instructions or use hand signs for directions help create an inclusive learning environment. For example, pre-established hand signs to indicate port and starboard directions or throttle adjustments can substitute for verbal commands, making onboard communication safer and smoother.

Practical demonstrations and whiteboards were beneficial for Skwersky and Matchett during their American Sailing (ASA) courses. Visual aids ensure deaf students can watch and absorb information without missing details. Paul Sullivan, a seasoned instructor, also used whiteboards effectively in classes, showing the illustrations first before explaining, giving deaf students time to process the information visually.

Safety and Communication Strategies on the Water

Safety is of the utmost importance in sailing, and clear communication on the water is essential to maintaining it. Deaf sailors and their instructors use various strategies to ensure safety and effective teamwork. Pre-sailing discussions are one technique: before starting any task, the instructor thoroughly explains each step, outlines potential outcomes, and reviews the procedure afterward. This approach minimizes surprises and helps students feel prepared.

Another valuable method involves hand signals, which serve as a lifeline for deaf sailors when verbal cues aren’t feasible. These signals can indicate adjustments in throttle direction, speed changes, and other essential maneuvers. In tight spaces or high-stakes scenarios—like docking or mooring—these silent cues allow deaf sailors to communicate critical information instantly without compromising safety.

Adapting to Environmental Awareness

Deaf sailors also adapt to environmental changes, like wind shifts or boat traffic, by enhancing their visual awareness. In place of auditory cues, deaf sailors rely on sharp observation, staying alert to shifts in sail position, water patterns, and nearby vessels. As Matchett describes it, a “sixth sense” develops, allowing deaf sailors to anticipate and react to changes in their environment, much as hearing sailors might respond instinctively to a sound.

The Role of Community and Camaraderie

Building a supportive sailing community has been instrumental for many deaf sailors. Skwersky, who started sailing years ago but only connected with other deaf sailors relatively recently, describes the camaraderie and shared learning in the deaf sailing community as vital to his progression. Being part of a community where everyone understands the unique challenges of deaf sailing fosters teamwork and provides a space to learn from each other’s techniques and experiences. Deaf sailors often meet at events like the Annapolis Sailboat Show, strengthening their network and creating valuable friendships that enhance their sailing journeys.

Recommendations for Sailing Schools

To make sailing more accessible for deaf students, sailing schools and instructors can take several steps:

1. Provide Qualified Interpreters: An ASL interpreter familiar with sailing is crucial, as they can bridge communication gaps, enhance understanding, and improve safety. This inclusion removes the guesswork for deaf students, ensuring a more cohesive learning experience.
2. Train Deaf and ASL-Skilled Instructors: Schools can increase accessibility by employing deaf instructors or those who know ASL. These instructors naturally understand the nuances of teaching deaf students and can tailor their lessons to the visual and kinesthetic needs of deaf sailors.
3. Use Visual Aids and Signals: Incorporating whiteboards, visual aids, and hand signals into classes allows deaf sailors to understand and execute sailing maneuvers effectively. Clear, pre-established hand signs for maneuvers can replace verbal cues in dynamic environments.
4. Promote Inclusivity: Schools can market themselves as accessible to deaf students by noting interpreter availability and listing specific accommodations. Publicizing these efforts will make deaf students feel welcomed and supported.

Sailing Beyond Challenges

For Skwersky and many others, the rewards of sailing far outweigh the obstacles. Deaf sailors bring unique skills and perspectives to the sport, enhancing their experiences and those of their crewmates. Matchett’s advice to deaf sailors reflects a shared spirit of determination: “Go for it, you can do it.” As deaf sailors continue to navigate and conquer the waves, their success story paves the way for more inclusive and accessible sailing experiences.