Before the first cast off, I learn more important details: „For our people with sensory disabilities or intellectual disabilities, it is important that all the sheets, all the things I need to operate the boat, are always in exactly the same place. So that you can reach the curry clamps from the seat where you don’t have to look for a long time.“

This is much easier for learning to sail than if the sheet lies here or there. My fellow sailor adds: „You always have your sheet in the same place. So when I want to furl the main, I know the curry clip is between my legs.“

The sheet is always in the same place © Bruno Reitmann

So the person at the back is strictly in charge of steering, the mainsheet and trimming. In front, the jib and, if necessary, the gennaker are both set and driven. Although this has not yet been converted on the HSC boat so that it is possible without effort. The S\V 14 was delivered this way by the Chinese shipyard Shanghai Far East Boats Co Ltd.

The gennaker halyard is difficult to operate at the point to the side of the seat. The sheets have to pull it transversely with direction to the front. Because of heavy friction loss, this is only possible with great effort. However, the importer Bootspunkt is currently working on an improvement.

The S\V 14 cannot capsize

My companion thinks the S\V 14 is the sportier boat compared to the RS Venture Connect. The Venture Connect is bigger and more stable, needs more wind and has a large turning circle. The S\V14 is much more „agile“, but also forgives fewer mistakes. And it sails at a good height. Our test in the light breeze proved it.

I also learn that capsizing is impossible even at extreme angles. Perhaps the most important safety aspect of a boat for inclusive sailors. Only, the Chinese would probably have asked themselves how much two adult people weigh – and decided on a combined weight of 150 kilograms. „That’s not always easy for two grown-up Central Europeans,“ my companion says with a laugh. For the stability calculations, Alex Simonis assumed 85 kg per sailor, so there is still a reserve.

The S/V 14 is the more sportier boat © Bruno Reitmann

„But,“ she continues, „if you sit in it and don’t exceed the weight limit by much, and the boat really does lay down on the water, then this boat is self-righting.“ And not just to 90 degrees, but even up to 130 degrees. That means it won’t capsize even if the sail is pushed underwater. I am reassured! That simply gives more security, especially to those who can’t get out or crawl out so quickly.