Technology for V.I. Sailors
As part of our commitment to helping visually impaired sailors get the most from their sailing, Sailing Vision Trust is helping to create some of the most innovative technology available to the V.I. sailing community.
VISCompass
VISCompass is a free app that turns your smartphone into an audio-compass. It aims to empower visually impaired crew to helm a boat on a pre-set course or turn or tack it in moderate coastal sailing conditions under the guidance of a qualified sighted skipper.
VISCompass uses the phone’s inbuilt compass, not its GPS or gyro capabilities. Hence mobile cell coverage is unnecessary for VISCompass’ full functioning.
VISCompass is currently only available on iPhone.
You can learn more about VISCompass at https://viscompass.org
Talking & Touchable Charts
Sailing Vision Trust has been working with the East Anglian Sailing Trust and chart-makers Imray to produce a small range of interactive nautical charts, incorporating raised coastlines, touch data points and talking pen integration. Areas covered currently include Solent and adjacent waters, south coast of Devon and Cornwall, and the waters of East Anglia.
These charts are available on loan to V.I. sailors by contacting SVT at mail@sailingvision.org
We are always on the look out for new and interesting technology to help the blind and partially-sighted sailing community. If there is any technology or app that you know of that would be of interest, please do get in touch.