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Jim, who has been blind from retinitis pigmentosa since age seven, worked hard to prepare for his voyage, outfitting his 36 foot sloop, "Eye Opener," with special equipment-a radar system that warns him when other boats are near, and a satellite computer navigation system that reads signals and relays his position using an artificial voice. Jim also used less technologically sophisticated aides such as stitching a pattern into the mast rope to gauge specific lengths and marking his boat in numerous other ways. With his boat ready, on August 4th, Jim said an emotional goodbye to family and friends from the docks in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and set out for England. But just six days and several hundred miles into his voyage, he heard an ominous warning over his radio, "Jim, get moving as fast as you can, there's a hurricane heading right for you." But by the time Jim learned about "Arlene" it was impossible for him to get out of harm's way. He had only one option-hunker down and ride out the storm. For two long days of 15 and 25 foot swells and fierce winds howling outside, Jim lay in his cabin clutching his inflatable raft and prayed for the best. "I learned that my fear about the storm was much like the fears we face throughout our lifetime," he said. "The reality is never quite as bad as the anticipation." Jim made it through the storm but unfortunately faulty equipment forced him to head to Bermuda and cut short his trip. Nevertheless, Jim's courage and determined spirit were noted in countless press stories throughout the world. One year after his attempt, with the support of the Baltimore City Yacht Association (BYCA), the indomitable Dickson established the first-annual Sail for Sight Regatta in Baltimore to benefit The Foundation Fighting Blindness. Now 15 years later, thanks to Jim's efforts and the loyal work of BYCA, more than 500 sailors from Maryland and surrounding areas participate in this annual event to raise funds for the fight against blindness. "One thing I know about sailors is that they are very generous people, said Jim. "I knew that if asked, they would help to find a cure for blindness. Year after year they have proven their outstanding commitment to our cause." To date more than $750,000 has been raised by sailors, supporters and corporate sponsors through the Sail for Sight Regatta. Jim, who lives in Washington, D.C., is now Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the American Association of People with Disabilities, walking the halls of Congress to ensure economic self-sufficiency and political empowerment for the more than 56 million Americans with disabilities. Although it's been 15 years since his first ocean-crossing attempt, Jim has never given up on the idea. "I'm just waiting till my 13 year-old daughter Casey gets a little older so I won't have to worry too much about her," says Jim. "But next time out, I'll make sure I go way before hurricane season." |
