Visually impaired sailor loves freedom of the water

Sailor Dave Allerton has a simple message for those who think visual impairment is a barrier to living life to the full: "Us blindies are pretty stubborn people. You cannot tell us we cannot do anything."

Allerton, a New Zealander, lost most of his sight about seven years ago as a result of a genetic disorder and he now only has some peripheral vision.

And he is the first to admit that at times he was plunged into the depths of despair and felt that life had little to offer him anymore. The thing that rescued Allerton, a married father of two, from the abyss, was sailing: on the water he has a freedom that is now largely denied on land.