Plain sailing at County Durham boat club

A SAILING club in the North-East held an open day over the weekend to encourage people to take up the sport. Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club welcomed newcomers to the water, near Consett, in County Durham, on Saturday. All ages were able to try out a free sail with safety equipment provided by the club. Susan Tate, 53, from Hedley-on-the-Hill, who runs the club’s galley, and has been sailing for 18 years, said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day. “A lot of people are interested in sailing and that is what we were hoping for.” Two day training courses to teach people how to sail with all equipment provided are available at the club, which is open at weekends and bank holidays, for £125. Wind surfing is also available through the club. For more information log on to drsc.co.uk or call 01434-675033.

Free sailing on offer at Upton Warren

UPTON Warren Sailing Club and Upton Warren Outdoor Education Centre are offering free sailing for all of the family this weekend as part of national RYA Push the Boat Out Weekend. Running on Saturday and Sunday (10am to 4pm), the fun-filled weekend is guaranteed to offer something for all the family. There will be the chance to enjoy a first taste of sailing with one of the club’s experienced members and sample the social side of what life at Upton Warren can offer. The tasters are open to everyone aged six and above and regardless of gender or experience. Just bring a change of clothes, soft-soled shoes and waterproofs, the club will supply everything else. RYA ‘Push the Boat Out’ will see sailing clubs and centres across the country inviting local people to come and ‘have a go’ at sailing and windsurfing. The weekend provides the perfect chance for everyone to get out on the water and celebrate a national weekend of sailing. Upton Warren Outdoor Education Centre is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. For full details on everything going on at Upton Warren SC, visit www.uwsc.co.uk.

Sailing Club Spotlight " Rutland Sailing Club Open Day"

A sailing club hopes to attract some new members at an open day. Rutland Sailing Club will hold its annual event at the Edith Weston entrance to Rutland Water from 10am on Saturday, June 1. All ages and abilities are welcome to come and try the sport for free. Full details on the open day and the club itself can be found at www.rutlandsc.co.uk

Rough first sailing experience !!!! Sent by a friend

So I purchased my first sailboat this winter (vanguard nomad). I took some sailing lessons the past 3 summers and was very excited to get out on the water. Things, however, did not go well. I have to motor about 1/2 mile with my mast down to get past 2 low bridges. On my first sail I did this without removing the boom. I found out a bit late that this put too much pressure on the gooseneck and sheered the bolts off of it. First sail ended before it really began! I was able to repair the gooseneck on my own. Which I was very proud of because I know that mechanical failures are part of boat ownership and I need to be self sufficient. So now it was time for my second attempt. I made it under the bridges and was getting the sails set up when I realized we were drifting a bit close to shore. No problem I thought I will just start my little 2hp engine and motor away. It refused to start, we drifted into a dock and bumped into a ski boat on boat lift (slight scratches to my boat no damage to said ski boat but I still left a note for the owner). I managed to get off of the boat and pull us over to a vacant dock at which time my son got off and held the boat while I checked the engine and finished rigging. I managed to revive the engine and pull away from the dock. Good to go I thought, I went to drop the kick up rudder and the wire snapped. I didn't realize at the time how important that part can be. Because of the lack of real steering sailing was impossible. I quickly became frustrated and headed for home. I have repaired the rudder, but I am now leery about sailing. I have learned a lot about my boat, but it has caused me lots of stress instead of being the fun and relaxing hobby I hoped it would be. Oh well, I have a few more tries in me before I look for a boat for sail sign. Here's hoping for improving fortunes.

Blind sailors hope for success in Japan

A team of blind sailors will be representing Great Britain at the 2013 International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) Blind Sailing World and International Championships in Japan next week. The championships will take place from Seabornia Yacht Club and Riviera Resort in Koajiro Bay from Saturday, May 25. The five-day event allows sailors to race against other sailors with the same level of vision. Blind sailing is split into three sight categories, B1, B2 and B3, B1 being those who are totally blind to B3 sailors who suffer from conditions like tunnel vision and retinitis pigmentosa. Great Britain is sending a whole team, with representation in all three sight categories. Each team, supported by the charity Blind Sailing, is made up of four sailors – two visually impaired and two sighted. The visually impaired sailors helm and work the mainsheet, with the support of a sighted crew and a tactician. The blind sailors use the feel of the wind and the movement of the boat to enable them to sail. Sharon Grennan, a category B1 sailor, said: “Blind Sailing has given me the opportunity to take part in an active and exciting sport with the camaraderie of a group of enthusiastic sailors, who, like me happen to be partially sighted or blind. “I enjoy the competitive buzz of racing too and improving my sailing for the next event always gives me a goal to work towards.” Previous successes of Blind Sailing sailors includes gold at the 2011 IFDS Blind Match Racing Championships, gold at the International Blind Match Racing 2010, and they were world champions at the 2002 World Blind Championship. For more information about Blind Sailing, visit www.blindsailing.net

Cowes sailing team trip competition

An activity day for a group of 12 at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) at Cowes, Isle of Wight, is perfect for team building. The Telegraph have teamed up with Volvo to offer this exciting prize to one lucky reader and 11 of their business colleagues. The team-building day will be held on Friday, September 6. The prize includes travel, ferry crossing, transfers, dinner and overnight accommodation on Thursday, September 5 at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA). The following morning, the winner and 11 colleagues will enjoy breakfast followed by a fantastic day's sailing, which includes all the equipment needed, a safety brief, practice sailing, lunch and an exciting mini race. Find out more about the itinerary at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy website: www.uksa.org Sailing and Volvo – Volvo Car UK has been a key sponsor of British sailing since 1999, supporting everything from youth development at grass roots through to Britain’s top sailors at the pinnacle of the sport. – Volvo has invested in a group of top inspirational British athletes under the banner of Team Volvo since 2001. Britain has won six Olympic sailing medals, (four golds, two silvers and one bronze) since Volvo started their support. – For the last 15 years, Volvo Car UK has been a great supporter of The Royal Yachting Association Champion Club Programme. – The Volvo Ocean Race is the world's pre-eminent round-the-world yacht race and one of the most coveted prizes in the sport. See more at: www.volvocarssailing.co.uk The prize draw To enter this competition you will need to explain a particular business challenge your team has dealt with in the last 12 months that means they deserve this great day's sailing.

Paralympic sailing champion Helena Lucas talks of her MBE honour

Redhill's Paralympic sailing gold medallist Helena Lucas has said she was “humbled and honoured” on receiving her MBE recently at Buckingham Palace. Helena was crowned London 2012 champion in the 2.4mR class at Weymouth and Portland last September. She claimed an emphatic victory to become Britain’s first medallist since sailing joined the full Paralympic Games programme in 2000. Speaking after the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, she said: “It really was the icing on the cake after such an amazing year.” She said: “I’m so honoured to have received this award for doing the sport that I love. “There were so many other amazing people in the room with me from all walks of life, who were so driven, have made great sacrifices and have worked so hard for their country. “It was really quite humbling.” Helena, 37, was awarded her MBE by The Princess Royal, who is also President of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and who attended alongside other key figures from London 2012. The Skandia Team GBR member was accompanied to the investiture by her husband Steve Thomas, and her parents Val and Geoff. She said: “It was so nice to have been able to share the day with them, as they’ve all been so brilliant and supportive throughout my career. “All the tradition and ceremony around the day made it really special for all of us.” She continued: “There’s still so much excitement around London 2012. People are still so excited about wanting to see my gold medal.

Ahoy there, get a taste for the big blue with free Sail Spree classes

Sail Spree – an initiative developed by the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) to encourage people of all ages to try water sports – will run from May 4 to May 6 in over 25 venues around the country. On offer will be various free taster sessions in sailing, windsurfing and powerboating. Many clubs will also provide onshore activities, including food and entertainment, guaranteeing a great day out for all the family. While pre-booking is not essential for all of the venues, it is advised that you contact your chosen club to avoid disappointment. For more information about Sail Spree events in your area check out www.sailspree.ie.

Fire Crews sailing against the tide !

Land-locked firefighters from West Yorkshire, including some from Bradford, are preparing to defend their UK Firefighters Sailing Challenge title – with just one day of training. Four teams of eight from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will compete against 30 crews from across the country in the three-day annual competition in the Solent next week. But with limited access to water, the teams, which won the title in 2009 and 2012, have yet to complete any training. They will take part in their first practice session the day before the event, which starts on Tuesday. Watch Commander Darren Bagley, of Huddersfield, said: “Most of the other brigades are from coastal regions, mainly from the South Coast, and West Yorkshire is quite clearly land-locked. We don’t train. “The event starts on Tuesday, but we’ll travel down on the Monday for our first and only training session before the other crews arrive. “I think we surprise a lot of them with how well we do – especially when we don’t do any training. We won it last year and in 2009 and we’ll be ready to give them hell again this year.” The event will see the crews race 40ft yachts over three days, staying at Yarmouth and Cowes during the evening. They have a secret weapon in their midst – skipper Peter Crowther. Mr Bagley said: “Our success lies mainly with our skipper who has more than 40 years’ dinghy-racing experience and has transferred his expertise seamlessly to a bigger scale. “Peter was recently the world firefighter dinghy racing champion.” The West Yorkshire crew has used the event to raise thousands of pounds for Yorkshire Cancer Research and Huddersfield Downs Syndrome Support Group. It has also secured sponsorship from The Woodman Inn in Thunderbridge, nationwidebathrooms.com, Lucas Lee and Partners chartered surveyors and Kevan Davey of Concerto Support Services in Cheshire. To sponsor them, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WYFSCharitySailingTeam

Red Bull Sailing take second in Singapore

Roman Hagara's crew climb to the top of the Extreme Sailing Series' overall leaderboard after Act 2. Switzerland's Alinghi team claimed victory at the Marina Bay Reservoir in Singapore after winning more races than the rest of the Extreme 40 fleet. But it was a closely fought thing on the final day. With little wind to speak of the event's Race Committee had made the decision to abandon competitive racing. Thankfully, though, a breeze picked up and the teams were able to complete one final race. It was an eventful one, too. Four teams – Alinghi (SUI), Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT), SAP Extreme Sailing (SAP) and Realteam (SUI) – all muscled their way into podium positions. In the end, it was Morgan Larson's Swiss team who triumphed to take their first win since Almeria in 2011. But Roman Hagara's Red Bull Sailing Team pushed them all the way and notched another impressive second-place finish. enlarge It was always going to be an uphill task for Hagara and crew to cancel out Alinghi's lead, which they'd held since race six, but the Red Bull Sailing Team were able to hold on to the position they ended day three in and repeat their result from Act 1 in Muscat. Roman had this to say afterwards: “It's always tough when you don’t know when the last race is going to happen, but it worked out well for us and it's great for the team. They did a great job on the boat. I think they really deserved it and it's great for the overall standing now.” enlarge Roman Hagara of Red Bull Sailing in action© Red Bull Content Pool / Balazs Gardi / Red Bull Sailing Roman's Red Bull Sailing Team now share top spot in the overall standings with Alinghi. The next stop for the Extreme Sailing Series is in Qingdao, China, on May 2-5. Extreme Sailing Series 2013 Act 2, Singapore final standings 1. Alinghi (SUI) – 198 points. 2. Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) – 163 points. 3. SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) – 161 points. 4. Realteam (SUI) – 159 points. 5. The Wave, Muscat (OMA) – 153 points. Extreme Sailing Series 2013 overall standings 1. Alinghi (SUI) – 18 points 2. Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) – 18 points 3. The Wave, Muscat (OMA) – 16 points 4. SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) – 12 points 5. Team Korea (KOR) – 11 points

Sailing Club Spotlight Otley Sailing Club

Otley sailing club has received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services. This is the highest award presented by the Queen to voluntary groups. The award is for the club’s voluntary work with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Sailability scheme to make sailing accessible to all. Young people and adults from Bradford, Otley, Ilkley, Skipton and Leeds with special needs are encouraged to sail independently in specially-designed boats. This would not be possible without volunteers. Schools also take part in regular Sailability sessions during term times. The volunteers give many people with special needs an opportunity to try sailing and ‘sail free’ independently, giving them a sense of achievement and freedom that they might not otherwise be able to experience The award will be presented on behalf of the Queen by Dr Ingrid Roscoe, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, on April 25.

'Ordinary sailors' urged to take on charity challenge !!!!

Ordinary sailors, who normally steer clear of a racing buoy, are being urged to sign up for this year's 26-mile sailing marathon in Plymouth. Billed as a 'chase' and very definitely not a 'race', the 12th Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit will be held on Saturday 13 July. The event will culminate in an evening of supper, entertainment and prize giving, hosted by The National Marine Aquarium for the first time. The reserve date, in case of postponement, is Sunday, 14 July. Since its inception in 2002, the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit has raised more than £300,000 for 123 charitable causes. This year organisers are adopting a new formula for awarding prize money from the 'prize pot' which has been increased to £15,000. Organiser Julia Creeke, who created the charity challenge in memory of her mother, said: 'If you've got access to a boat and a charity close to your heart, then sign up for a fun, rewarding day out on the water which always adds a thrill to fundraising. 'The chase always captures the imagination of supporters and can boost a charity's coffers through sponsorship as well as prize money.' Last year, 73 cruising and racing yachts raised £41,569 for 40 different charities, which were crewed and skippered by individuals, entire families and charities with crew ages ranging from nine year olds to octogenarians. ‘King Magic' sailed in at the top of the prize ladder, scooping £1,000 for the RNLI. By raising £4,525, the highest amount of sponsorship the Pursuit has ever seen, The Island Trust also received a special prize of £500. This year Plymouth Yacht Haven, Yacht Haven Quay and Blaster Master have joined forces to raise the public profile of the event. Dr David Gibson, managing director at the National Marine Aquarium, said: 'We're delighted to be supporting the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit, and to be welcoming the successful crews to the Aquarium in July. 'It's great to be able to support events such as this, which help raise money for charity and share our views on protecting the seas. 'Our visitors will have a perfect vantage point with all the sailing action taking place just outside the Aquarium, and we are greatly looking forward to the event.' This year yachts will start from a line off the Hoe, from approx 8am, at intervals depending on their handicap which is based on Portsmouth Yardstick. The course takes them out to round the Hand Deeps buoy, three miles west of the Eddystone, and back to finish at the same line off the Hoe. Early bird entries for the individual event and the three boat team event -where all three boats sail for the same charity- began on 1 April and will continue online at www.eddystonepursuit.org until 9 July. Entries cost £15 with a minimum sponsorship requirement of £50. As the main aim of the event is to fundraise for charities that 'benefit the human condition' the new points system aims to encourage participants to raise as much sponsorship as possible for their nominated charity. Now with points aggregated for sponsorship, sailed position and date of entry, boats will buy a proportion of the 'prize pot'. There is an opportunity for businesses, charitable trusts or individuals to help support the Pursuit by becoming a 'Friend' and donating prizes, goods in kind or services; or a sponsor of the three-boat Team event. For more details contact: sec@eddystonepursuit.org

A summer festival of sail in Weymouth and Portland

A festival style weekend offering coaching, racing, spectator interest and taster activities will be recapturing the Olympic spirit in Weymouth and Portland. This summer's August Bank Holiday weekend will see the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), the 2012 Games sailing venue, hosting a brand new event, open to all. Action will begin on Friday 23 August with a coaching day. GJW Direct SailFest, the inaugural WPNSA annual handicap regatta, will run from Saturday 24 August to Monday 26 August. There will be racing on the Olympic waters, from Portland Harbour to Weymouth's Nothe peninsula, GPS tracking and live updates, commentary and analysis. Ashore at the academy, there will be an exhibition of dinghies with class association displays, trade stands, workshops and seminars, evening meals and guest speakers Accommodation packages are available at RYA Portland House - the Olympic Team GBR base - campervan pitches and a camping field. During all four days of the event, there will be a fleet of windsurfers available for fully instructed taster sessions by the Official Test Centre (OTC), based right on the slipway at WPNSA. Booking will be opened in June for 90 minute sessions, running at four time-slots each day, for just £17. Tris Best, of the OTC, said: 'SailFest is a great event to keep the momentum of the 2012 Olympics going and we're hoping to build on the 780 plus tasters we achieved last summer. 'Sail sports are more accessible than ever before - an excellent - and enjoyable - way to keep fit, socialise and make the most of some of the best conditions in Europe that Portland Harbour offers. Come and get involved.' Alongside the dinghy racing, the OTC will be running a mid-season slalom training camp in association with the British Slalom Association (BSA) - a chance to keep your slalom skills honed during the summer break in the series calendar. Read more at http://www.pbo.co.uk/news/534263/a-summer-festival-of-sail-in-weymouth-and-portland#MwKQ6cufWc007WyZ.99