New Team Member for Wetwheels

We are delighted to announce that we have a new member of the Wetwheels team. Karen Read joined us this week as our Office Manager. It is a full-time post based at our office at Gunwharf Quays. Many of you will know Karen as she has crewed on board the boat at many events over the past 2 years where we have attended with Wetwheels. Karen is also the person who has been responsible for the behind-the-scenes booking administration for many of the major events we have attended so we are delighted that she has agreed to join us full-time. I hope you'll join me in welcoming Karen to the Wetwheels family and you will get to meet her during the coming season.

Sailing Projects Gets Boost With £63k Heritage Lottery Fund

Portsmouth-based charity, The Boleh Trust, has received an additional £63,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to carry out a sail training transition study which will benefit local young people, it was announced today. The funding will help set up a sail training partnership with local organisations to secure the long term future of the historic junk yacht Boleh, currently being restored in Portsmouth. The grant will also launch Boleh as a sail training vessel to provide inspirational opportunities for young people. The Trust is already discussing ways to achieve this with the Portsmouth Sail Training Trust, a newly formed charity. Through the current HLF funded Boleh Project, the Trust has been able to employ shipwright apprentices and to share Boleh's remarkable story with the pupils of Portsmouth's Charter Academy and the local community. Once the restoration completes this autumn, Boleh - whose name means "Can Do" in Malay - will be used to help those facing challenges in their lives by giving them the chance to experience sailing this unique vessel and so build confidence, leadership and team working skills. Boleh, a unique 40ft wooden junk yacht, was designed and built after WWII in Singapore by a Naval Officer, Commander Robin Kilroy, DSC, who then sailed her back to Salcombe, Devon in 1950. She is constructed from traditional materials to a mixed junk/Bermudan rig design with many novel features - such as portholes made from the windscreens of Japanese fighter aircraft. George Middleton, Chairman of the Boleh Trust, said: "Once again the Heritage Lottery Fund has generously supported our vision for this iconic vessel. This grant ensures that Boleh will be given the best possible start to her renewed life as a sail training vessel."

Set sail to Aberdeenshire for the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

Weigh your anchor, fill your sails and get ready for the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Traditional Boat Festival. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the 21st annual festival which will be taking place in Portsoy, Aberdeenshire from June 27-29th 2014. Scotland’s leading celebration of maritime and cultural heritage is one of the key events in The Year of Homecoming, with the theme reflected throughout the festival programme. The event will showcase the best in Scotland’s maritime, crafts, food, drink, music and dance, with a special emphasis on boat building, restoration and sailing. Traditional wooden boats from all over the UK and beyond will congregate in the historic 17th century Portsoy harbour. Visitors will be able to learn how to sail a coracle, climb aboard restored fishing vessels, and see the crews of the St Ayles Skiffs battle it out on the open seas in the annual regatta. This year will also see the official opening of the PORT Boatshed, a community boat building workshop which allows training and restoration to be undertaken. Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Chair, Roger Goodyear, says, “The Festival has a great programme that offers a fantastic traditional maritime experience. Each year our Festival continues to grow stronger and draw in huge crowds- the small town usually only has a population of 2000 people, and this rises to an incredible 16,000 people over the weekend of the Festival.

2014 KA Sail Victorian Moth Championships

Montrose Sailing Club battles to stem the tide of coastal erosion

An Angus sailing club is continuing to improve its defences in its ongoing battle against coastal erosion. The steps down to the beach which had stood strong for most of Montrose Sailing Club’s 50-year history were damaged in the winter storms which battered Angus. A coffee morning in Old and St Andrew’s church hall raised £660 which will go towards repairing the damaged steps. MSC Commodore Kathy Locke said coastal erosion is a problem which the club has encountered on more than one occasion throughout its history. She said: “There have been many attempts over the years to protect the shoreline near the sailing club. On an occasion many years ago, a well-meaning club member deposited a load of rubble to help prevent erosion towards the road. “The club knew nothing of this at the time and in spite of the fact that it was not planned and seemed like a mistake at the time, it is still intact and providing a good defence today. “The council has also been involved in protecting the area around the club from erosion in recent years. They were responsible for placing the large sandbags on the beach south of the club to help prevent erosion towards the road. “In spite of the attempts made to protect the area from erosion, the residents of the house north of the sailing club were less fortunate a few years ago when the roadway outside their house was washed away. “This has since been repaired but emphasises that the area is vulnerable to erosion in adverse weather conditions. “With winter storms seeming to become more frequent, the potential for further erosion around the sailing club is prevalent and it is in our interests to continue to improve defences so that the club can continue to flourish in the coming years.” First formed with only a few keen members in May 1964, the club has gone through a number of positive changes over the years. Where the steps are from Esk Road down to the shore was a launching ramp, constructed from salvaged railway sleepers and telegraph poles by club members, for launching and retrieving the club’s first safety boat. This boat was an ex-lifeboat powered by a four horsepower ‘seagull’ engine and due to its weight, it was retrieved by hauling it up the ramp using a block and tackle. At the site of the concrete slipway came another wooden slipway for launching dinghies. This was replaced by a more substantial concrete one between 1981 and 82. This slipway, was well used and held up well to the elements until it was eroded to an extent where it had to be replaced. The club was fortunate enough to receive funding of around £1,000 in 2011 to replace the slipway, and over the course of a weekend, club members rallied together to construct the current slipway.

Disabled teenager reveals her big sailing ambition for 2014

On the 24th July, Natash Lambert, 16, will sail from her hometown of Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, to embark on a month-long challenge sailing her 21ft Mini Transat, Miss Isle Too, single-handed down the South West coast of England to Wales. Natasha was born with cerebral palsy, which affects her limbs. This weekend she has officially revealed her incredible 2014 sailing challenge: ‘Sea and Summit’. Natasha's condition means she does not have use of her hands, so she sails her yacht using her mouth to operate a ‘sip and puff’ mechanism engineered by her father. It is operated via a straw mounted inside a cycling helmet. Having completed the sailing part, Natasha will then swap her boat for her special walking aid, called a Hart Walker and will climb Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, the highest peak in Britain south of the Snowdonia mountain range.

Staunton Harold Sailing Club crowned RYA Club of the Year 2014

At the eagerly awaited awards ceremony, Staunton Harold SC was picked as the overall winner from the five finalists including Brightlingsea Sailing Club, Horning Sailing Club, Sussex Yacht Club and Ulley Sailing Club. These clubs were selected by an awards panel who judged them on the range of quality and safe activities they provide, how they encourage people to get out on the water and good governance and club management. Staunton Harold has an enviable record of attracting people to, and keeping them, sailing. The club has generated a 50% increase in membership over the past three years, thanks to its friendly, welcoming ethos, range of RYA training courses, work with schools and the local community and significant programme of facilities investment, totalling £150,000 to date. Meanwhile, those who sail at Staunton Harold have countless opportunities to improve their skills, take part in competitive racing and make the most of the club’s buzzing social scene. Nick Waters, Staunton Harold Commodore said: 'I’m struggling to find the right words, it’s a fantastic feeling. We have got this far for the past two years so winning and picking up the trophy is tremendous. I want to pay tribute to all the members at Staunton Harold who work so hard to make it such a good club.' RYA Club Support Advisor Jackie Bennetts said: 'Over recent years Staunton Harold Sailing Club have focussed on developing both its facilities and the activities they offer. They continually revisit their club development plan, review their achievements and aspirations, and plan for the future. The club have worked hard to develop and maintain great links with their local community and ensure that everyone visiting the club receives a warm and friendly welcome.

Bart's Bash in memory of Sherborne Olympic sailor Andrew Simpson signs up 400th team

A RECORD breaking attempt to hold the world’s largest sailing race is on track say organisers. Bart’s Bash, to be held in memory of Sherborne’s sailing gold medallist Andrew Simpson, has signed up it’s 400th sailing club just two months after entry opened. Jez Payne, the event director at the Andrew Simpson Foundation said: “At a sign up rate that continues to match just short of seven clubs a day worldwide, the world record attempt is on track to easily become the largest sailing event ever on the planet.” Club Nautic Arenal from Mallorca, Spain, were the 400th team to sign up. Albert Vadell, spokesmna for Club Nautic Arenal said: “This is a great initiative and we wouldn’t miss it for the world. We’re ready to go and make it happen.”

Poole Sailability seeks sailors

Poole Harbour is urgently seeking volunteer helpers. Poole Sailability, who are an RYA Foundation site, are appealing for anyone who has sound sailing experience in dinghies or keelboats to join them this season from May to September on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Due to an increasing number of people with disabilities wanting to sail they need both skippers and also boat maintenance helpers. They run a lively social programme after sailing sessions and throughout the winter. If you would like to become involved with Poole Sailability contact Anna Moreland on 01202 632096. More information on www.poolesailability.co.uk.

ILS supports Sailing for the Disabled

ILS Fiduciaries (Isle of Man) Limited has chosen Sailing for the Disabled as its charity of the year. The company, headquartered in Douglas, has donated £1,000 to the Manx registered charity, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sailing on equal terms with their able bodied friends in a harmonious and safe environment. Sailing for the Disabled was nominated by ILS Isle of Man staff and the money donated was raised through dress down days. To further support the charity the Company is also a silver sponsor. Chief Executive Officer of The ILS Group Chris Eaton says “We are delighted to have chosen Sailing for the Disabled as our charity of the year and in turn show our support and raise awareness for a great cause".

River Clyde's Commonwealth Flotilla 2014 Gets £250,000 Funding

Up to 250 yachts will gather at Greenock's iconic James Watt Dock for the Homecoming Muster before sailing up the Clyde to Glasgow as the Commonwealth Flotilla 2014. Inverclyde Council has approved funding towards a major sailing event to showcase Inverclyde, its sailing opportunities and its maritime history. Inverclyde Council has approved £250,000 to help support the one-off event in July. The investment will also secure longer term improvements to Greenock's James Watt Dock. Inverclyde Council's Environment & Regeneration Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Inverclyde, its history and modern marine leisure services on a global stage. We have a proud maritime tradition and offer the perfect setting for a spectacular event that has the potential to deliver a long-lasting legacy for Inverclyde and for marine tourism in Scotland. The James Watt Dock Marina is perfectly placed to play host to the event offering accommodation for the boats in sheltered waters and is a perfect day's journey by river from the centre of Glasgow. I am delighted we have been able to commit such a significant level of funding and am excited at the prospect of welcoming the flotilla to the Clyde." Organised by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Scotland the Muster would see a host of feeder sailing events arriving in Greenock between 21 and 24 July from Argyll and the isles, Ireland and Northern Ireland, Wales and England plus the Small Ships Race. Additional boats planning on making the journey up the Clyde will arrive at James Watt Dock by Friday 26 July and after spending the night in Greenock the boats will set sail for Glasgow on Saturday 26 July. RYA Scotland Chief Executive James Stuart said: "We are delighted to be working with Inverclyde Council on this exciting event. Their support will allow us to bring hundreds of boats together in anticipation of a mass Flotilla to Glasgow, which will represent the largest gathering of boats in the Clyde's history. "With Inverclyde as the backdrop the sail from Greenock to Glasgow on Saturday 26 July will be a great spectacle, but it will also help to cement the region's role in the growing Marine Tourism economy and draw attention to the world class sailing and boating in Scotland."

Trinity Sailing offers Devon young people life-changing opportunity

YOUNG people across Devon are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime trip across Europe by a Brixham-based sailing charity. Trinity Sailing has teamed up with a string of Devon businesses to offer 12 deserving young people a voyage at the 2014 International Tall Ships Races. Anyone in the region aged 18 to 25 is invited to apply for a place on Trinity’s sailing vessel Leader which is heading out from Amsterdam on June 29. The 14-night trip sets sail from Harlingen in the Netherlands, where the vessel will meet up with hundreds of other traditional vessels from across the world before heading to Fredrikstad in Norway. The aim of the Tall Ships Challenge is to provide deserving young people with a once-in-a-lifetime voyage worth over £1,200. Applicants are invited to apply for a place by submitting a brief written application explaining why they should be chosen. Anyone who feels they have gone the extra mile can be considered, whether they have helped others or achieved their own personal goal. Alternatively, people can suggest someone they know who might deserve a place. The initiative has been made possible thanks to kind-hearted Devon businesses who have offered to sponsor deserving young people. One of the first businesses to sign up was the Paignton-based family-owned food service company Caterfood. Managing director Mark Felton said he backed the scheme as he wanted to put something back into the local community. He said: “We deal with a lot of businesses in the Torbay area, so we saw it as a way for us to show our support and thanks to local people who deserve a break with this opportunity.” Trinity Sailing works with a wide range of youth organisations, from schools and colleges to social services and community groups. Toby Russell, Trinity Sailing’s director, said: “Sail training, and the Tall Ships Races, is about much more than learning to sail. “It is a true adventure and the experience can inspire young people, whatever their background, broadening their horizons and motivating them towards new goals. For some it is genuinely life-changing. “As well as having a great deal of fun, the Tall Ships helps all of the young participants discover hidden strengths and uncover new talents as they learn the true value of working as a team. “At each stop en route there is a carnival to welcome the ships and their crews. You are given time to explore the various locations and hop on board some the world’s most impressive sailing vessels.” Since their inception in the 1950s, the Tall Ships Races have been a world-class nautical event, attracting young people from all over the world. Trinity will be beginning the Tall Ships adventure in Amsterdam, where the crew can spend four days getting to know the vessel, sailing along the Dutch coast on Leader, as she heads to Harlingen. The first host port will be staging a wide range of activities and events for the international crews before the race begins. No previous sailing experience is required. The trip includes all of the young person’s meals on board, berthing, waterproofs and shore-based activities. If selected, the candidates will need to cover their own costs getting to and from the races. Trinity will provide ideas about how they can carry out fundraising to enable them to pay for their travel and insurance. Selected candidates will also be asked to complete a Tall Ships diary and take photographs of their voyage. A qualified sea staff of five will work with the young people during the voyage. People have until Friday, April 25, to apply for a place. Trinity will then compile a shortlist and invite candidates in for interviews to select the 12 successful applicants. The application form can be downloaded from Trinity’s website trinitysailing.org.