WEYMOUTH: Charity sailing group need your help!

CHESIL Sailability based at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy is appealing for volunteers to make their work run as smoothly as possible. Skills needed include a database co-ordinator to develop and manage their database because of growing membership. A maintenance team is also needed to maintain the Portacabin, boats and equipment. This is an urgent requirement to get ready for sailing and then to create an ongoing team to keep Chesil Sailability going. One early job will be building a ramp for the Portacabin. Admin support is also needed with a variety of roles-tasks such as minutes secretary for the committee and general admin help for the membership and sailing co-ordinators. Anyone able to help should contact Chesil Sailability as possible on 07543-656390 and they’ll get back to you.

GREAT Britain claims victory after tough crossing of the North Pacific

It’s been one of the toughest legs of the 2013-14 edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, but crossing the finish line, even in the dark, under San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge, is a moment to savour after 5600 miles of ocean racing across the mighty Pacific GREAT Britain crossed the finish line of Race 10 in the 16 stage global series at 21:42:56 local time (UTC-7) on April 9 to take line honours ahead of rival Henri Lloyd who slipped back into second place around 1.30pm local time today. Henri Lloyd crossed the line two hours later at 23:45 local time. A battle had ensued for the last five days between Henri Lloyd and GREAT Britain with the teams both alternating between first, second and third place on the leader board. Invest Africa crossed the line at 05:26am local time on April 10 taking the third line honours place. All results are provisional and the final positions will be confirmed by the race office after redress is applied. Simon Talbot, skipper of GREAT Britain, said: "We have had a very good race with Eric and Henri Lloyd, its always great to have someone to spar against. It's no fun if you are 500 miles ahead. It's a real sense of achievement battling it out. Coming out of the windhole yesterday I just couldn't see how we would claw it back. "They managed to pull 15 miles on us by running inshore, then we pulled it back by running deeper and came in first under the bridge. I know Eric will be very pleased with his team's performance and he has had a very fine race with a crew of 13. We had a crew of 18 and we worked really hard. "This was not the Pacific crossing that it was billed to be. We had no storms, we had no frontal systems passing over but the wind was gusting at 50 knots at times and we love sailing in that. We had a very fast downwind race and had 20 days of sunshine - that is what you call luck. "There is a constant battle in a long race like this to keep performance up, but the crew like winning so it is easy for my crew to get out of bed each watch." Henri Lloyd skipper Eric Holden said his team had fought with GREAT Britain right to the bitter end for several races in a row now. "It was their turn this time and they got the better of us. We tried as hard as we could but we just got a little tired towards the end. It was a long race and you can’t push full on the whole time, so you have to pick when you really go for it and when you sit back a bit. You could tell a lot of boats did that and we found the right times."

SOS for Herefordshire Sailing

LEFT holding paddles, but without a creek, Herefordshire’s sailors are leading a campaign to reopen and run Bodenham Lake themselves. With the closest sailing lake over now an hour away, Steve Lloyd is heading up the project to ensure youngsters throughout the county have a centre where they can try the sport. Bodenham Lake, the county’s sailing centre, fell victim to Herefordshire Council budget cuts in April. But Mr Lloyd, along with around 12 other local boat owners, wants to reopen the facility, using their own boats to make sure the next generation of sailors are not left in the doldrums. He said: “I’ve got a very good response from people around the county, and people are now getting into talks with us. “We are all very interested in sailing – many of us are experienced sailors – and we all have one aim; we really want there to be sailing locally.” Those talks could see a not-for-profit group take over the running of the 21-acre site on behalf of the council, similar to the New Leaf proposal at Queenswood. However re-launching sailing at the lake would require several upgrades after the council sold off the county’s boats; top of the list is a rescue boat that would cost around £10,000. The teaching boats would be provided by the volunteers, 12 of whom have already offered their boats for use. Mr Lloyd’s boat however would not be appropriate for beginners. The engineer was the victim of a hit and run on the Kinglsand to Hereford road that broke five vertebrae, leaving him disabled. However, he was able to continue sailing by carrying out modifications to his boat that allow him to control it from a set position. He regularly makes the 37-mile trip to Llangorse to sail, but hopes to soon have a shorter commute to the water from his home in Leominster. Until it closed, Bodenham Sailing Centre was able to accommodate up to 40 boats, and hosted groups from schools, Scouts and Guides. However it is now closed down, with its two cabins left abandoned. As a sport, sailing received a boost in popularity with Ben Ainslie’s gold medal-winning performance at the London Olympics and it is still among the best-funded at elite level by UK Sport. Mr Lloyd’s plan aims to harness that and provide both a local centre for leisure cruisers and a starting point for the next generation of Ben Ainslies.

Princess Anne to visit Weymouth and Portland for prestigious sailing event

Princess Anne will visit Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy to watch a prestigious youth sailing event. The Princess Royal will be attending the premier event on the RYA's youth racing calendar next week, which will see talented young sailors battle it out on the Olympic waters to be crowned RYA Youth National Champion 2014. Youngsters will be able to showcase their talents in front of the Royal audience after it was confirmed that the Princess Royal, who is also President of the Royal Yachting Association, will be attending the event on Thursday April 17. The youth championships run from Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18, and this event will see the largest number of competitors in the event's history. Nearly 400 dinghy, catamaran and windsurf racers in the six youth classes will compete across four race areas in Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour. The event will see some fast and furious action as the youngsters battle it out for championship honours and the chance to be selected to represent the British Youth Sailing Team at a range of international competitions this year. Throughout the week, young sailors will also have the chance to impress a number of the British Sailing Team's London 2012 Olympic medallists, who will be attending the event to inspire the next generation of Olympic hopefuls. This year, Sarah Gosling will be among the panel of RYA selectors at WPNSA. Sarah progressed through the youth ranks to represent Great Britain twice at the ISAF Youth Sailing World Championships in the Laser Radial class. She then went on to win two consecutive Olympic gold medals at Athens and Beijing. RYA Racing Manager and Performance Director, John Derbyshire, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming the nations brightest and best talent to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy for a great week of competition. “Not only is the event a high profile multi-class selection opportunity, it's also a huge spectacle, great fun and a fantastic showcase for our sport and platform for young sailors to develop their skills.” N To follow all the action, search for British Youth Sailing Team on Facebook or follow @RYAyouthracing on twitter.

Mylor’s disabled sailing school opens in May

A SAILING school owner has taken the first steps on a long road to develop one of Cornwall’s first specialist facilities to teach disabled people. Mylor Sailability, which opens part-time in May, has received more than £20,000 for equipment and running costs from various local and national bodies. The new company, a charitable arm of Mylor Sailing School, has received £4,300 in start up and project running costs – £3,000 from the West Cornwall Youth Trust and £1,300 from Cornwall Sports Partnership’s Sportivate fund. A supporter of the charity donated a old punt with outboard, which is due to be over-hauled by Falmouth Marine School students as a project. It has also received support from a specialist boat maker, the Wheelyboat Trust, which designs, manufacture and raises funds for disabled projects. The company has agreed to fund 75 per cent of a new boat design costing £24,000 for the charity. “The motor boats are especially designed to take wheelchairs, also allowing the wheelchair user to drive,” said owner Tracey Boyne. “It will be of fibreglass construction and has a drop down bow for wheelchairs to access the boat from a beach or slipway.” Andy Beadsley, director of the trust, said: “Access to the water for disabled people is important and that can only be achieved with the right facilities. “Mylor Sailability is a project which we are very pleased to support because of what they plan to do.” The charity has received planning permission to build a classroom on Admiralty Quay in Mylor Yacht Harbour. It also wants to build a section of pontoon by the sailing school in Mylor to help with launching and landing, plus a hoist to help wheelchair users – who cannot sit unaided – in and out of boats. The recent support has been welcomed by Ms Boyne who suffered a number of funding set-backs with the project. “There have been some highs and lows recently as bids for public funding can often bring,” she said. “We applied for two large Sport England Funding Streams totalling £120,000, but sadly both were turned down. “It was a great disappointment not to get any of the funding but somehow the knock-backs make me more determined. “It’s been a roller coaster of emotions but this recent support is good news for Mylor Sailability.” The school is hoping to start running part-time in May. “It’s been a lot of hard work but it should be fantastic once we are up and running,” said the sailing school owner.

Sailing centre in tribute to Andrew 'Bart' Simpson to open on Olympic waters

A NEW sailing centre in tribute to Olympic star Andrew Simpson is set to open on the Olympic waters. The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation is behind the new centre. The foundation was set up in memory of Olympic medal winner Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson, who tragically drowned last year while training for the America’s Cup. Their aim is to inspire the next generation through sailing. The Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre will open its doors in May at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. Iain Percy, trustee of the foundation and Andrew Simpson’s sailing partner, said: “Andrew was very passionate about encouraging people to make the best of the opportunities that they were given. “Through the foundation's activities we intend to provide opportunities to thousands of young people, and those who grasp it with both hands and show dedication, will be given significant support to reach their potential in the sport of sailing and the wider maritime industry through apprenticeships.” Based in Andrew’s home county and at the London 2012 Olympic sailing venue, the new RYA accredited centre will act as a hub for all the foundation’s activities. It will deliver a range of sailing courses for young people, community organisations and adults - including programmes for schools, as well as club sailors. Working closely with the Chesil Trust and the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, the centre will also deliver the highly popular and successful 'Rod Shipley Sail for a Fiver' scheme. Now in its 10th year, the scheme has enabled more than 12,000 Dorset children between the ages of 10 and 11 to experience sailing on the Olympic waters and is currently introducing 1,500 children a year to the sport. Trustee and Olympic medal-winning sailor Sir Ben Ainslie said: "Reflecting the foundation's objective to inspire the next generation through sailing, the centre will be a place where we can inspire Andrew's drive and determination through delivering everything from taster courses to longer term development and mentoring. “It will offer schemes to provide opportunities for deserving young people, something that Andrew himself was always so passionate about."

Charity helping disabled people to sail needs volunteers

A CHARITY that teaches disabled people to sail had a record-breaking year last year, taking 250 people on the water. New Forest Sailability made 2,421 outings in its small dinghies, sailing on Tuesdays and Fridays with a beginners’ course and a race team as well. Demand is such the club is hoping to open for a third session on Wednesday mornings when the season starts again soon. But to help them achieve their goal they really need more volunteers to help with everything from rigging boats to serving drinks. Newsletter editor Jenny Monget said: “If you can spare some time, whether you are a sailor or not, please join us. “ There are many jobs: receptionist, serving drinks, rigging boats, pontoon work hoisting people into and out of boats, taking people sailing, etc. “You will bring happiness to many people and help them to achieve their full potential through the friendly world of sailing, and have fun yourself, too. “All training will be provided as necessary. “We are a friendly club with many interesting members. We have won several awards including the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and RYA Centre of Excellence.” The club’s volunteers have been busy over the last week fitting out at Blashford Lakes, and on Tuesday held their first refresher session of the year for their volunteers. The season won’t get underway till May due to the refurbishment of the Spinnaker Sailing Club’s building, which has been delayed. This season volunteers are also hoping to take people out from Christchurch. For more information on New Forest Sailability go to www.newforestsailability.co.uk or contact Stefan Hart on 01202 760477 or membershipsec@newforestsailability.co.uk.

Helena Lucas: British Paralympian wins sailing gold again

Paralympic gold medallist Helena Lucas has won sailing gold in the Princess Sofia Trophy in Majorca. Fellow Britain Megan Pascoe followed her home in second in the 2.4mR class. For Lucas, 39, from Weymouth, her success added to a bronze she won at the Miami World Cup in February and was sweet revenge over Pascoe. On that occasion, Pascoe edged out her fellow Brit to take victory. Pascoe said: "It was a tougher event than Miami. Helena was sailing well." There is great rivalry between Lucas and Pascoe, 27, who lives in Portland, with Lucas taking the only British place available in the class at the London Paralympics. Saturday sees the conclusion of the Sailing World Cup event, with 15 British boats qualifying for the final 10-boat medal races for each of the 10 Olympic classes.

YOUNG people in Hartlepool are being offered an opportunity to learn how to sail.

Hartlepool Council's Sport and Physical Activity Team has joined forces with Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club to stage two two-day courses suitable for both advanced sailors and beginners. The courses run from 9.30am-4.30pm on Monday April 7 and Tuesday April 8 and on Monday April 14 and Tuesday April 15. People wishing to take part have the option of attending on April 7/8, April 14/15 or both. The course costs £60 for two days or £100 for all four. Daniel Garthwaite, Sport and Physical Activity Officer with Hartlepool Council, said: "The courses will cover sailing theory, rigging, rope work, sailing techniques and manoeuvres, boat launching and recovery, meteorology, clothing and equipment and capsize recovery. "Those who successfully complete a course will have a basic understanding of boat handling techniques and a range of other background knowledge. They will also obtain a recognised qualification, while those attending both courses will obtain further qualifications." Anyone wishing to book a place or who wants to find out more should contact Micky Early on 07743462763 or email: training@thyc.org.uk

Llandegfedd sailing club faces uncertain future

LLANDEGFEDD Sailing Club faces an uncertain future after an appeal for Welsh Water to re-consider closing their popular reservoir to water sports activities until March 2015 was unsuccessful. With a financial loss of around £5,000 from members leaving, less grants, and other costs, there is considerable concern for the club which was founded 1968 and produced world and UK champion racing sailors. Welsh Water have cited financial constrains, alongside health and safety concerns, for closing the site near Pontypool, to work on a brand new £2.5 million water sports and visitor centre. The project was due to be completed later this year, but bad weather around the turn of the year had an ‘adverse effect’ on the construction programme. When complete it will be one of the top inland sailing spots in the country, but the club fear the interim period could have a ‘devastating’ effect for them. Racing secretary of the sailing club, Mark Williams, said: “The club has promoted sailing at the lake for decades and now all the good work may be undone by the closure. Also, no offer of compensation from Welsh water so the club needs to find £2,700 just to cover insurance for equipment we can’t access, let alone the cost of losing members to other clubs. “Building work routinely takes place adjacent infant schools, live highways and pedestrian areas but Welsh Water can’t build a building within a huge two-hectare site without closing the whole reservoir. It’s very frustrating.” Peter Perry, chief operating officer of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water, said: “This is currently a construction site. As a result, given that the safety of our staff and users is our first priority and will always guide all our decisions, we are working with the sailing club to scope how members may be able to temporarily access the site safely until it is complete. “The new water sports centre will make Llandegfedd a prime sailing venue in the UK and hopefully encourage an increased interest in sailing and other water sports.” He said he looked forward to welcoming people to the new “flagship site”, which will cater for more than 150,000 visitors each year. But Mr Williams said it was unlikely ‘temporary access’ would persuade members to remain at the site.

Cheddar Sailing hosts open day at Cheddar Reservoir

Cheddar Sailing is holding an opening day on Sunday. The club will open its doors and invite people of all ages and abilities to find out about the sailing club on Cheddar reservoir. “Whether you’re completely new to the sport, looking to get back on the water or sail regularly, you are very welcome to come down and meet the committee,” says Cheddar Sailing vice-commodore, Karen Turner. “Our annual adult sailing course starts later this month and courses for children start in May. The open day is an ideal opportunity to find out how to join in." From 1-4pm, there will be free taster sailing sessions (weather permitting) and power boat rides hosted by club members. Participants should wear old shoes that can get wet, but buoyancy aids will be provided. The clubhouse will be open for tea and coffee, with members on hand to answer questions about sailing at Cheddar. Contact Karen on karenj.turner@tiscali.co.uk for more information about the open day or visit www.bcyc.org.uk to find our more about the club.

Penarth sailing charity celebrates fifth birthday

PENARTH-based youth sailing charity Challenge Wales celebrated its fifth birthday with a well-attended event at the Senedd last month. Volunteers, supporters and youth group leaders attended the evening together with guests including the Vaughan Gething, Assembly Member for Cardiff South and Penarth, who sponsored the event on Thursday, March 20. The charity’s 72-foot round-the-world yacht, also called Challenge Wales, is primarily used to teach 12-25 year olds social skills such as teamwork, communication and discipline as well as improve self-confidence. Relying on a group of more than 120 active volunteers who have donated 30,000 hours of their time, almost 1,000 young people have sailed on Challenge Wales since its first voyage in 2009. Vicky Williams, Trustee and Chair of the Board of Trustees used the event to formally thank volunteers and acknowledge their hard work and commitment: “The Challenge Wales charity would not be where it is today without our volunteers and we thank them for being there when we need them and their continued support”. Challenge Wales has had a lot to celebrate over the last five years including taking part in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012, winning trophies in youth sailing events and being the winner of the ITV People’s Millions Award last year enabling it to start working with visually impaired young people. Vaughan Gething AM said: “It is great that locally we have such an innovative learning experience through Challenge Wales. Sail training enables young people to develop life skills which are vital for employment. I look forward to talking more to the volunteers and following the progress of Challenge Wales during its fifth year.” Challenge Wales is looking forward to sailing further afield this year, not just to West Wales and North Wales but is pleased to be part of the Commonwealth Games flotilla in Scotland and a Tall Ships Regatta, racing with other youth sailing vessels, from Falmouth to London during the summer. The Challenge Wales Bursary Scheme (for Welsh residents aged under 26 years) which helps reduce the cost for young people’s berths onboard the boat will also continue this year enabling more people to get involved in life-enhancing opportunities onboard.

Sailing school yacht destroyed in latest boat fire

A sailing school that lost a 36ft Jeanneau yacht to a devasting blaze has praised the firefighters and marina staff who attended the incident. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to the cruiser, which belongs to the Hamble School of Yachting, at 12.30pm on Monday and extinguished the fire using four breathing apparatus and two jets. A spokesman for Hamble School of Yachting praised the rescuers, saying: 'The fire brigade were fantastic, so was the marina. Luckily the yacht was in front on our mooring area and the fire didn't spread to any surrounding boats. 'We're still operating our business as usual. Nobody was on the boat at the time and we don't yet know the cause. 'Originally it was thought that the engine had caught fire but the insurers discounted that yesterday.' Hamble School of Yachting is based at Mecury Yacht Harbour, which was originally built by Sir Robin Knox Johnston, and is situated where the shallow waters of Badnam Creek join the River Hamble. This latest boat blaze comes just days after PBO published a warning from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service for boat owners to pay attention to electrical items and the use of liquids and gas following a yacht fire at Hythe Marina. A spokesman for the service said: 'Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) have seen an increase in boat fires in recent weeks. 'We would advise all boat owners who are getting their boats ready for the sailing season, to pay attention to electrical items and use of liquids and gas.' Find boat fire safety advice on the HFRS website: www.hantsfire.gov.uk/boat