Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Sir Ben Ainslie reveal unique opportunity

British sailing legends, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Sir Ben Ainslie revealed a unique opportunity today for a young person to experience Mother Nature’s toughest conditions, as a competitor in the world’s longest ocean race. Speaking today at the PSP Southampton Boat Show, the pair revealed a national contest for 18-24 year olds, regardless of previous sailing experience, to win a crew place for the Pacific Ocean leg on the next edition of the famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The prize, worth more than £10,000, has been donated by Clipper Race chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, which Sir Ben Ainslie helped found in memory of his friend and Olympic sailing partner to transform the lives of young people through sailing. 'I share the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation’s passion for inspiring young people to have life changing experiences through sailing, and I am delighted to be donating this unique adventure,' remarked Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to ever sail solo, non-stop around the world in 1968/69. 'When you take on the Pacific Ocean crossing, you are taking on something very, very special. There is nothing bigger or more awesome on this planet,' Sir Robin continued: 'This is something that will test you and push you to limits you didn’t know you had. Very few people have tackled this challenge and now it’s your chance to be one of them.' Speaking on board one of the Clipper 70 racing yachts, Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation founder and patron, Sir Ben Ainslie added: 'The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a real marathon around the globe, and an incredible sporting and personal achievement. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of the Clipper Race and Sir Ben Ainslie, founding patron of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, demonstrate the living conditions of the Clipper 70 where the prize winner will spend up to one month whilst crossing the Pacific in the Clipper 2015-16 Round the World Yacht Race. - © Christopher Ison Click Here to view large photo 'It is really exciting for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation to be able to provide this opportunity for a young person to compete in such a challenging race. It really will be a once in a lifetime experience for the competition winner.' The Clipper 2015-16 Race starts next summer and will be the tenth edition of the world’s longest ocean race, also known as one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet. The only event of its kind in the world for amateur sailors, 40 per cent of crew have never sailed before they sign up. Starting in China and ending in the West Coast of the USA, Leg 6, the Pacific Ocean crossing, is 5,500 miles long and will take approximately one month to complete. At times, the fleet’s closest human neighbours will be the astronauts orbiting above them in the international space station. Crew members will encounter heavy storms and huge waves, as well as the beauty of starry night skies, breath-taking sunsets and rises, as well as the possibility of spotting whales and other varieties of marine wildlife along the journey. Anyone in the UK aged 18-24, can be nominated for the prize. No previous sailing experience is required as full training will be provided. You will just have to provide your reasons for nominating this particular young person to take on the challenge. To nominate a young person you think would gain from the Clipper Race experience, download the application form and check the terms and conditions here . The closing date for nominations is 14 November. A shortlist of five finalists will be announced on 3 December and both Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Sir Ben Ainslie will be part of the final voting process. The winner must be available for four weeks of training based out of Gosport, Portsmouth Harbour, on the UK south coast, and also the race itself from China to North America which will take place during March-April 2016. To learn more about the Clipper Race, go to Clipper Round the World .

Teenage sailing star Natasha Lambert makes inspirational visit to PSP Southampton Boat Show

TEENAGE sailor Natasha Lambert visited the Boat Show yesterday in the hope of inspiring others to follow their dreams. Despite having cerebral palsy and having to use a wheelchair, Natasha Lambert has recently returned from her Sea and Summit challenge which saw her sail 430 nautical miles and climb 3,000 ft to the top of Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, the highest peak in southern Britain. Now the 17-year-old from Cowes has sailed into the PSP Southampton Boat Show where her yacht Miss Isle Too will be on display until Sunday. She hopes that by showcasing her yacht she can show others what is possible and inspire more people. The yacht was adapted by her dad Gary, to allow her to sail it singlehandedly using just her mouth. At the helm, the youngster puts on a helmet and sucks and blows on straws to control the sails. The trip has already raised £13,500 towards her £15,000 target, some of which will be used to adapt a boat in a similar way for someone else. Her mum, Amanda, said: “The yacht was adapted so Natasha can control the boat. It’s all about her taking control rather than being a passenger. “It’s the control for Natasha. Being able to control her environment and where she goes. She can make the decisions and she has to make quick decisions and she controls her own destiny. “Natasha’s idea was to help somebody else. Natasha feels it’s her chance to be able to help and give back to the community. Where other people help her, this is her chance to help somebody else.” Gary, an electrician, said: “We were asked to come and showcase the boat and it gives us another good opportunity to show what Natasha has been doing and to show what people are able to do in sailing and other things. “As far as we’re aware we don’t know anyone else who’s actually climbed a mountain using a walking frame. “Hopefully that will show other youngsters that they can use their walkers in all terrains. “It’s achieving personal goals, whatever they might be. It’s up to that individual to achieve their goals.” Natasha’s Sea and Summit challenge was her third fundraising charity challenge, clocking up a total of £38,500 so far. The money raised on her latest trip will be split between the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and the Royal Yacht Association (RYA). For more information or to donate visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ missisle.

Scammonden sailors' success nets them Yorkshire champions title

Two sailors spent 24 hours racing a dinghy and were named Yorkshire champions at the end. Isaac Marsh and Robin Jones, representing Scammonden Water Sailing Club, took part in a 24 hour non-stop race. The duo, both aged 19, sailed a two-man Firefly at the West Lancashire 24 hour race in Southport at the weekend and placed 36th out of 70 boats. They were one of two Scammonden boats in the race, and as Isaac and Robin sailed over the finish line ahead of any other Yorkshire team they won the Yorkshire Cup. Isaac and Robin said the race was “amazing” and said they’d “definitely do it again despite losing a night’s sleep”. They faced the challenge in aid of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, formed in memory of the Olympic sailor who died training for the America’s Cup. Paul Cornish, the club’s Sailing Captain, said: “Isaac and Robin were amazing and the Club is really proud of them. “Clubs enter bigger teams into the 24 hour race, sailing in relay and swapping with another helm and crew every few hours because it can take a lot of effort. “Scammonden’s other boat had 11 sailors and finished three places behind them when handicaps were worked out, so it shows the amazing effort Isaac and Robin put in for 24 hours.” Scammonden’s second boat was a two-man Enterprise sailed by Paul Cornish, Joanne Douglas, Steve Yates, Sophie Yates, Ian Turrell, Chris Smith, Mike Goodwin, John Hutchinson, plus Sally Ratcliffe, 17, Sam Wyatt, 14, and 10-year-old Owen Smith. Paul added: “Our second boat included three of our young members, Sally is an experienced sailor but it was the first time Sam and Owen had sailed in a race like this and they were both brilliant members of the team.”

Prince Edward will visit Portsmouth sailing charity Wetwheels !!!!

THE Earl of Wessex is visiting Portsmouth-based boating charity Wetwheels. Prince Edward will be at the charity at Gunwharf Quays on Monday, September 29, where he will meet founder of Wetwheels, disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt MBE. Mr Holt said: ‘We are delighted the Prince has asked to come and see what we do at Wetwheels. ‘We take about 1,000 local people a year on to the water, many of whom have never been afloat before. ‘The outcomes are always positive with guests often reporting increased feelings of wellbeing and improved self-confidence. ‘We are proud to be operating in Portsmouth but we could do so much more with more funding. Hopefully this visit will raise awareness of what we are doing.’ Wetwheels is a catamaran that enables everyone, regardless of disability, to get afloat and to enjoy the historic Portsmouth Harbour and surrounding waters. Visit wetwheels.co.uk for more information.

Top sailors aiming to navigate towards Rio

Aspiring British Olympic sailors are out in force this week at the most important regatta on the long road to Rio 2016. The ISAF Sailing World Championships in Santander, northern Spain, will see some 1,500 elite sailors come together to compete across all 10 of the Olympic classes, hoping to put down personal markers for selection, as well as booking their nation’s spot in Brazil. No fewer than 88 members of the British Sailing Team are taking part. Nick Dempsey is out to defend his RS:X windsurfing world crown, while Giles Scott (Finn, 2011), Ed Wright (Finn, 2010) and Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark (470 Women, 2012) are all recent world champions looking to build on their success. ‘The 2014 World Championships is the biggest event of this Olympic cycle,’ said RYA Olympic manager Stephen Park. ‘It’s a huge multi-class world championships, with all 10 Olympic events having their championships all in the one venue, and it’s also an opportunity to qualify for 50 per cent of the slots in each of the Olympic classes for the Olympic Games itself.’ The competition is going to be hot in all events. France’s Billy Besson and Marie Riou took the inaugural Nacra 17 world title in 2013 – just ahead of Hampshire duo Ben Saxton and Hannah Diamond, who will be aiming to go one better this time around. Saxton said: ‘One thing for sure is that there will probably be a load of boats. It will probably be the best racing we have done yet and there will probably be a mix of conditions.’ Also competing are Hayling Island’s Frances Peters in the 49erFX class, Lee-on-the-Solent’s Alain Sign and Portsmouth’s John Pink in the 49er fleet, and Chichester’s Christina Bassadone and Hayling’s Eilidh McIntyre in the 470 women. Portsmouth-born Jess Lavery and Hamble’s Megan Brickwood team up in the 470s, and Emsworth Finn sailor Peter McCoy will also be in action.

Plymouth sailing school faces closure, but neighbouring yacht club steps in to help keep them running

A sailing school on the Barbican is facing closure due to council cuts, but now a neighbouring business has jumped on board to help keep the “valuable” service running. It was reported in The Herald last month that Plymouth and Devon Schools Sailing Association (PDSSA) - a not for profit volunteer organisation - has to raise an estimated £13,000 a year to survive after they were informed by the council that their funding had been cut. However, the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club (RPCYC) who work closely with PDSSA were unaware of their financial situation, and after reading about it in the paper they decided they had to act. Becki Hastings, events co-ordinator at RPCYC, said: “Off the back of the article we’ll be hosting our first fundraising event. “We already have a relationship with them, but we weren't aware of the situation they were in, so our members have decided to do something quite quickly.” The Yacht Club will be holding a special Autumn Ball this Friday, with £5 of each ticket sold going towards keeping PDSSA running. Nick Haynes, treasurer at the RPCYC, said: "We are very pleased to support the PDSSA who have made such a valuable contribution in bringing young people into sailing in the Plymouth area." The Sailing Association has been offering its services since 1966 and is used by many organisations, including schools for children with learning disabilities. Ade Bevan-Smith, centre manager at the sailing school, said: "A lot of the work we do is for autistic children, but we are likely to close down. "We are extremely grateful to RPCYC for putting this event together on our behalf. The funds will be used to help us continue our work with schools, Ace groups, autistic and disadvantaged children." The Autumn Ball is Casino Royale themed and is open to any one. Tickets include cocktails, a three course dinner and lots of dancing - and are available to buy from Becki at events@rpcyc.com or 01752 664327.

Fantastic Sailing day at Carsington Water for brave Izzy Askey

ILL and disabled children were all smiles as they took part in a sailing day organised by their doctors. Patients of the Royal Derby Hospital had the opportunity to test their skills in specially-designed boats. And 14-year-old Izzy Askey was particularly happy to be out on the water. She is believed to be the youngest person in the country suffering from Fowler's syndrome, a condition that affects the muscles in the bladder, usually in 20-to-30-year-old women. The disease often makes life very uncomfortable for Izzy, of Kilburn, but this was not the case at the Carsington Water event. And Izzy thanked her doctor – consultant paediatrician Richard Bowker – for making her feel well enough to go out and have fun with the other children. She said: "He's really caring and understanding and he really listens to me. "He helps me be in control of things." Izzy went through a long period of uncertainty when she first fell ill. "When I first went to hospital, they said it was so unusual to have this condition this young," she said. "So it was really hard for them to diagnose me." Izzy is due to undergo surgery at the University Hospital in London on Wednesday, which will involve putting an electrode into her spine. But the Sailability challenge offered her an opportunity to forget about it for a few hours and have some fun. She said: "We went out on the Jolly Roger but there was no wind so we had to be towed back. We had to paddle with oars for a bit to get back, it was fun." The event at Carsington Water was organised by Nottingham Children's Hospital consultant paediatrician David Thomas – a keen sailor – for the first time last year. This year, he has teamed up with the Royal Derby, Kings Mill Hospital, Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Sheffield Children's Hospital, as well as the charity WellChild, to give more children the opportunity to join in the fun. And the Royal Derby's Dr Bowker was pleased to see his patients out enjoying themselves. He said: "This is to get them away from the hospital environment and to get them doing normal things. "I think it will enhance our relationship with the patients seeing them out doing something they enjoy." Dr Bowker has been in his position at the hospital for eight years and has known some of the children for four of those. "This experience adds to the can-do attitude we are trying to inspire," he said. "It is also nice to see them outside of the hospital so that they are actually happy to see us." Many of the children involved in the days events suffer from neuromuscular diseases, which affect the nerves and muscles. Dr Thomas added: "Sailing has a lot to offer and different people take different things out of it, so for these kids it is fantastic."

The British Sailing Team countdown to Rio 2016...

Youngsters set sail on learning programme

Youngsters from a charity that helps the disadvantaged have been given the opportunity to sail with GAC Pindar in Cardiff. Eight young people participating in the Welsh Charity Llamau’s Learning 4 Life programme were given the chance to sail on GAC Pindar’s Extreme 40 racing yacht ahead of the Extreme Sailing Series in Cardiff Harbour last Friday. The charity, Llamau, helps disadvantaged and vulnerable young course members find the confidence and skills needed to succeed as they progress in life. Frances Beecher, Llamau’s chief executive, said: “We’re so grateful once again to GAC Pindar for allowing our young people to have such an exciting and rewarding opportunity to sail with a world-class team. “It is experiences like these that make a huge difference, building confidence and self-esteem, and enabling young people to develop their own aspirations for the future.” Cardiff was Act Five of the Extreme Sailing Series which takes place in iconic locations across the world. GAC Pindar’s Andrew Pindar, said: “It’s wonderful to be able to give these young people a thrilling outing on the water in Cardiff that they will never forget and one that will help them moving forward. It was a delight to see them enjoy the excursion and hopefully some of them have caught the sailing bug. “We’ve been fortunate to be able to offer similar experiences throughout the Extreme Sailing Series and hope to be back in Cardiff again next year.” For more about Llamau visit www.llamau.org.uk or for GAC www.gacpindar.com

Stratford teen enjoys Ellen MacArthur sailing trip

BACK in 2005 Dame Ellen MacArthur became the fastest woman and youngest person to sail around the world single-handedly. But now she is turning her attention to giving youngsters in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing. And Stratford teen Toby Butterworth was among a group of lucky eight to 18 year olds chosen to take part in in an inspirational sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. The 16-year-old, who is still on maintenance treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, recently joined the crew of one of five yachts to sail around the Solent as part of a four day yacht adventure. Onboard 42ft cruising yachts, the trip provides an opportunity for young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment while encouraging them to work as a team and get involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking. Departing from the south coast HQ in East Cowes Marina, Isle of Wight, the 30-strong group of teens navigated the waters of the Solent before cruising back into Cowes. Speaking about his experience, Toby admitted he didn't know what to expect before coming on the trip. He said: "It has given me more confidence to talk about what I’ve been through and I would now try to get involved in more things like this. "It’s been really good meeting people who have had similar treatments to myself and it’s nice talking to people who actually know what I’ve been through. I’d love to come again.” Dame Ellen, who tries to spend at least one day with every four-day trip over the summer, added: “The mental and social fall-out from cancer can be just as devastating as the physical illness. "Everything we do is about building confidence, self-esteem and having fun together.” Visit www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org for further information.

Pontoon plan for Elgol on the Isle of Skye not so bonny, say locals !!

A plan to give more boats access to a harbour on Skye has been opposed by locals because they say it will spoil one of best views on the island. Highland Council proposes to install a pontoon at Elgol to give an additional eight berths for boats and relieve congestion at the popular spot. Elgol on Loch Scavaig has a view of Skye's famous Cuillin mountain range. A petition started by residents opposing the pontoon has gathered about 250 signatures so far. The local authority was awarded a £65,000 grant to help fund the project. It has said the extra berths would relieve congestion at Elgol's main pier and improve access to the sea for all members of the community.

Teenagers take part in major UK tall ship regatta

TWO teenagers are among crews racing tall ships. Rebecca Pollitt, 17, from Lee-on-the-Solent and Isobel Johnson, 17, from Southsea, are on board two different boats in the Falmouth to Royal Greenwich tall ships regatta. The pair set sail on Sunday as the 44-strong fleet left Falmouth. Rebecca said: ‘It’s the first time that I’ve sailed overnight and I’m feeling really excited.’ She is one of the all-female crew on board Challenger 1, run by Portsmouth-based charity, the Tall Ships Youth Trust. Isobel, who is deaf, is on the 60ft cutter Thermopylae Clipper. She has raced from Latvia to Poland in tall ships before. ‘Just because you’re deaf doesn’t mean you can’t do it, in fact it’s all the more reason you should do it – to show the world you can do it,’ she said. ‘And of course it will be hard, nothing is ever going to be easy, but it will be worth it – truly.’ Almost half of the vessels taking part are in the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO), which is based in Gosport. It is the UK’s sail training umbrella organisation. More than 280 young people are sailing on 19 boats operated by ASTO members. Lucy Gross, general manager at ASTO, said: ‘It has been a fantastic day out on the water in Falmouth with boats of all shapes and sizes taking part in this historic regatta. ‘None of the young trainees on board will ever forget being part of such a spectacle and it will be a highlight of the year for our many ASTO member organisations from all over the UK who are taking part.’ It is the first time the regatta has been held from one British port to another. The fleet is expected to arrive in London today or tomorrow.

Sailing therapy scheme wins lottery backing

A project which aims to support families with a parent or carer who abuses drink or drugs, has won backing worth £7,650. The Big Lottery has awarded the funding to Addaction and Cornish charity Sailaday OK, to link up for a project called Break the Cycle. Amanda McCann, Breaking the Cycle team leader, said it was great news. “Breaking the cycle looks at reducing the harmful effects of substance misuse on children. “Addaction is thrilled to collaborate with Sailaday OK. “It’s a brilliant opportunity for families to exercise their creativity in a practical and challenging environment. “It will be a unique and invaluable experience, helping families to strengthen communication, further develop their parenting skills, build trust and confidence and test strategies for dealing with challenging behaviours and emotions.” Sailaday OK will work with eight families over the next year with each given three one-day sessions sailing from Falmouth. The sessions will be led by an experienced psychotherapist and skipper, Richard Hall, founder and manager of the charity. He said: “This is an excellent therapeutic intervention to support these families, who would never otherwise get this unique opportunity to make significant positive changes in their lives. “Participants will explore the strengths and weaknesses of their family dynamics, develop and increase their resilience through activity and apparent risk taking, and practice conflict resolution – all whilst having fun together.”