Harris and Scalpay pontoons plan moves forward

A proposal to attract more yachts to the isles of Harris and Scalpay has taken a step forward. The team behind a £1.3m project to install new pontoons at Tarbert on Harris and Scalpay have applied for funding from several organisations. These include Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The new facilities could be in place by the end of next year.

UK Sailing - Mills and Clark strike world sailing bronze

The Olympic silver medallists were in the podium places coming into the decisive double points medal race and insisted they had no complaints with the result after a season disjointed by injuries. "This was all we could have hoped for today really,” said Mills. “It was too far for silver and gold to be in with a shout so we did just did the best job we could and came home with the bronze. “This is the ISAF World Championships, it is only once every four years - it is a big deal in the build up to any of the Olympic Games so to come here and perform we are really happy. It's not quite the colour we wanted but we have a lot to work on." Clark also insists the result will give the double act the perfect springboard to the Rio Olympics - their next big regatta and target. "It was a big deal this morning there was lots of noise when we came to the boat park. We don't get much chance to practice in that - it is only the Olympics really we have all that kind of excitement," she added. “On the water it was really tricky with land all around us that is similar to a lot of our race courses in Rio, so we feel we have made a real step forward sailing in that kind of breeze this week."

Plain sailing for Oundle School cadets

Young cadets got to explore clear blue waters round Britain’s coast on an expedition. Three CCF cadets from Oundle School, Jamie Hembury-Gunn (16) and Clovis Parker-Jervis (16) (pictured) and Felix Terrell (17), took part in Exercise SCOTWEST around Scotland’s coast, to gain RYA dayskipper qualifications. The crew even had time to have their own bake-off, with Clovis showing off his cake to the cameras. Felix said: “This memorable trip was amazing – simultaneously relaxing, informative and dramatic. I hope to get back up to Scotland this winter and continue sailing when it’s summer again.”

Young people given lessons in sailing at Rudyard Lake

SCHOOLCHILDREN are being given the chance to learn sailing at a North Staffordshire beauty spot. Rudyard Lake Sailing Club has signed up to 'OnBoard', a scheme run by the RYA, the sport's governing body. It provides low-cost sailing opportunities to schools and youth groups, and caters for eight to 18-year-olds. St Dominic's Priory School, in Stone, is one of the first to take part in the sessions. Now other schools are being encouraged to get involved. Young people can work towards sailing certificates through the programme. The OnBoard sessions are offered on Thursdays as after-school activities. Tricia Ordsmith, senior instructor at Rudyard Lake Sailing Club, said: "OnBoard is designed so that young people, regardless of age, gender or background, can be introduced to a life on the water and then have the opportunities to keep sailing regularly at welcoming, inclusive clubs." To find out more about the scheme, schools, youth and community groups can call the club on 01538 306200.

The Wirral’s own Alex Ibrahim joins inspirational sailing trip

Alex Ibrahim, 24, from the Wirral has recently taken part in an inspirational sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, along with 11 other young people between the age of 18 -24 in recovery from cancer. Alex, who joined the crew of one of four yachts, set sail from the Trust’s new base in Largs in a five-day yacht adventure. For Alex, who was treated for testicular cancer at Clatterbridge Hospital, this was his first time sailing with the Trust. Alex explained: “I have wanted to sail for a long time and this is the perfect opportunity, I’m looking forward to learning all about the boat ” Sailing onboard 42- 48 foot cruising yachts, the trips provide a chance for the young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment, encouraging them to work as a team and get involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking. Alex added: “I really enjoyed sailing against the wind, the more blustery conditions were awesome. The scenery was breathtaking and we learnt a thing or two, especially what port and starboard meant!” This is the second year the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has run sailing trips in Scotland, having set up their Scottish base in Largs in North Ayrshire in early 2013 thanks to funding from the players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The expansion of their operation comes as part of a three-year plan to double the number of young people in recovery from cancer taken sailing. Sailing trips are provided completely free of charge to the young people. The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust does not receive funding from the Government or NHS, so is reliant on donations. To donate and help them to continue to provide support and encouragement to young people in recovery from cancer visit www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org/index.php/donate

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...