'I sense my late wife with me on the water' says disabled Derby sailor Chris Molesworth

YOU know when disabled Chris Molesworth is sailing solo because his empty wheelchair is parked on the jetty. But while the 49-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, enjoys the open water his thoughts turn to his late wife, Kat, who bought him the boat. "She left me some money and I bought Dreamcatcher – my sailing boat," said Chris, who lives on Lower Eley Street in Derby. "She died four years ago and sometimes, when I'm on the water, I think she's around and watching me. It's all thanks to Kat and her family in America." Chris, who cannot walk and has limited speech, married Kat Vineyard ten years ago. He met his Memphis belle on the internet in 2000 and the pair fell in love. They tied the knot four years later. "Her death was sudden," said Chris, who uses an electric wheelchair and needs round-the-clock care. "I had been out sailing and when I got back home, she was dead. She was in the chair and it was a very big shock. I was told she had a blood clot in her lung. It was very upsetting at the time. "When we were together, she knew how much I loved to go sailing but I could never afford to buy my own boat. "She told me one day I'd get one and then she died and left me some money." Chris spent £8,000 on Dreamcatcher – a small sailing boat, which he keeps at Swarkestone Sailing Club. Last month, all the specialist adaptations were finally finished and now he is sailing solo. "When I was sailing with a crew in a double-handed boat I felt fairly free," said Chris. "But now, sailing solo gives me the chance to be totally independent. "Getting away from my wheelchair for a couple of hours means everything to me. "Once my personal assistant has helped me into the boat and set my battery-powered control system up, it is down to me to control Dreamcatcher. "Where we go and how fast we go is up to me. And yes, I still make mistakes." It has taken four years to get Chris's boat adapted to suit his needs. His friend and fellow sailor, Mark Alton, has been instrumental in the work. The 55-year-old, from Sawley, designed and built a unique foot-steering device so Chris can manage the controls himself. Mark said: "It has taken a very long time. Most of the bits and pieces we bought were from eBay. "I'm a sailor myself so I know about boats but trying to adapt a boat for a person with huge mobility restrictions is very tricky. "Chris's level of disability did cause me a few problems and we also had to stick to a pretty tight budget. But we've done it and that is really all that matters." Mark used to work for Chris as one of his personal assistants. Now he meets him at Swarkestone Sailing Club and helps him sail. Every week he volunteers his time to Chris, preparing the boat for use. Mark said: "He's just a regular bloke. It seemed like the right thing to do. When he bought the boat, he wanted to get it adapted for him. "I liked the whole idea. We have modified it and now it's good. I've done a lot of head-scratching over the last couple of years." Chris is indebted to Mark and cannot thank him enough for what he has done for him. Living with a disability is tough and he gets down, but sailing puts a smile on his face. Chris said: "If Mark had not helped me, I would still be sailing with him. He would be helping me to control the boat and we would have to go out together. "But now I can go on my own and I can race against other sailors – whatever their ability. "Mark made me my own foot-steering system and winch. He is a very talented man. He was one of my personal assistants – that's how we met." Chris called his boat Dreamcatcher because Kat loved making them and putting them up round the house. He still misses her very much. Now he is reliant on a huge amount of support from his carers. "I'm all right," he said, despite shedding a few tears during the interview. "When I sail, I can relax and think about things. I feel at one with nature. Kat helped me to do this and now I look forward to Wednesdays, when I can go sailing. "Racing gives you the thrill of battling against the elements. It can be frustrating when there is no wind but it can also be scary when the wind is strong and catches me unaware. "Sailing has set new goals for me and given my enthusiasm for the sport." Leah Webb, 21, is Chris's carer today. She has helped to translate for Chris, who can struggle to make himself understood. "I am one of Chris's personal assistants," she said. "But it isn't like work. It's like hanging out with a friend. He does so well and he's brilliant at sailing. "I go with him sometimes on a Wednesday and you can see him smiling. "He loves it and I know he would like to go more. "Losing Kat was devastating but there was a silver lining – and that's the Dreamcatcher. "I know he misses her very much but the boat means everything to him now." CHRIS'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP DREAM Chris would love to compete in the Hansa Class TT Series – a collection of sailing races which take place across the UK next year. But his biggest wish is to enter the World Championships in 2016. “The one thing stopping me now is the money,” said Chris. “I really need to find some sponsorship so I can get to these events.” Chris’s disability means he needs to employ carers to accompany him on the trips. He also needs to transport his boat and pay for suitable overnight accommodation which can cater for disabled people. “I am now trying to get sponsorship,” he said. “But most companies will only sponsor groups or organisations, rather than individual people. “This is difficult when you are in a sport like sailing, trying to represent your country. “Part of my dream has come true because I’m sailing. But now I would really like to start competing.” Chris has already entered the European Assess Championships, which are being held at Rutland Water in July 2016. Before then, he hopes to have secured a sponsorship deal. He needs about £2,000 to take part in the Hansa Class TT Series, which is made up of ten races. “I would be really happy to put the company logo on Dreamcatcher,” he said. “I could put it on the trailer as well.” For more information about Chris and his sailing, visit www.sailingendeavour.weebly. com.

Scottish Sailing tourism strategy input invited

A Marine Tourism Strategy for Scotland consultation is being launched today, with input invited from interested parties. Generating more than £100 million a year for the Scottish economy, and with market share predicted to increase to £145 million in the next ten years, sailing tourism is set to become one of the fastest growing activity markets for Scottish tourism. A group of key industries, supported by HIE, is urging businesses, communities and individuals from across the marine tourism sector to take part in a consultation on the draft Marine Tourism Strategy. The strategy is being launched today at the Scotland Boat Show in Inverkip, Renfrewshire. It can be viewed at www.hie.co.uk/marinetourismstrategy Scotland is already recognised internationally as being a world class sailing destination. The industry has set out ambitious plans to enhance its reputation across international markets, and to develop a world class visitor experience as well as for Scotland to be internationally recognised as a vibrant high quality destination for events with first rate facilities. The consultation will ensure the public play a full part in shaping the future of marine tourism in Scotland. Steven Dott, HIE’s Senior Development Manager, said: “Sailing tourism, in particular is a key area of the marine offering in Scotland, bringing a very high spending tourism market to many of the remote and fragile communities of the Highlands and Islands. “Given the massive growth potential of sailing tourism and the potential impacts on communities right acrossour region, one of our most important areas of work is to grow this sector. Having a more coordinated approach across the sector will help build on recent investments in projects such as Portavadie, Stornoway, and across the Highlands and Islands. “This strategy will be used to inform decision making and activity across the sector in Scotland. From the outset, it seeks to work in collaboration at every level and is relevant to all businesses. Both British Marine Federation Scotland (BMFS) and Sail Scotland have played key roles in contributing to the growth and reputation of Scotland’s marine tourism businesses. As a world class sailing destination, we at HIE on behalf of the enterprise agencies are delighted to provide financial assistance to continue this work at a critical time of the sector’s development.” HIE has been working closely with the sailing industry bodies including BMFS and Sail Scotland, the national marketing organisation for the marine tourism sector, in shaping and implementing the strategy. A three-year finding package of £72,446 from HIE to BMFS will enable them to communicate and support the delivery of the strategy. Simon Limb, Chairman of BMFS, said: “Scotland’s beautiful waters are unique – a national asset with space and capacity to grow. By working together with a defined strategy and direction, we can create large actions and results to unlock the future success of our marine and recreational boating tourism industry and realise our important contribution to Scotland’s growing economy” HIE is assisting Sail Scotland with £108,000 which includes support for a Chief Executive post for three years, enhancement to Sail Scotland’s digital presence, including a new website and it also supports a graduate placement post – part of HIE’s ScotGrad programme. Gavin McDonagh, Chairman of Sail Scotland said: “There is no doubt that sailing in Scotland is a massive attraction. We have the variety of sailing waters together with the light and scenery rivalling anywhere in the world. This strategy is designed so that all partners involved in growing the marine sector work together to sell and market sailing in Scotland to its full potential. There is no doubt that with support from key agencies and with industry pulling together we can ensure that Scotland is a destination of first choice for sailing.” James Stuart, Chief Executive of Royal Yachting Association Scotland, said: “The publication of this strategy is a major milestone in the development of Scotland’s marine tourism sector. It is the product of over four years work; starting with drawing together key groups and organisations as part of a cross party group and now building on the National Tourism Strategy: Tourism Scotland 2020. “We have some of the very best sailing and boating waters in the world and by working to ensure all visitors to these waters have the very best experience possible our sports and our economy with thrive. That is why we are pleased to have played a part in getting the strategy to this stage and we remain committed to it as we step forward into delivery. “Like all strategies, the impact is derived for those who are on the water and involved in the activity on a day to day basis. It is really important that all those who feel they have an interest share their thoughts to make the plan as good as it can be.” The draft strategy focuses on the vision that by 2020 Scotland will be a marine destination of first choice for a high quality, value for money and memorable customer experience delivered by skilled and passionate people. The draft strategy can be viewed at www.hie.co.uk/marinetourismstrategy

Disabled UK sailor returns from a voyage around the world

SAILING enthusiast James Whale has returned home from a voyage around the world. James, who has cerebral palsy, has completed the last leg of the journey on the disability-friendly ship Lord Nelson. The 27-year-old has travelled 14,000 nautical miles on the ship, visiting countries including Australia, Brazil and Canada as part of the Jubilee Sailing Trust crew. Now he has spoken of his adventures on board the vessel. James, from Maer, near Newcastle, said: "I have had a brilliant time but it is really nice to be home. "The thing I missed most was seeing my family. I also missed eating oatcakes. "When I came home, I drove to my regular oatcake shop to buy some. "I first got into sailing when my mum booked me on a five-day journey on a vessel for my 21st birthday, so when I found out about the world trip, I decided to sign up to be part of the crew. "It was really hard work, but I enjoyed every minute of it because I love learning about sailing. "Out of all the countries I visited, my favourite one was Australia because the weather was really nice. "At times, it was a bit scary when the sea was choppy. But I much prefer sailing to flying. "I have a fear of flying, although I had to go on a plane to get to some of the destinations to board the boat, so I don't feel as scared anymore. "It has been amazing and I would definitely like to do something like this again." James began his first leg from Southampton to Brazil in October 2012 and spent more than 70 days at sea before flying home. In June last year, he flew to Singapore to join the 55-metre long ship on the second leg of his journey before the crew made its way to Australia. James then completed his last journey from Brazil to Canada before the ship sailed back to England. Mum Elena Sudlow, aged 53, from Maer, said: "I am really proud of James and everything he has achieved. "A lot of people were surprised when I told them about his journey. "But he is proof that you can do anything you want, with or without a disability. "James is a massive Stoke City fan and every time he climbed up the mast, he made sure to wear his football shirt so everyone knew about his passion for the team. "His stepfather David and I went to meet him in London when the ship came back to the UK on September 19. "He was over the moon when he saw us because he didn't expect us to come until the Friday after when the ship would be back in Southampton, where it is docked. "James initially wanted to be on the ship for the whole two-year journey, but no one is allowed to be on it for that length of time. "It was worrying when I got emails from him telling me the boat was travelling through storms, but he has coped with everything really well. "He has made a lot of new friends on his adventure and he is more confident now."

This Dog Was Born To Sail! Just Watch What He Can Do On A Boat! Unbelievable!

Oban Marina unable to sell fuel to yachts

Oban Marina, on the isle of Kerrera across the bay from Oban, previously had its diesel delivered on a landing craft. But the marina has been told the vessel does not comply with Coastguard regulations for transporting diesel. Neil Price, director of operations at the marina, said: “It became apparent we weren’t adhering to regulations, which we didn’t realise. We are now working with the MCA to remedy that.” Joey Gough, a member of Oban Sailing Club, who owns the yacht Tangle O’ The Isles said: “It is certainly an inconvenience. I went to pick up fuel at Oban Marina the other day and only found out they aren’t doing it when I got in. We ended up having to change our plans because we had insufficient fuel to get to Tobermory and it was too late to go to Dunstaffnage Marina, which was closed by that time. “You can buy fuel at the South Pier in Oban but it is awkward, because that is where the fishing fleet is. “Oban Marina is popular with visitors so this is not an ideal situation.” Part of the success of the marina relies on the ability to sell fuel to visiting boats. The only other option for yacht owners to purchase fuel in Oban Bay is at the Railway Pier, which is where the CalMac ferries and the fishing fleet berth and is much busier. A spokesman for the MCA said: “We received a complaint that diesel was being delivered to the Oban marina by a vessel without the proper certification for transporting dangerous goods. After they were contacted, the operators of the marina have ceased to use the craft to carry diesel and we are working with them to find an appropriate solution.” Oban Marina and Yacht Services Ltd is in sight of Oban town centre. It runs an hourly ferry service from Kerrera to Oban and has a popular restaurant which is open throughout the summer, the Waypoint Bar and Grill. The marina has 100 pontoons and 30 moorings.

British Sailing Team concludes mid-cycle squad review

The RYA’s Olympic Steering Group has finalised its latest periodical review of the British Sailing Team squads following the Santander 2014 ISAF Sailing World Championships, with a number of changes at the Podium level as the focus towards Rio 2016 intensifies. The Podium squad in the Olympic classes has been narrowed to 29 sailors across the ten events, with 14 of those sailors having qualified for the highest tier of funding via UK Sport’s World Class Performance Programme following medal-winning performances at key regattas. In addition to this, the Nacra 17 and 49erFX classes have seen crew changes, with Ben Saxton now partnering Nicola Groves, who transitions to the multihull from the 49erFX, while Groves’ former helm Frances Peters will now sail with Katrina Best in the women’s skiff. Hannah Diamond, who previously paired with Saxton, will be trialling various potential helms in the Nacra 17 class. The Podium squad will be underpinned by 50 Podium Potential sailors who have the opportunity to learn through the second half of this cycle as they prepare to launch their campaigns for Tokyo 2020. RYA Olympic Manager Stephen Park explained: 'We’re halfway through the Rio cycle now, and at this stage at the Podium level it’s about trying to narrow down the numbers so that we can increase the level of focus and support that we can give to those sailors who we think, by their performances to date, are most likely to be challenging for podium places come 2016. 'Clearly there are some sailors who will be disappointed by some of these decisions, but it’s an important part of the process towards evaluating and refining the programmes in each of the classes, and delivering the support that hopefully will allow sailors to move from fourth or fifth places to the podium, and then into those gold medal positions. 'It’s that fine detail of review, planning, delivery and execution that will see those gold medals being won in a couple of years, and we’ll keep taking those steps and making refinements towards our target.' British Sailing Team October-December 2014 Podium Squad Olympic Classes: Giles Scott (Finn), Ed Wright (Finn), Nick Thompson (Laser), Alison Young (Laser Radial), Chloe Martin (Laser Radial), Nick Dempsey (RS:X Men), Bryony Shaw (RS:X Women), Izzy Hamilton (RS:X Women), Hannah Mills-Saskia Clark (470 Women), Sophie Weguelin-Eilidh McIntyre (470 Women), Luke Patience-Elliot Willis (470 Men), Dylan Fletcher-Alain Sign (49er), John Pink-Stuart Bithell (49er), Charlotte Dobson-Sophie Ainsworth (49erFX), Frances Peters-Katrina Best (49erFX), Pippa Wilson-John Gimson (Nacra 17), Lucy Macgregor-Andrew Walsh (Nacra 17), Ben Saxton-Nicola Groves (Nacra 17), Hannah Diamond (Nacra 17) Podium Squad Paralympic Classes: Helena Lucas (2.4mR), Megan Pascoe (2.4mR), Alexandra Rickham-Niki Birrell (SKUD), John Robertson-Hannah Stodel-Steve Thomas (Sonar) Podium Potential Squad Olympic Classes: Peter McCoy (Finn), Ben Cornish (Finn), James Hadden (Finn), Hector Simpson (Finn), Lorenzo Chiavarini (Laser), Alex Mills-Barton (Laser), Martin Evans (Laser), Elliot Hanson (Laser), Jack Wetherall (Laser), Michael Beckett (Laser), Hannah Snellgrove (Laser Radial), Georgina Povall (Laser Radial), Ellie Cumpsty (Laser Radial), Rhiannon Massey (Laser Radial), Tom Squires (RS:X Men), Joe Bennett (RS:X Men), Connor Bainbridge (RS:X Men), Kieran Martin (RS:X Men), Sam Sills (RS:X Men), Ali Masters (RS:X Men), Imogen Sills (RS:X Women), Saskia Sills (RS:X Women), Noelle Finch (RS:X Women), Anna Burnet-Flora Stewart (470 Women), Amy Seabright-Anna Carpenter (470 Women), Katie Tomsett (470 Women), Kirstie Urwin (470 Women), Jess Lavery-Megan Brickwood (470 Women), Mike Wood (470 Men), James Peters (49er), Fynn Sterritt (49er), Ed Fitzgerald (49er), Chris Taylor-Sam Batten (49er), Jack Hawkins-Chris Thomas (49er), Kate Macgregor (49erFX), Vikki Payne-Steph Orton (49erFX), Tilly James-Alice Masterman (49erFX), Owen Bowerman-Morgan Peach (49erFX), Rupert White-Nikki Boniface (Nacra 17), Tom Phipps-Mary Rook (Nacra 17) Podium Potential Squad Paralympic Classes: Will Street (2.4mR), Carol Dugdale (2.4mR), John Brooker (2.4mR), Jonathan Currell (2.4mR), Craig Wood (2.4mR/Sonar), Steve Palmer (2.4mR/Sonar), Alex Hovden (SKUD)

Bottlenose Dolphins visit Tobermory Bay

Bolton Sailing Club gets special boat for disabled sailors

DISABLED sportsmen and women can set sail on a new adventure thanks to a donation from a tissue making firm. SCA Manchester, who are entering an all-woman team in this year’s round-the-world Volvo Ocean Race, have donated a dinghy suitable for disabled adults and children to Bolton Sailing Club. The firm, based at Trafford Park in Manchester, was keen to ensure people from all walks of life were given the chance to sail. The double-handed access dinghy is specially designed with simple controls and features to keep users safe. Sailors at Bolton Sailing Club’s Belmont Reservoir base are delighted. Club commodore Warren Price said: “We loan them out to other sailing clubs to encourage participation, as well as for our own members with disabilities. "They are ideal to give people of all ages an opportunity to enjoy sailing when otherwise they wouldn’t get the chance. "SCA approached the club with the offer of buying a dinghy for us and we were delighted.”

Scottish Care home residents take to the water for sailing challenge

Ranging in age from their late eighties to 99, a group of residents from the Gibson House care home in St Andrews took up the challenge of a sailing trip at Lochore Meadows. For many of those in the group, it was the first time they had gone sailing. Gibson staff member Peta Cunningham said the group included Ellen Scott, who went flying on her 90th birthday, and Ailie Gunn, who turned 99 on Monday. She said the trip was organised through Fife Sailability. The club was formed in June 2012 and is affiliated to RYA Sailability Scotland, which supplied the boats. The club is independent and, through membership fees, self-financing. Based at Lochore Meadows, which is a UK Sailability Centre of Excellence, there is a specially designed Challenger dinghy and an excellent core of volunteer instructors. People with almost any disability can be catered for, from the age of eight to 80 and beyond.

Sponsors keep Littlehampton sailing centre afloat

MUCH-needed sponsorship has once again been offered to a youth sailing charity in Littlehampton. The Arun Youth Aqua Centre (AYAC), has been celebrating this month after being awarded £1,200 by RINKIT.com, which is based at the Lineside Industrial Estate, in Littlehampton. The cash will help towards the annual running costs of AYAC, which has made sailing and canoeing affordable to hundreds of young people across Sussex children for more than 30 years. Roger Elliman, AYAC manager, said: “We’re really grateful to have RINKIT.com on board this year. As a dynamic young local company, they make a great role model for our members.” RINKIT.com is an online homeware store which sells everything from crockery to clocks. Richard Goss, of the company, said: “Water sports are a great way to get young people active and to learn important life skills “We’re fully behind AYAC’s mission to make sailing and canoeing accessible for all and very happy to be able to offer sponsorship.” AYAC is based in Hendon Avenue. For more details, see www.ayac.org.uk or call 01903 714753.

Team RAFBF Spitfire at Cowes Week 2014

Royal opening of sailing club’s new facilities

It was all plain sailing as HRH Princess Anne officially opened new facilities at Scaling Dam. The royal visitor chatted to members at Scaling Dam Sailing Club and had a look around the club before doing the honours and opening the new training room. Princess Anne herself has a keen interest in sailing and is the patron of Sailability - an organisation which helps disabled people take part in the sport. Club commodore, Mark Lewis told the Gazette: “She was really interested in what the young people had done and we have three generations that are members who she met. She is involved with the disability scheme and was interested to meet those people and was very much interested in what boats our champions have been sailing. “We are one of the smaller clubs so it was a coup for us to get here so we are delighted she came.”

Great Britain's sailing team qualify for 2016 Olympic Games in Rio

Great Britain have qualified for every sailing class at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio following their performances at the World Championships in Santander. The team, which is led by manager Stephen Park, won Finn class gold with Giles Scott, while teammate Ed Wright earned bronze. Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark got on the podium in the women's 470, as well as Laser sailor Nick Thompson, all of whom scooped bronze medals. "It's been an interesting event and fairly challenging from a racing perspective over the last ten days or so," said Park. "However, it's been pleasing to have managed to qualify the country for the Olympic Games at the first opportunity in each of the ten events, and to come away with four medals which was in line with our target coming here. "That said, we were disappointed not to win a medal in the Nacra, the 470 Men and arguably we could have won one in the 49erFX as well halfway through the week." The team secured four medals, which is two less than their six-medal return in Perth in 2011.