Could this be the most glamorous UK apprenticeship? With Caribbean potential

Girls For Sail founder Annie O’Sullivan said today that the Cowes-based company is looking for a new member of the team to join the ten-strong crew who run Britain and Europe’s only ladies sailing company. And she’s promised she’ll utter Sir Alan’s immortal line from the hit BBC show ‘You’re Hired’ to the candidate who wows her with their willingness to learn the ropes – literally! Relocate to the Caribbean? Annie also revealed that the role could be based in the Caribbean on the island of St. Lucia, making this possibly the UK’s most glamorous apprenticeship. Girls For Sail celebrates fifteen years training women to sail and race in the UK, across the Atlantic and in the Caribbean. Thousands of women have learned to sail with the firm since its launch in 1999. Room for one more onboard Now according to Annie there is a space for a new apprentice to jump aboard and be taken through the highly regarded Royal Yachting Association training scheme all with the support of the Girls For Sail team. Award-winning RYA instructor and mentor Annie said: “It’s imperative to me to make sure that we continue to be able to encourage women into sailing. And that includes supporting women into sailing as a career as well as enjoying it as the wonderful sport that it is. “We are devoted to helping women discover the freedom and exhilaration of sailing for themselves in all its forms and that includes starting at the bottom and working their way up to gain full skipper’s accreditation. “Being a Girls for Sail apprentice is hard work but it is fantastic fun. There really is no better way to learn than by being on one of our boats and seeing how our incredible skippers cope with everyday challenges as well as ensuring that all the maintenance and safety gear is in place. “This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is looking to work in a totally engaging industry with a growing company committed to staff development.” Hot Stuff Girls for Sail skipper Sarah Waters has delivered Girls for Sail’s yacht Hot Stuff to Gran Canaria in preparation for the ARC transAtlantic crossing to St. Lucia in November. Sarah began her training with the Isle of Wight firm as an apprentice at the firm’s base at Shepherd’s Wharf Marina. Sarah, 30, first encountered Girls For Sail as a customer, but loved sailing so much she joined as an apprentice. She has worked with GFS to become a fully qualified ocean-going sailor. Sarah said: “Joining Girls for Sail is the best thing I’ve ever done. I’m about to take a wonderful crew of ladies across the Atlantic. Then we’ll stay at Girls for Sail’s island home in St. Lucia. Really, what could be better? I find teaching women to sail so very rewarding and I hope we find the next apprentice who will enjoy this as much as I do.” Annie added: “Sarah is a prime example of what one of our apprentices can achieve. We want to be able to make sure that someone else achieves that same sense of personal satisfaction when they join us.” For more information about the role please contact Girls For Sail on 01983 282867.

Scotland for sail: Sector targets £1 million boost

A new campaign to encourage more people to enjoy a sailing holiday in Scotland could boost the economy by over £1 million*, Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing announced . Mr Ewing was at Inverness Marina this morning to announce the launch of Sail Scotland’s used campaign, Sailing to Success, which has been supported by a £22,500 grant from the VisitScotland Growth Fund. As part of its year-long £45,000 campaign, Sail Scotland – the national marketing organisation for sailing tourism – will also receive £11,000 from Scottish Development International, which will help the group access international markets and achieve its growth ambitions. It is estimated that Scotland’s sailing industry is worth £101m a year, supporting 2700 jobs all over Scotland. The overall aim of Sail Scotland’s used campaign is to generate an extra 8,382 visitor boat nights from its target markets, delivering £1,089,660 of additional expenditure into the Scottish economy. Founded 20 years ago, Sail Scotland is an industry-led marketing group, currently with nearly 50 member businesses throughout the country, ranging from single-person charter businesses to large marinas, harbours and leisure groups. Sail Scotland will use part of the funding to extend its reach in the international market. It will exhibit at a number of international boat shows in 2015: in Dusseldorf, Gothenburg, Oslo and Wales, giving members a presence on the global stage. The campaign will also include development of the Sail Scotland brand, and targeted promotional marketing activities. Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said: “I am delighted to announce that Sail Scotland is the oldest recipient of an award from the VisitScotland Growth Fund. This £22,500 grant will help the group to promote sailing holidays in Scotland to a wider audience and, given the quality of destinations and facilities on offer in this country, I have no doubt they will succeed in their aim to attract thousands more enthusiasts to these shores over the coming year.” Daniel Steel, Chief Executive of Sail Scotland, said: “At Sail Scotland we have been working hard to promote the industry for 20 years, and it is great to see Scotland beginning to realise the true potential of sailing and boating tourism. “With a draft marine tourism strategy in development, this is a tangible example of how the industry will play a leading role in delivering growth. This funding will help fund one of the most ambitious marketing plans in our history, further raising awareness of Scotland as a world-class sailing destination both within the UK and overseas. “Along with recent investment in our digital work, and existing activities such as our annual brochure and presence at London Boat Show, we aim to drive visits by offering a range of options for beginners to experienced yachtsmen, with the ultimate aim of generating an extra 8,000 visitor boat nights for Scotland.” Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “With thousands of miles of stunning coastline and hundreds of islands ready to be explored, Scotland really is the perfect destination for a sailing holiday. The VisitScotland Growth Fund encourages tourism businesses to work together and Sail Scotland is a perfect example of this. Incorporating the smallest charter companies to the biggest marinas, the group already does an excellent job of promoting sailing holidays in Scotland and we are thrilled to help its members expand their reach in the global market.” Graeme White, Head of Tourism at Scottish Development International, said: “Sail Scotland’s International Strategy is targeting growth of over £1 million a year in visitor spend with the businesses in and out of the water around our coastline, lochs and canals. We’re supporting this strategy with funding to help Sail Scotland’s team target these international audiences as well as connecting the organisation with our overseas offices to access networks and market research.” Between 2011 and 2013, VisitScotland Growth Fund awarded over £1 million in match-funding to national, regional and sectoral tourism groups, resulting in £2.3m being invested in marketing campaigns, involving more than 2,000 tourism businesses across Scotland. For more information on Sail Scotland go to www.sailscotland.co.uk

Sailing Hydrofoil CATRI 24 trimaran - Latvia to England

Dysart Sailing Club hoping for an ‘oil’ boom

A Fife sailing club is in buoyant mood after unveiling plans to restore its former clubhouse. Members of Dysart Sailing Club have been all at sea after their former premises were destroyed by fire nearly three years ago. However, plans to renovate the historic “Oil Shed” have now been put forward in a move members hope will bring a new lease of life to the club. “We’re hoping to host an open day to show the public and local people what we are going to be doing,” said Commodore Billy Shields. “The plans are to put in beds so coastal path walkers and visiting sailors can stay over. “Dysart Harbour has been neglected for years, including the harbour walls and the Sailor’s Walk. “Hopefully, this can help to change that.” Members of the club were left distraught in January 2012 when they heard their clubhouse, a 19th Century listed building, had been destroyed by fire. Along with the virtual destruction of the building, thousands of pounds-worth of equipment also went up in smoke. Since then the group has been operating out of small sheds at the harbour as plans were formulated to renovate the clubhouse. “We were all devastated when the fire happened,” added Mr Shields. “The lino on the floor was custom-made and there were photographs of the club going way back. “It was stuff that could not be replaced. It was priceless to us.” Known as the Oil Shed, the building sat below a sheer cliff face in the heart of the village’s conservation area. It was originally constructed in 1835 as a base to process whale blubber at a time when the Kirkcaldy area hosted a thriving whaling fleet. A lottery funding application will be made to cover the cost of the project and it is hoped the new building will help start a wider redevelopment of the
harbour. Already popular with visitors, local councillor Kay Carrington believes restoring the building could attract even more people to the area. “This will hopefully be a first step in regenerating the harbour,” she said. “We want to do everything that we can to keep Dysart on the tourist trail. “We’ve already had provisional talks with Fife Coast and Countryside Trust and Fife Council and if we are successful with our funding bid, then the harbour could become an even greater asset to the community.”

Sailors battle for regatta honours

OXFORD sailors did battle on the high seas of Farmoor Reservoir in the Oxford Sailability regatta. The group, which supports disabled sailors, meets at the reservoir every Tuesday but this week there was a competitive edge as they battled for victory and bragging rights. Ian Cox and able-bodied volunteer Rose Todd came second in the two-berth 303 class. Ms Todd, from Steeple Aston, said: “We were really lucky with the weather and the conditions were perfect. “There was some really competitive sailing, they pushed their boats to the limit. A lot of the people coming here have motor neurone disease and sailing means a life that would otherwise be constrained is opened up to adventure.”

Warwick woman is still shipshape at the age of 95

At the grand old age of 95, Daphne Hinton says there’s nothing to beat the wind in the face and the taste of the sea. And that’s what sprightly Daphne has just done – even taking over the helm of the sailing ship Tenacious, all 586 tons of it. Her energy and stamina even impressed the crew – they were astounded when on return to ship one day she bounded up a steep gangplank which was brought up by the rising sea. The tall ship is 213 feet long, has three masts, 13,000 square feet of sails and is designed to accommodate anyone aged over 16 with a disability. Despite being partially blind Daphne quickly found her sea legs again during the five-day voyage from Southampton, including the Isle of Wight and Poole Harbour. Daphne said: “I find the rhythm of the sea suits me – it’s doing something physical. “I swim and bowl and doing sailing is an extra thing to do . “A lot of people when they get older are not so active or maybe a bit afraid of the sea, but I would encourage more to try it. “I think I was the oldest lady on the ship but some of the others were in their 70s and 80s. I would encourage more elderly people to take part.” But Daphne, a former accountant who retired aged 82, and who lives in Garden Court, Warwick, said people can’t just sit back on a tall ship. “You have to be prepared to help out and join in. You must not be too much of a passenger – it’s not like a cruise.” While Daphne was on the Tenacious she said there were 32 “holiday crew”, such as herself, where half could have sensory or physical disabilities, and 12 permanent crew. One of the highlights of the trip was taking over the helm of the Tenacious, with the help of a crew member and an electronic voice to guide her course. “That was incredible – I actually got on the helm, even though I’m partially blind. “I was on the helm for half an hour,” and jokingly added: “So no time to sail it onto the rocks or the Needles. “The feel of the wind and sea on the face is invigorating.” She’s now getting used to being a landlubber again but said she misses the ship routine included pulling on the ropes to operate the sails. This is the third time she’s taken to seas on a tall ship but now wonders if it’s time to put anchor down permanently. “The crew asked me if I’ll do it again –I will have to see. I think I’m getting a bit past it now. “But when they send me the details – I think I can do it again. “I think my daughter Sarah thinks I’m mad, but I think she had faith that I could do it.” Daphne, who used to live in Barwell Close, Leamington, and ran an arts and craft shop in Warwick, was also treasurer of the Warwicshire Symphony Orchestra. She celebrates her 96th birthday on Halloween. The STS Tenacious is run by the Jubilee Sailing Trust. Phone 02380 449108. www.jst.org.uk

Scotland,s BOAT Show Sails To Success

MORE than 13,000 visitors flocked to Scotland’s Boat Show 2014 at Kip Marina, Inverkip last weekend with boat sales topping £2million, a figure which should double as more purchases are completed. The event is the largest boat show in Scotland -- the third largest in the UK -- and had more than £15million worth of boats on display, from a £500 dinghy to an £800,000 Sunseeker luxury powerboat. Designated a an official Homecoming Scotland 2014 event, the show attracted visitors from far and wide after global promotion by EventScotland and VisitScotland. Boat sales began straight away with a brand new Hanse 325 being sold at 10.30am on opening day followed throughout the weekend by sales totalling more than £2 million – a number which is expected to double as prospective buyers complete their purchases. New boat sales reached pre-recession levels with three sold during the weekend and a record level of new enquiries. Miles Stratton of Inspiration Marine Group said: “We are delighted with the sales and interest in our new boats which is a direct result of Scotland’s Boat Show bringing the product to the right market and we are already looking to increase the number of new boats on display for 2015” Returning as a main sponsor, RYA Scotland hosted a full programme of activities both on and off the water including taster sessions for young sailors in special Clyde Muirshiel access dinghies and the chance to drive a powerful RIB with Seatrek Training. Claire Caffrey, RYA marketing manager, said: “As one of the main sponsors of Scotland’s Boat Show, RYA Scotland were delighted to have supported another successful and busy boat show. We managed to get well over 100 people on the water on the Saturday and Sunday alone. The show is a fantastic opportunity for us to talk to our members and the Scottish sailing community face to face and is also the perfect platform from which to promote what RYA Scotland does. Hopefully lots of visitors to the show have gone home inspired to start or do more sailing in 2015.” Also available via RYA Scotland was the unique opportunity of touring Round the World Clipper yachts ‘Old Pulteney’ and ‘Clyde Challenger’ which were being shown together for the first time in the UK. Adding to the atmosphere on water were displays of Flyboarding from Mike Dear of WetJets.co.uk who introduced the crowds to the latest extreme water sport that lifts people up to 30 feet into the air on a jet of water. On shore there was plenty to see and do with the latest marine equipment on display in the RYA Scotland Pavilion, luxury cars from Bentley, Maserati, McLaren and Morgan, the Clyde Life-Style Marquee which hosted dozens of artisan traders showing everything from candles to furniture, and a farmers' market with fresh and organic foods from local quality suppliers. There was also the opportunity for visitors to explore Scottish family links in the Ancestry Research Centre presented by IBM with the aid of experts from the Renfrewshire Family History Society. Completing the attractions ashore were a children’s play area, and high quality musical entertainment from the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band and Inverclyde Rock Choir, both of which attracted large crowds during their performances. New as a partner for the show was the Inverclyde Living Marquee in which several local organisations showcased the many opportunities available for quality waterside living and working while taking advantage of the stunning views and unrivalled value for money house prices that Inverclyde can offer. Again hugely popular this year, judging by the constant queues to take part, were the helicopter flights that took visitors high over Ardgowan Estate along the river and then gave a spectacular view of Kip Marina and the crowds. The aerobatic display of the RAF Tutor Display Aircraft and the incredible skills of pilot Andy Preece as he performed a series of loops and spins over the marina in the single seat aircraft used to train the RAF’s fighter pilots was perhaps the highlight of the weekend. Holt Leisure Group and Kip Marina’s managing director Gavin McDonagh said “We believe this year’s show was our biggest and best yet and, from the reaction of visitors and exhibitors alike, they seem to agree with us, particularly as 75 per cent of exhibitors have already enquired about returning next year. For 2015 we aim to continue the expansion of Scotland’s Boat Show and are delighted to bring thousands of visitors to see the best of Inverclyde." David Pugh, editor of Practical Boat Owner, largest circulation marine magazine and website in the UK, said: "This was my second year representing Practical Boat Owner at Scotland's Boat Show and, once again, it was worth every minute spent and every mile getting here. For us it's not about selling magazines and subscriptions, although we did plenty of that as well,¬ but more about meeting readers in a different part of the British Isles and in an absolutely stunning sailing location. Kip hosts a great show, and I hope it continues to grow and provide a great destination for boaters from all over the UK." Scotland’s Boat Show 2015 takes place on the 9, 10 and 11 October next year. Scotland's Boat Show is particularly grateful to sponsors partners RYA Scotland, Henri Lloyd, Inverclyde Living, IBM, Sunseeker, Sail Scotland and Homecoming Scotland whose support enable the event to remain free admission.

Call for Cornish sailors to help with RNLI sea safety research

Cornish sailors are being asked to take part in research by the RNLI examining attitudes towards risk and safety. The project, supported by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Royal Yachting Association, will look at what motivates sailors, how often they go to sea, their experience and training, awareness of potential hazards and use of safety procedures and equipment. The findings will be used to help develop tailored and relevant safety messages for yacht sailing community. An online questionnaire for anyone who participates in yacht sailing will run for five weeks, supplemented by focus groups held in selected locations. Pip Hare, RNLI coastal safety manager, explained the reasoning behind the research project. She said: "The RNLI exists to save lives at sea – a large part of that role is trying to prevent incidents from happening in the first place by providing important safety information. RNLI incident data shows our lifeboat crews have rescued almost 9,850 yacht sailors in the last five years. "We’re always pleased to see people enjoying their leisure time at the coast and we want to help ensure they can take part in their chosen activity safely. "The aim of this research is to help us understand why people get involved and how they behave when they are on the water so we can provide the most relevant and useful safety information to them. We’re working with the RYA and MCA to join expertise in coastal safety with experience of the sport. Once we have the results of the research, we will work together to develop the most suitable safety programmes and advice." Stuart Carruthers, cruising manager at the RYA, said: "Recreational boating activities are predominantly safe and fun, but accidents which could have been prevented do happen. The RYA’s advice – look after yourself; have a plan; keep in touch and know your limits – underpin the RYA ethos of self-reliance and responsibility for safety on board. The RYA supports this research because it will provide a clearer insight of people’s attitudes to their safety and help us to promote safe behaviour and practice in a more effective way." Kirsten Pointer, head of evidence analysis and research from the MCA, added: "The results of this survey will really help to provide an evidence base to support the improvement of yachting safety standards." Those wishing to participate in the survey can visit http://www.rnliyachting.substance.coop/, and all who participate in the survey are offered the option of free entry into a prize draw to win a McMurdo Fast Find personal locator beacon, with a winner to be chosen by 15 November 2014.

'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.