Former McLaren chief Whitmarsh sets sail with Ainslie

Former McLaren Formula One chief Martin Whitmarsh has joined Britain's bid to return the America's Cup to its shores for the first time after being named as CEO of Ben Ainslie Racing on Thursday. Whitmarsh will work alongside Britain's most successful Olympic sailor whose team is attempting to earn the right to challenge holders Oracle Team USA at the 35th America's Cup in 2017. Team principle Ainslie said Whitmarsh's expertise from a career spent in the high-tech world of car racing makes him the perfect fit for the world's most famous sailing race, often described as F1 on water. "I'm delighted that Martin is joining us," four-times Olympic gold medallist Ainslie said in a statement. "When we first started to put together the plan for BAR, McLaren were one of the aspirations. "So it's particularly appropriate to have one of the original architects of that model as our new CEO." Whitmarsh, who spent 25 years at McLaren and succeeded Ron Dennis as team principal in 2009, will move to BAR's purpose-built base in Portsmouth in April. "After 25 years at McLaren it's great to be able to turn my energies and experience to such an exciting sporting and technical challenge," he said. "I hope my experience will help BAR in its aspiration for a sustainable business model, along with the clear goal of winning the America's Cup and bringing it back to British waters." Adrian Newey, who worked as a designer with Whitmarsh at McLaren and is still with the Red Bull team, is also part of Ainslie's team. Britain has never won the America's Cup since the inaugural race was held in 1851 off the Isle of Wight.

Olympic aim of Warrington boy, 15, named one of UK's most promising young sailors

A young sailor from Warrington has been named one of the UK’s most promising sailors and a potential future Olympian. Bobby Hewitt, 15, has been sailing since he was seven and has won numerous competitions - including the World Championship in 2013 and 2014. He was named Royal Yachting Association's North West Youth Champion, along with his sailing partner, Harvey Martin, from Derbyshire, who he won his second world title with. The RYA awards were presented at a show at London’s Alexandra Palace by four-time Laser World Championship medallist Nick Thomson. Bobby is sailing at a level recognised for developing potential competitors for future Olympic events. He has ambitions of representing Team GB at the Olympics and said: “I will be 21 by the time of the games in Tokyo and I hope to be sailing in the 49er class dinghy by then, which is the Olympic standard sailing boat. “I am aiming to be part of that Olympics for the 2020 games.” This year he takes his GCSE exams, but says those will mostly be finished by the time the competition season really gets into gear, so he can focus on sailing. His dad, Chris, provides safety cover and support for Bobby and Harvey when they are training together of a weekend. He said: “I am extremely proud of Bobby. “Considering that most of their experience has been sailing on small inland lakes, their success has been phenomenal.” The RYA's sport development manager, Duncan Truswell, said: “ Our congratulations go to all the worthy Regional Youth Champion winners. “Some of them are undoubtedly the rising stars of the future and I’m sure many may indeed follow in the footsteps of our successful Olympians, world champions and record breakers.”

Growing fleets buck the trend at Hayling Island Sailing Club

Hayling Island Sailing Club is one of the few sailing clubs to defy current trends by creating significant growth in its Fireball and RS Elite fleets. Leadership, strategic plans and the strength of the class captains are being cited as some of the reasons behind the recent unprecedented growth of these fleets at the club. The HISC Fireball fleet is currently the fastest growing Fireball fleet in the UK having virtually trebled in size in one year with over 20 boats now registered at the club. The HISC RS Elite fleet has exceeded its goal of establishing a ten strong fleet with 12 boats already committed to racing at the club for the 2015 season. Strategic growth plans were drawn up by both fleets and include activities such as special racing weekends, training weekends, crew swaps, youth recruitment, crew databases, social events and specific marketing and communications to target used recruits from both members and non-members. In addition a number of ‘Elite Ambassadors’ have been created who will be available to answer questions, assist usedcomers and champion the fleet throughout the season. Another reason being cited for resurgence in the RS Elite fleet is the naturally sociable nature of day keelboat racing which enables participants to enjoy competitive sailing whilst remaining dry and upright! The fleet at HISC is attracting strong interest from couples, and is seeing many women returning to competitive sailing after moving on from dinghies. The modern performance design of the RS Elite lends itself to exciting and competitive day racing with the additional benefit of minimal maintenance. Paul Fisk, one of the RS Elite Class Captains noted, 'The HISC RS Elite fleet includes novice sailors through to Olympic medalists as well as a good number in between. We welcome usedcomers, can support less experienced sailors by offering training and advice and encourage family members to sail together and get involved. We have a busy racing schedule planned for 2015 as well as a friendly social scene. We look forward to welcoming sailors to this vibrant and growing fleet.' HISC recently heard that the club will be hosting the Fireball Nationals in 2016 which will be a tremendous boost to the home fleet. The last time the Nationals were held at the club was in 1993 although the class was a regular visitor to HISC in the 1960s and 1970s for National, European and World events. Chris Turner, Fireball Class Captain commented, 'HISC was one of the first clubs to adopt the Fireball after its launch in 1962 and played a leading role in the early development of the class. It’s greatly satisfying therefore to see a strong resurgence of interest in Fireballs and the tremendous growth in numbers we’ve achieved over the past twelve months. I’m particularly delighted that HISC will be hosting the Fireball National Championship in 2016 exactly 50 years after the club hosted the inaugural World Championship.' Commenting on the growth of both fleets, HISC Rear Commodore Racing Andy Partington said, 'Both the Fireball and RS Elite fleets have put a lot of hard work and effort into building their fleets and it’s really encouraging to see those efforts rewarded with such excellent growth in numbers. Both classes are looking forward to an excellent season of competitive racing on the water matched by lively and sociable events off the water.' RS Elite

Sponsorship boost for rising star Matson

RISING sailing star Sam Matson has received a welcome boost to his 2015 campaign after signing a lucrative sponsorship deal ahead of his first solo race of the year. Matson, 24, has teamed up with top deck shoe brand Chatham for his forthcoming campaign in the singlehanded Figaro class. Matson, a graduate of the Cowes-based Artemis Offshore Academy, the UK’s only offshore sailing school, will take on a number of solo races around France in the run-up to the season finale, the gruelling Solitaire du Figaro. Matson came second in the ‘rookie’ division for first-timers in last year’s event – and with the backing of Chatham he’s hoping to repeat his success this year. “I’m ecstatic to have Chatham aboard for my 2015 Figaro season. “Like Artemis, Chatham is a truly great British company and I look forward to promoting their brand on the world’s stage for premier solo offshore racing.” Philip Marsh, managing director at Chatham, added: “This is an exciting partnership for the Chatham brand. “Sam had a knockout first year on the Figaro circuit and we wish him all the best in his 2015 solo offshore racing campaign. “With a Chatham branded boat, team clothing and Sam racing in our sailing boots, it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise Chatham’s awareness in the marine market in the UK and France.” The first race of the season, the 196-mile Solo Basse Normandie, will commence on March 27.

Wheelchair users get access at Otley Sailing Club

NEWLY-installed wheelchair-friendly facilities will be unveiled at Otley Sailing Club this month. The club has used a £50,000 Sport England grant to create a wheelchair accessible wet room in its clubhouse, at Weston Water. The money has also allowed it to install a new, slope-free access path and anti-slip floor, along with new doors and changing room benches. A ceremony to declare the changes complete will be held at 2pm on Sunday, March 22. Otley Sailing Club won a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2013 for its groundbreaking Sailability work, which involves training people with disabilities and enabling them to sail each week.

Callum sails off with local Sailing award

A teenager has sailed off with a top regional award. Callum Doyle, from Wallsend, has won the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) North East Young Club Sailor of the Year Award 2014. The 16-year-old was presented with the Trident Trophy by Grace Metcalfe, skipper of the Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) North vessel James Cook at a surprise school assembly. Callum, who attends Burnside Business and Enterprise College in Wallsend, began sailing at Tynemouth Sailing Club in 2010. He and a group of school friends joined the James Cook in 2013 for a voyage from Newcastle to Inverness and The Orkneys. Grace said: “Callum was an asset on the voyage right from the start. Always cheerful, never daunted by seasickness, he was quick to learn and 100 per cent reliable even in the most challenging situations.” Callum has since sailed nine times with OYT North and already has his RYA Powerboat level 1 qualification and has his sights set for his Safety Boat and his Day Skipper qualifications next year.

Brightlingsea Sailing Club crowned RYA Club of the Year 2015

Brightlingsea Sailing Club have been crowned RYA Club of the Year 2015. Watch a video here http://youtu.be/FFspCc4QpXo​ Situated on the Colne estuary in Essex, the club which was also a finalist in 2014, received their award from British Sailing Team’s Nick Thompson and RYA CEO, Sarah Treseder at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show today (Saturday 28 February). At the eagerly awaited awards ceremony, Brightlingsea were selected as the overall winner from five strong finalists including Bury Lake Young Mariners, Himley Hall Sailing Club, Horning Sailing Club and Llangorse Sailing Club. These clubs were selected by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel who judged them on the range of quality and safe activities they provide, how they encourage people to get out on the water and good governance and club management. In 2011, Brightlingsea began their transformation from a ‘racing only’ club to an organisation that offers a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities with introductory courses, racing, cruising and family sailing. Last season their participation rose by 20% reaching an all-time high. The club has also worked hard to welcome used members by creating used branding and refreshing their website whilst maintaining a strong online presence through Facebook and Twitter. Alice Davies, Brightlingsea Sailing Club said: “To be named RYA Club of the Year 2015 means so much to us and all our members. Everybody has helped so much to increase our activities behind the scenes and this is a fantastic recognition of everyone’s hard work.” Nick Thompson said: “Really for me the biggest thing was hearing the achievements and hard work the finalists are doing to get used people into the sport and keep people who are already in the sport interested. I certainly felt pretty inspired!” Special thanks go to Arthur J. Gallagher who support the RYA Club of the Year Award and to Sailing Awards who donated the perpetual RYA Club of the Year trophy when the award was first introduced in 2008. For more information on the awards visit www.rya.org.uk/go/cluboftheyear Susie Nation-Grainger RYA Press Office

FATHER SAILS AROUND THE UK FOR SON WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Michael Goodwin from Stone, a recently retired Staffordshire University professor, will take to the water in his yacht the ‘Blue Star’ for a two year sailing challenge around the UK to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Michael, whose son Daniel has cystic fibrosis, will set out on his challenge in May with his friend Roger from Lymington and they hope to recruit as many people as possible to join them at various stages of the journey, the first leg in 2015 travelling from Southampton to North Scotland and the second in 2016 from Orkney south through the Irish Sea and back to Southampton. Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic condition, which causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation of the lungs. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust provides support to those with cystic fibrosis and their families and helps to drive up standards in medical care. Michael says that although his son has a positive attitude to his condition he battles continuously against ill health, and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to show his support for Daniel as well as raise all important funds. “I am really looking forward to a fantastic sailing adventure circumnavigating the UK coastline whilst raising funds to help conquer cystic fibrosis.” Community Development & Fundraising Manager, Serena Wilson says “We wish Michael, Roger and whoever else who may be joining them on this sailing challenge the best of luck. We are incredibly grateful to Michael for his fundraising efforts and it is a fantastic challenge that he has taken on. With the help from challenges like this one we are able to fund research into better treatment for those with the condition. We are committed to improving the lives of those with cystic fibrosis.” Anyone wanting to help Michael to raise his £6000 target by doing this two year sailing challenge can do so by visiting http://bit.ly/1zb2I9D. The team’s progress and details to join them can also be followed through this blog http://michaelgoodwinsailing.blogspot.co.uk/. Michael is particularly keen to hear from businesses who would like to advertise on his yacht in return for a donation to the CF Trust, and from anyone who would like to sail with him – Michael hopes that his crew members will make a generous donation to the CF Trust too.

All aboard sail campaign

The only female sailing school in the UK has backed a “ground-breaking” national campaign to get more girls aboard boats. The Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) Girls for Sail programme is hoping Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign can inspire women to take on the challenge of sailing. The RYA, which has centres in Shoreham and Rye, has set up its programme under the watch of Girls For Sail principal Annie O’Sullivan who said the campaign was vital in attracting women to the possibilities sport can offer beyond simply keeping fit. She added: “This campaign puts women at the heart of decision-making for how they exercise and it’s trying to break down the barriers that stop women from taking that first step to getting active.” She continued: “I set up Girls For Sail for the same reason. I’m passionate about encouraging women to try a sport that isn’t always perceived as being female-friendly. But it is and we’ve proved it. We’ve taught thousands of women that sailing can be one of the most fun, liberating and confidence-building sports that they could try.” The Sport England campaign, which has already been described as ground-breaking, is also backed by sporting greats and celebrities including Clare Balding, Dame Kelly Holmes and Sussex’s own Sally Gunnell. Girls For Sail founder Annie, whose firm is based at Shepard’s Wharf Marina in Cowes and in St Lucia in the Caribbean, added: “We already do whatever we can to encourage women to participate in sport but this campaign will be an enormous help in making sure that this is a national call to arms. “We will be hosting a Ladies Who Launch evening to introduce anyone who might be interested in dipping their toe in the water with us in February and we’d love to see as many people as possible come along.” Visit www.girlsforsail.com or call 01983 282867.

Free sailing day at Brancaster Staithe

For people keen to give sailing a try, there’s a chance to do it for free at an open day being held at Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club. This is the third year the club has taken part in the Royal Yachting Association’s Push the Boat Out initiative, when clubs, centres and marinas around the country invite people to give the sport a go. And if anyone is interested in pursuing it further after the BSSC event on Sunday, May 10, the club has teamed up with Morston-based sailing school Norfolketc, which is offering discounts on some of its courses for those who attended. Mark Foley, in charge of sailing development at BSSC, said; ““Why do people take up sailing? If they get a chance to go for a sail, most people find they love it. To learn to sail and pursue it, they need to join a club. “Norfolk is a fantastic place for sailing; there are 60 miles of coast plus the Broads and the Rivers and the county is full of great sailing clubs and excellent sailing schools. “Sailing is a sport you can do for all of your life and you’ll have lots of fun and meet many new friends along the way. Brancaster Harbour is a safe and beautiful place to start.” Sailing on the open day starts from 10am, and people are advised to be there before high tide, forecast at 11.15am. Last year more than 80 people went along to the sailing day and cruisers, day boats and dinghies were out in force. No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. To book a place, contact Mark Foley on 078 3333 2055 or email m-foley@btinternet.com

Top sailing facility Lymington Yacht Haven awarded major accolade

ONE of the south’s premier sailing facilities has won a top accolade for the second time. Lymington Yacht Haven has again been awarded five gold anchors by the Yacht Harbour Association (YHA) after spending more than £1m on improvements. The prestigious prize, widely regarded as the highest award available to marinas, salutes the quality of service provided to sailors. Judges involved in the awards scheme – the equivalent of the star system used to rate hotels – examine marina facilities and analyse levels of customer satisfaction. Lymington Yacht Haven boasts a 100 per cent success rate, having also been awarded top marks following a previous inspection carried out by the YHA in 2010. Facilities include The Haven restaurant, run by Lymington businessman Rob Smith and awardwinning DJ Chris Evans. Marina director Rupert Wagstaff said: “This award marks our continued efforts to exceed customers’ expectations and provide the best marina experience on the south coast. “We have invested more than £1m in the past year, improving our shoreside facilities and refurbishing the hugely popular Haven bar and restaurant. “The award is especially satisfying for our staff, who continue to provide an outstanding service. We’re delighted that the YHA has recognised this.” Lymington Yacht Haven has 500 berths, all fully serviced with water, electricity and free Wi-Fi. Facilities include new, state-of-the-art washrooms and laundry facilities, a well-stocked chandlery and a small convenience store. The huge site in King’s Saltern Road also boasts a 24-hour manned security system, a specialist waste disposal service and extensive car parking. Experts based at the marina include engineers and specialists in a wide range of subjects including marine electronics, yacht maintenance and rigging. This year’s calendar of events at the marina includes the Lymington Classic Regatta, which is due to take place in September.

Rossendale Valley Sailing Club celebrates 50 years

Sailors, skippers and seamen will take to the waters at Rossendale Valley Sailing Club to celebrate 50 years. The club was founded in 1965 by a group of sailing enthusiasts from the Valley, including the a former journalist at the Rossendale Free Press. It now has more than 250 members, ranging from dedicated members in their eighties to young children just getting into the sport. Club bosses are planning a series of events to celebrate the anniversary over the summer, including an open day on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Membership secretary Andrew Ratcliffe, 46, said he hopes the events will encourage new members. He said: “When it was founded a group of men from the Valley said ‘let’s have a sailing club’ and Clowbridge was the nearest place with water. “It has attracted a lot of people from both Rossendale and Burnley over the years. “Our oldest member is still windsurfing in his eighties and we have a number of people in their seventies who sail and race dinghies. It’s a great little club to be honest.” Over five decades the club has attracted all sorts of members including members competing at a national level and several who compete in regional competitions. Dad-of-two Andrew has passed on the sailing bug to his children, who are also members of the club, which offers everything from windsurfing and sea sailing courses to instructor and skipper qualifications. During this anniversary year, Andrew hopes to see new faces who are both experienced in the sport and total novices. Club bosses also hope to gather boats of all classes, sizes and ages onto the lake for a special event this summer to commemorate the occasion. Andrew said: “We want to appeal to anyone who wants to get out on the water. It’s a great way of keeping fit and we have a lot of equipment members can hire. “People can get into the sport for a low price. Our members go out in all seasons and they love it. “Our ‘jewel in the crown’ is the weekend sessions run for children. It gets them out on the water and having fun. “It’s an unusual sport in that it’s about using your brain and strategy but is still quite physical. “I think this year is a great opportunity to encourage new people to get on the water. “I think people don’t know how accessible it is and quite cheap to get involved in."

Three Peaks Yacht Race preview

The Barmouth to Fort William Three Peaks Yacht Race, to take place this year from June 27th, combines yachting, mountain running and cycling into one of the greatest adventure challenges in British sport. Teams consist of three sailors and two runners, who set sail from Barmouth on the Welsh coast to Fort William in Scotland, via Caernarfon and Whitehaven, racing to the summits of Snowdon (3560ft) Scafell Pike (3208ft) and Ben Nevis (4408ft) on the way. The race now in its 38th year is one of the oldest adventure challenge races in the world. The first event in June 1977 featured just seven yachts, with only four able to complete the course and over the years a total of 500 teams have competed in the event, amongst them some famous faces including renowned sailors Robin Knox Johnston, Bob Fisher and Skip Novak, and the legendary fell runner Joss Naylor. The race has an international reputation and the sailing/mountain running idea has been copied in various locations around the world, but it is the original event that most aspire to, and those who do enter often return time and again. The course consists of 389 miles of testing coastal sailing, 24 miles of cycling and 60 miles of mountain running, with a total ascent of 14,000ft to the highest points in Wales, England and Scotland However, there have been some changes over the years as the race adapts to the times, and this year there are significant new rules in the Lake District section of the race. The cycle into Ennerdale from Whitehaven has been lengthened and racers will now leave their bikes at Black Sail Youth Hostel, running from there to the summit of Scafell Pike and back. Sailing times in Whitehaven will now also be taken once yachts are underway in the outer harbour, so that any waiting time caused by the tidal lock gate to the marina is not included in race time. All entries this year must have an IRC handicap certificate (these can be a bought just for the race if required). The race attracts competitive sailors and past winners who are aiming to win, and those more used to coastal cruising, who are in new and unfamiliar territory and just hope to finish, avoiding sand banks, inshore rocks and whirlpools along the way! The old hands know rowing the yachts will be critical at some point, and the new comers will not quite believe it, until the moment comes! The athletes include triathletes, marathon, mountain and ultra runners, adventure racers and those who just plan to walk up the mountains. The 2015 race begins from Barmouth on Saturday June 27th, and you can find out more on the new race website. This now includes race videos, a notice board for putting teams together and a complete historical results archive. You can also download the race entry form there and entry costs £850 per team for the week long adventure of a lifetime.