Plaid sailing in Scotland

With spectacular scenery and great facilities, it's understandable why some boat owners spend their entire boating lifetime without leaving the cool waters Scotland's west coast. There are three distinct cruising areas when sailing Scotland's west coast: the sheltered deep waters of The Firth of Clyde, the Sound of Islay and Point of Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point of mainland United Kingdom. SAILING THE FIRTH OF CLYDE Encompasses about 600 square miles of navigable water, the Firth of Clyde is the one closest to major population centres and is a sailor's dream with numerous anchorages, harbours and marinas. There are several charter companies operating in the area. Our trip started in the Kyles of Bute, where we made use of the free moorings provided by local hotels. To the north lies the entrance to the Crinan Canal at Ardrishaig. The canal was built more than 100 years ago and featured in the humorous Para Handy novels; it is used almost exclusively by pleasure craft. Being more adventurous, we made the passage around the Mull, which gave us spectacular views of the rugged landscape. We stopped in sheltered Campbeltown to enjoy a meal ashore with friends in the Ardsheil Hotel: good food and a whisky bar with an eye-watering choice of single malts. SOUND OF ISLAY A passage of 40 miles took us to the Sound of Islay and the option of a stop on the Isle of Jura where wildlife lovers can watch dolphins, sharks and gannets diving for fish. Our route took us to Oban, locally called the gateway to the Highlands. Marina facilities, swing moorings for visitors and a major bustling town offer shopping, hotels, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets. Oban Distillery in the town centre produces some fine malt whiskies, and there are tours of how their liquor is made. Twenty miles away at the outer end of the Sound of Mull lies Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, a real yachting centre and a site for watching white-tailed sea eagles. POINT OF ARDNAMURCHAN The most westerly point of mainland United Kingdom, the sailing in this area tends to be more rugged. Whales and dolphins are regular visitors, and seabirds are abundant. Loch Torridon was a standout - a place with few facilities but spectacular beauty. A few miles further north is Loch Gairloch with its well-loved Badachro Inn. Good food, drinks and banter aplenty are all on offer. The evenings are light in summer, so this can be a pleasant way of rounding off a good day's sail. Loch Ewe offers a choice of anchorages and access to the Inverewe Gardens – a stunning 20-hectare subtropical estate set on the peninsula - well worth a visit. Decent shelter on the mainland lies at Lochinver, a major fishing port, with a small pontoon facility for yachts. On a clear day the hills behind Stornoway, 35 miles away, are visible from Lochinver and certainly makes for easy navigation if making your way to the Isle of Harris and Lewis. We spent several days here enjoying the slower pace of life. Stornoway is the main port for air and sea connections to the Lewis region. A tour of the island gives a fascinating insight into the region's history. The standing stones at Callanish, reputed to be more than 5000 years old, and a traditional stone black house we visit, reflects its days as a Viking settlement. There are many ways of enjoying the delights of Scotland's sailing paradise, including the numerous bare boat charter companies vying with fully crewed cruise boats, often of exceptionally high quality. Skippers of bare boat charters have access to excellent local cruising guides and pilots to help plan a trip– whether that means ending every day with a trip ashore to vibrant nightlife, or enjoying the sunset from the cockpit of your boat, perhaps with a glass of something local to hand. SAILING IN SCOTLAND The west coast of Scotland's sailing area lies between 54 and 60 degrees north. Warmed by the Atlantic Gulf Stream, temperatures during the sailing season of May to September are in the range of 15 to 25°C. Weather can be quite varied with the occasional gale blowing through, but the prevailing westerly winds are of a more usable strength. The sailing day can be as long as you like by midsummer it is dark for only three or four hours and in the extreme north it is often light enough to read a book in the cockpit at 2am. Although many places offer visitors moorings at a modest fee, anchoring is necessary for some of the more isolated spots

Sail the Wight and help Age UK

SAILORS have been invited to help make this year’s Sail the Wight, in aid of Age UK Isle of Wight, the biggest ever. East Cowes Sailing Club, in conjunction with the Westerly Owners’ Association, has extended an invitation to join the sponsored charity race and cruise around the Island on Saturday, June 6. Sail the Wight has so far raised over £30,000 for deserving local charities, and organisers hope this year’s event will be one of the biggest yet. Two classes start from the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron line and the third from the line off East Cowes Sailing Club. The full Sail the Wight "east-about" circumnavigation race and cruise for two classes of yacht is roughly 55 nautical miles. The shorter course takes in roughly 12 nautical miles of the Solent. Following on from a good day’s sailing all skippers, crews, family and friends are invited to East Cowes Sailing Club for an evening celebration and awards presentation with bar, barbecue and music. East Cowes Sailing Club commodore Dave Casson said: "While I anticipate a great day on the water, whether racing or cruising in company, the main objective of Sail the Wight is to raise as much money as possible for Age UK Isle of Wight through entry fees and by individual boats and crews obtaining sponsorship." Entry, and sponsorship forms are available to download from www.sailthewight.org.uk or on (01983) 525282. Entry is £20 per boat.

Free Sailing As Northants & Banbury Get Set To Push The Boat Out!

No fewer than six sailing clubs and watersports centres in Northamptonshire and Banbury will be offering locals FREE and low cost opportunities to get out on the water and to try a new sport this May. Cransley SC, Hollowell SC, Northampton Watersports Centre/Northampton SC and Rugby and Daventry SC will all be opening their doors for 'have-a-go' sessions between 9-17 May as part of national RYA Push The Boat Out 2015. RYA Push the Boat Out is a nationwide festival of sailing and windsurfing introducing newcomers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to the sports. And for the first time ever this year Push The Boat Out will run over nine days - two weekends and five weekdays - to give people even more chance to have a go! Last year 260 clubs and centres in Britain hosted Push the Boat Out events with 17,000 people trying sailing or windsurfing for the first time over one weekend. Cransley SC was one of the big success stories taking over 200 visitors sailing. Meanwhile Banbury SC, on Boddington Reservoir, and Middle Nene SC near Thrapston will be hosting their traditional annual Open Days over the Bank Holiday weekend, on Sunday 3 May and Monday 4 May respectively. Each Open Day and taster session will be different depending on what activities each club or centre offers, but all events are geared to appeal to the widest possible range of people, showcasing what the sports are really all about, from the freedom of being on the water to the social buzz of club life, and highlighting just how accessible sailing actually is to everyone. All you need for any of the Open Days or 'have a go' sessions are warm clothes, soft soled shoes and a waterproof and the clubs/centres will provide what else you need. Booking is essential for some of the activities. Refreshments will be available and a friendly smile guaranteed as BBQs and other social activities also take place to give newcomers a warm welcome. Some 27 clubs and centres across the East Midlands have signed up in total for RYA Push The Boat Out 2015. In 2014, the nation's sailing clubs gained more than 1,000 personal memberships through Push The Boat Out with more than 500 families also becoming members of the clubs they visited. For full details on RYA Push The Boat Out 2015 and what's going on in your area visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo

New Community Boat Boost As Sailing Season Starts At Sutton

People learning the ropes at Sutton Sailing Club this year will have a shiny, new 'plaything' to enjoy after the club was awarded £5,000 from the Sport England Small Grants programme to invest in a new boat. The club are buying a GP14 sailing dinghy, which can be sailed by up to six people but more commonly with two or three, to add to its expanding fleet of at least 15 club boats to provide even more opportunities for local people to sail at low cost. The good news gets Sutton's 2015 season off to a flying start as the club's first RYA learn to sail course of this year gets underway on Saturday 11 April. Sutton wanted a new boat to not only help attract more newcomers into the sport but to help build on the 2014 success of their 'improvers group' where people who are doing or have completed their first RYA certificates can get together more informally to hone their skills while enjoying the social buzz of club life. Chris Hale, Sutton SC Commodore, explains: "People can be put off trying sailing because they think they need to own or buy a boat, but the reality is they don't! "We've had a real focus on building and maintaining our fleet of club boats over the past few years so our members can really decide if they like sailing and try lots of different types of dinghies before even thinking about buying a boat. "We want to make it as easy and cheap as possible for people to regularly come sailing with us. Having good quality equipment they can use and fostering a friendly, welcoming club atmosphere is key to that. "As well as being able to borrow club boats for as little as £2 a session, we also run a successful 'buddy' system where improvers get paired with club instructors to build their confidence and introduce them to different aspects of the sport, like racing." Family membership including partners and any children under 18 can sail for as little as £14 a month at Sutton SC this year, while kids and students in full time education can be individual members for just £3 a month! Sutton SC is a recognised RYA Training Centre meaning it conforms to the highest standards of safety and quality. Chris added: "We had two RYA inspectors observe our course last autumn and they commented on the exceptionally welcoming and friendly nature of the club, the experience and knowledge of our own instructors and their excellent use of resources to support the learning experience. This was great feedback for us!" There are still places available for Sutton SC's RYA Level 1 and 2 Start Sailing course beginning on 11 April. Running for four consecutive Saturdays, you will be taken from absolute beginner to being able to take control in fair conditions. If you cant make these dates, the second course starts on 26 September. Meanwhile if you aren't ready to commit to a course and would just like to find out more about sailing and what Sutton SC can offer, the club's annual Open Day takes place on Saturday 11 July, coinciding with Sutton Community Games Day. Want to know more about life at Sutton SC and how you could get involved this year visit www.suttonsc.org.uk

Girl Guides’ leader taking on big sailing challenge

A Guide leader from Mansfield is getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime as she embarks on training to take part in the 2015 Fastnet sailing race. April Ulyatt, 23, joined Girlguiding Nottinghamshire as a Rainbow at the age of four, and now helps run three local units—the 14th Mansfield Rainbows, 19th Mansfield Guides and 1st Mansfield Powell Rangers. As she prepares to take part in the grueling ocean challenge, our landlocked location is not the only obstacle she plans to overcome. “I decided to take part in the Fastnet Race both as a personal challenge and to help show the world that girls are capable of doing everything that boys do,” says April. The Fastnet is the oldest regular ocean-racing event in European waters and is infamous for its choppy weather conditions. April will join six colleagues from the South East region to form Girlguiding UK’s first ever team in the event crewing a 72-foot Challenger yacht. “Guiding opens up so many possibilities to girls and young women like me,” says April. “I’m very excited about the prospect of doing something different, learning new skills and making new friends. “Plus, while I get travel sick on trains, cars, and even planes, I’m fine on boats!” Training begins in Southampton next month with the Tall Ships Youth Trust, and there will be several more sessions and cross-channel sea trials scheduled in the run-up to the race itself. In the meantime, April is focused on building fitness and fundraising for her travel, equipment and accommodation. Anyone interested in supporting April on their Fastnet adventure can contact her via aprilfastnet2015@outlook.com, or visit her fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/Girlguiding-Fastnet-Devas/. April will also be blogging the adventure at http://ggukfastnet2015.blogspot.co.uk/ First held in 1925 and run every two years since, the 90th Rolex Fastnet Race starts in Cowes on August 16. It takes in landmarks like The Needles, Portland Bill, and Land’s End and before finishing in Plymouth.

Oban calls on council to back yachting venture

Oban businesses are imploring Argyll and Bute Council to act immediately to bring step-ashore leisure boat pontoons to the bay. In a public notice backed by 50 local firms, community company Oban Bay Marine (OBM) states: “Unless Argyll and Bute Council has the vision and courage to move forward now, Oban will continue to lose out and will endure yet more discussion, more consultants, more delay and more stagnation of its economy.” The group wants the council to release £2million previously allocated for Oban pontoons in its CHORD (Campbeltwon Helensburgh Oban Rothesay and Dunoon) waterfronts project budget. Calum Ross, chairman of Oban and Lorn Tourism Association, which has put its name to the plea said: “It is beyond all comprehension that Oban hasn’t got a pontoon development for visiting yachts by now. From a tourism perspective it is absolutely vital that Oban has these facilities.” OBM claims the town is losing £1million of generated income every year the transit marina is delayed. One of its directors said: “We want the permanent facility in for 2016 and there is no reason why they can’t manage that if they make a start now. We have a business plan which shows exactly that. The business plan was worked out with the help of council officers last November. “A pontoon development would do rather more for the town than some of the public realm works that they are currently working on, which is basically titivating pavements. “It could be counter-productive if they put in a temporary pontoon arrangement that isn’t sustainable. “We want the pontoons between the North Pier and the Railway Pier, we want a floating breakwater to be installed in order that the pontoons are protected. “The business reaction shows the depth of feeling and the frustration within Oban.” A council spokesman said: “We would like to reassure people of our commitment to having a temporary facility in place for summer 2016. “We have ambitious plans to grow Oban’s already strong economy and are making huge, evidence-based investments which we know are matched to the aspirations of our communities and will create jobs. “We are looking into a range of options and will be applying rigorous checks to ensure that any final proposal meets the needs of the whole community. A paper is going to the area committee in April which will give more detail and councillors will then decide the way forward.”

Sailing & walking round Skye, Scotland

Scottish sailor chosen as skipper for famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

A SCOTTISH sailor has been chosen as skipper for world’s longest ocean race. Daniel Smith, 31, from West Kilbride in North Ayrshire has been named among the twelve professionals who will each lead a team in the tenth edition of the famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Daniel, a Senior Yachting and Watersports Instructor, will lead a crew of amateur sailors through Mother Nature’s toughest environments in the 40,000 nautical mile challenge which starts from the UK on August 30, 2015. The Scotsman, who began sailing in the Scottish Islands with his family when he was five years old, is relishing the huge physical and mental challenge. He said: “Skippering an ocean racing yacht in the Clipper Race is a dream of mine. I feel the challenge of building a team, taking on ‘Mother Nature’ and conquering the oceans is a challenge with massive rewards. “I have had loads of sailing, kayaking and diving adventures in different parts of the world in the past but nothing quite like this. I don’t think there are any challenges quite like skippering a Clipper 70 around the world. I have a background in teaching and sailing instruction so I’m sure these skills will be invaluable in the race to get my team working together and well on their way to becoming great sailors and racers.” The Clipper Race is one of the world’s toughest challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, this is the only event which gives amateur sailors the chance to sail round the world, taking on Mother Nature’s most remote conditions. Fewer people have completed the Clipper Race than have climbed Mount Everest. Twelve teams compete against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-ft ocean racing yachts, designed for speed not comfort. Crew represent over 40 different countries and can choose to compete in either the full circumnavigation or one or more of its eight individual legs. The only professionals on board are the skippers who safely lead each team. Speaking about the selection process, Race founder and Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “Our Race Skippers are put through rigorous trials before we appoint the successful candidates. “Nothing can fully prepare you for the challenge of sailing round the world with a crew of amateur sailors. We have to be sure we choose skippers, who not only possess the best sailing skills, but also have the right temperament and are good with people in highly stressful environments. “It’s a race so of course everyone wants to win. However the most important characteristics for a Clipper Race Skipper are a true sense of seamanship and to be safety conscious. I am sure Daniel will relish the adventure that lies ahead.” Daniel, a former Scottish Schools National Champion, also trained with the Scotland Sailing squad, while studying for his degree in Computer Science at Glasgow University. After graduation, Daniel qualified as a Yachtmaster Instructor in 2005, and RYA Dinghy Coach Assessor in 2010. The 2015-16 Race departs from the UK on August 30, 2015 and will return almost a year later. The fleet will visit six different continents in up to 15 individually scored races. The team with the highest total points at the finish wins the Clipper Race Trophy.

New boats launched in Whitstable to get more local families sailing

Seasalter Sailing Club is looking forward to getting more people afloat in Whitstable Bay this year after being awarded a £10,000 grant from Sport England to purchase two new boats. The boats were needed to meet increased demand for regular sailing at the club, particularly with the difference the club's Inspired Facilities-funded seawall ramp has made to the number of visitors since the ramp was opened in 2013. Last year, Seasalter saw its membership rise by 15 per cent, with increases in the numbers of families taking part in sailing. More club members also took advantage of the low charge to borrow a club boat for a session. The two new boats – a GRP Miracle and a Laser Pico – are especially suitable for family, intermediate and improving sailors as well as youth sailors and encouraging people to take the next steps into racing and staying in the sport long-term. Ian Mills, Seasalter Sailing Club vice commodore, said: "The arrival of the new boats in the next month is great news for Seasalter and demonstrates we are a club 'on the up'. "It is also a great testament to all the volunteers who make Seasalter the friendly sailing club that it is and builds on the success of our Inspired Facilities Ramp project giving us a great platform to attract more people to sailing. "Increasing participation amongst local people of all ages, in addition to the new boats, is one cornerstone of our development plan and provides another terrific reason to join us." Anyone, regardless of age, experience or ability, has the chance to try sailing for free at Seasalter Sailing Club when it its RYA Push The Boat Out Open Day on Saturday, May 16. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. For more details on how you can get involved, visit www.seasaltersc.org.uk

Weymouth war amputee sailors appeal for World Cup boat name

Two amputee soldiers have invited the public to name a yacht they are using to take part in the Sailing World Cup. Craig Wood and Steven Palmer lost limbs during explosions in Afghanistan and want to repay public support in financing their vessel. The keelboat for the Weymouth-based pair has been funded by donations to the Help For Heroes military charity. Mr Palmer said the specially adapted boat has meant "that our dream can become a reality". 'Push the boundaries' Sailing has formed part of their recovery after both being hit by an explosive device while on routine foot patrols in Helmand, Afghanistan. Mr Wood, originally from Doncaster, is a triple amputee who also suffered severe shrapnel wounds to his face. Double amputee Mr Palmer, originally from Newcastle, said the funding means "we can continue training and competing internationally and to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible post injury." He added they have invited the public to think of a boat name via Facebook "as a way of showing how grateful we are for the public's support". The duo are training at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy ahead of the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Hyeres, France in April. A boat naming ceremony will take place later in the year.

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