Student who could not walk to spend a year at sea sailing around the world

Three years ago, student Ana Downer-Duprey could not walk. A car crash had shattered her body and she had certainly never set foot on a yacht; yet this afternoon, the 22-year-old, from Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, will sail away from St Katherine’s dock in London to spend a year on the high seas. Ms Downer-Duprey is one of the youngest crew members ever to have attempted the challenge of the biennial Clipper race, in which a dozen yachts sail 40,000 miles in a circumnavigation of the globe. The vast majority of those taking part in the race, which has eight stages, opt to complete just a part of it. But she is going all the way round. After the first stage ends in a month in Brazil, the race takes in South Africa, Australia, Vietnam, China, the US, Panama, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. The finish is in London next July. Ms Downer-Duprey is one of many taking part who have never sailed before. To say she’s had a rough few years would be an understatement: her plan had been to study sports coaching at university but four years ago she fell during a rugby-training session, leaving her with a brain injury and left leg paralysed for six weeks. She dropped out of college and suffered from depression. Less than 18 months later, during a trip to see her father in Trinidad, she was involved in a car accident. “I had multiple fractures to my hip, broke my pubis, shattered my shoulder and I hit my head again,” she said. “I went back to forgetting things and was in a state of confusion; my confidence went again.” She has come a long way since then. “Physically I’m pretty good, although I still get some pains from the breaks especially,” she said. “The thing that really affects me most is the brain trauma; I still get confused and sometimes have a bit of trouble understanding what people say. My short-term memory is not great She found a job at the River Café restaurant in London and was slowly getting her life back when a poster she saw on her way to work one day prompted her to give up her job and move back in with her mother in Gloucestershire. “I just saw an advertisement on the Underground and it said something like: ‘Adventure of your life’ and ‘no experience necessary’, and that’s what really got me, because I have no experience. I called up straight away.” The “experience of a lifetime” does not come cheap; it costs £49,500 to do the whole route. In Ms Downer-Duprey’s case, her father has lent her the money, which she plans to pay back over the next five years. She stepped on to a yacht for the first time a few months ago. “I loved the boat, it looked amazing ... I was a bit in awe of it,” she said. Since then she has completed four levels of training, encompassing everything from how to tie knots to sea-survival skills, yacht maintenance and racing tactics. “It’s been a very steep learning curve; I have had to learn everything very quickly.” There were low points, particularly when the crew were practising the watch system they will use at sea. They work in shifts, spending a few hours on deck throughout the night. “I got so tired and was thinking ‘What am I doing?’ I’m getting tired, I have no personal time,” she said. But Ms Downer-Duprey managed to pull herself together, partly motivated by the money she wants to raise for charity during her trip. “I said to myself: ‘You’re doing this, you’re going round the world – go for it’.” She is one of 21 crew who will be on the Visit Seattle yacht, skippered by Huw Fernie. For all the training, the fact remains that she is still very much a rank amateur. The longest she has spent at sea has been six nights and the furthest she has sailed has been from England to France. “It’s going to be intense. It’ll be good and it’ll be bad; it’ll be an experience,” she said. “My biggest fear is probably personal injury, because of my history, and that I won’t be able to continue with the race because something happens.” Missing her friends and family is another concern. “I’m not too worried because I think my team will support me. I know them really well and get on with them really well, and feel like I have got a big support system on board,” she added. The Clipper Round the World Race, which began in 1996, is bigger than ever this year: about 700 crew from 44 countries are taking part. It is also the “longest around the planet”, according to its founder Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first sailor to make a single-handed, non-stop circumnavigation of the globe. “The race has always attracted a high proportion of novices, who are not necessarily into sailing but looking for an adventure far removed from the comforts of everyday life,” he said. “About 40 per cent of the crew members have never set foot on a sailboat before.” Selling the dream of ocean adventure has proven profitable for Sir Robin. His company, Clipper Ventures plc, has more than £23m in assets, including more than £2.5m in cash, and made more than a million in profit last year, its latest accounts reveal. But money is not the motivation for those who take part. As far as Ms Downer-Duprey is concerned, the race is about recovery. “I think it’s going to be life-changing for me. I’ve had quite a low confidence and feeling of self-worth since the accident,” she said. “Going round the world, and sailing, and really having to know myself, I think I’m going to come back with the self-confidence that I should have had originally. “And then I’ll feel really good about myself, because I will have accomplished something.”

'Ladies wanted' to enjoy some relaxed sailing in the Bay with Torbay Royal Yacht Club

THE LADIES of Royal Torbay Yacht Club have started weekly sailing evenings with the aim of introducing more women into the world of sailing. Organiser Julia Waddington said: "The idea is to get as many women out on the water as possible in an enjoyable, fun and friendly way. "We don't plan on doing any racing, there are no exams to pass or tests to revise for, we just have several lovely boats and keen female skippers looking to share their love of being on the water. "It's informal, and there will be no shouting on board. "There is no need to commit to each session, so even if you just come along for one sail we're sure you'll love it so much you'll want to come again." The first evening sail took place on Monday, August 3, and ladies will be able to enjoy regular Monday events, beginning at 4pm, right into September. There are plans for ladies to meet in the winter, too. "We are also thinking of how we can get together throughout the winter and still keep up our fitness – so that we can be ready for next year's sailing season," said Waddington. "All women are welcome – whether experienced or complete novices – and all they need to bring is warm clothes, soft non-slip shoes and a waterproof top. "They do have to be members of RTYC for insurance reasons – but there are substantial membership discounts available currently. The cost per session is just £10 to cover fuel costs, repairs and a kitty for an end-of-season night out. For more information, please email organisers at carolineaisher@hotmail.com or Jules.waddington@btinternet.com.

‘Confidence boosting’ sailing trip for Rougham twin girls who fought cancer

Gracie and Megan Garwood, aged 10, of Rougham, enjoyed a four-day yacht adventure with 24 other young people recovering from cancer around the Solent on the south coast. The pair finished treatment in February 2012 for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) at Addenbrooke’s Hospital after each being diagnosed in the space of about a week in September 2009. The sailing trip, organised by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, allowed them to spend some t ime apart on separate yachts so they could each develop their confidence. Their mum Emma, 44, said: “Being identical everything they do is together. Before they went on the trip we had a conversation about putting them on separate boats and it was a really big thing. “They so benefitted from having a bit of time away from each other and to be with other children who’ve had similar experiences. When we picked them up they were just buzzing and said ‘we’ve only seen each other twice in four days.” While both admitted to being nervous before the trip, Gracie said she enjoyed the sailing and being the given the chance to steer the boat. Megan said she ‘made loads of new friends’ and felt ‘comfortable with others who understand what you have been through’. The trip followed a family holiday to Spain - their first holiday abroad in three years and is part of their journey back to normality. Mrs Garwood said: “At the school summer holidays we wouldn’t have done half of what we’ve done this summer because of having to stay close to home. “Our lives did go on hold for probably a couple of years and you don’t appreciate how normality is quite nice. “It seems like a life-time ago we went through all that. “They’re doing so well now. In the last couple of years they’ve really come into themselves - especially at school with their learning and confidence. They’re just like normal little 10-year-olds.” The twins plan to carry on taking part in activities with the Trust, which offers young people, aged eight to 18, who are in recovery from cancer, the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing. Visit www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org

New Shannon class water jet lifeboat arrives at RNLI Montrose station

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution's (RNLI) Shannon class vessel is powered by water jets rather than traditional propellers. The boat has now arrived at the charity's Montrose station in Angus. The cost of the lifeboat was bequeathed to the charity by supporter Ruth Grant Smith who died in 2005 She left left money to fund an all-weather lifeboat to be named after her husband Ian Grant Smith. The new lifeboat is 50% faster than RNLB Moonbeam, the vessel which has been used by Montrose crews for the past 25 years. Water-jets allow the vessel to be more manoeuvrable, able to operate in shallow waters and be intentionally beached Ray Wilkie, lifeboat operations manager said: "We're very pleased to finally have the Shannon on station so that the crew can really get to grips with the new boat." Coxswain Scott Murray said: "The new boat is faster and more manoeuvrable than Moonbeam and the way it handles is very impressive. All this means that we'll be able to reach casualties more quickly." Each Shannon costs £2.1m and has an operational lifetime of 25 years but the life expectancy of its hull and wheelhouse is 50 years.

10 top tips for shorthanded sailing – from leading British Figaro sailor Alan Roberts

We sailed with UK solo sailor Alan Roberts at Cowes Week 2015, where we were able to glean some valuable advice for the growing fleet of sailors that are taking to shorthanded sailing. Solo sailor Alan Roberts had the best British result in the Solitaire du Figaro in June 2015 Credit: Mark Lloyd During Cowes Week 2015, I had the chance to sail with rising star Alan Roberts on his 33ft Magma Structures sonspored Beneteau Figaro. Roberts finished 9th in the gruelling Solitaire du Figaro earlier this year, the best result for a British skipper in the last 40 years. Here are 10 top tips he gave during our day together. 1. Use processes. Think through every manoeuvre you will do, what the process is and practice it. 2 Have checklists. When you are tired, your thought process doesn’t work well. So I have checklists printed out. ‘I’m going slowly, what should I do?’ Check stack is up; stack more? Is trim correct? etc It is useful to be able to revert to basic trim settings, where you know you should be at a certain speed and trim. Basic ones like this I print off, the rest are on my computer. 3. Get to know your autopilot. Getting the trim of the autopilot right so the boat can sail quickly, and having confidence in it, is key. This year [during the Solitaire], I probably hand-steered 10 per cent of the race – the top guys maybe five per cent. 4. Consider emergency procedures. I spend a lot of time thinking about worst-case scenarios. “What happens if I lose the rig or keel? How will I stay safe? How will I keep the boat afloat? If so, can I finish the race and achieve a good position.” I don’t want to find myself in a scenario where I am tired and in an emergency without having thought about that process. I carry an EPIRB PLB and an AIS PLB on me at all times, plus a Gerber knife, electrical tape and a 2m length of Dyneema so I can lash or fix most things quickly. Sail ties always live in the companionway in case emergency lashing is needed. 5. Have a positive attitude. When sailing solo you don’t have someone to motivate you, to bounce ideas off. So you have to have the right attitude, and stay motivated. (“Choose your attitude” is Roberts’ motto, inscribed on his navstation). Keep cool. Don’t get frustrated. Everyone has bad days. 6. Self-preservation is key. There is no point going really quickly for 24 hours if it means you will go slow for 90 hours. Balance your energy levels; it is better to take a little speed hit before attempting a big manoeuvre. 7. Talk to others. Learn from their experience. Roberts, who speaks Spanish and French, has been trying to fit in more with the French Figaro sailors. French sailor Gildas Morvan, for example, has done 20 Solitaires, more than all the Brits put together this year. who have accumulated 18 in total. 8. Be prepared. There is a lot you can do in advance. Tides can be researched a year in advance, along with what channels to use for local forecasts etc. I started prepping for the June start of the Solitaire in January, looking at local effects, tides and weather. I like to run of lots of routings on Adrena using different wind strengths and directions to give an idea of best routings. The other side of preparation is food, accommodation, rig checks and system checks. 9. Calibrate your running rigging. All my lines are marked, including for different conditions so that I can quickly grind them in and know it’s at the right setting. 10. Keep records. Throughout my training I record everything I can. I always have a camera on me and shoot looking up at the mainsail and jib to see sail sections, then the spreader calibration, kicker area, in-hauler area and picture the aft area to see mainsheet, traveller and backstay settings. I record all these to compare trim and speed settings once ashore. I keep a record of any rig changes and rudder changes I make during racing, noting the time, date and reason for change. So even if I’m really knackered I can see why I made each change. It helps remove any random factors.

Crowds expected at Nithraid event in Dumfries

Thousands of people are expected to watch a boat race along the River Nith in Dumfries and Galloway this weekend. Sailing boats will race from the Solway Firth to Dumfries as part of the Nithraid on Sunday. It will be a test of skill and stamina for those taking part and it has been organised by local artists' collective The Stove Network. They have invited families, art lovers and sailing fans to watch the spectacle from the banks of the river. A pop-up village will be built on Mill Green in Dumfries. There will be sails designed by a young artist, as well as music and stalls selling local produce. The Salty Coo, which has become a symbol of the race, will also feature. A procession will carry it from the High Street to Mill Green, where it will be ceremonially dunked in the river once the first boat crosses the finishing line. Stove curator Matt Baker said: "Nithraid developing from a first idea to now being part of the town calendar is something The Stove Network is properly proud of. "4,500 people around the river at last year's event was an amazing spectacle and showed just what an asset the Nith is for Dumfries. "Nithraid 2015 promises to be an amazing public artwork and another amazing day."

Woman sets sail after cancer treatment

A young woman who has battled cancer set sail on a new adventure in Scotland on a four day yacht expedition. Amber Aspinall, 22, from Todmorden took part in an inspirational sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, along with 14 other young people in recovery from cancer. She joined the crew of one of the Trust’s yachts, to sail on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. For Amber, who finished cancer treatment in May 2014 for Medullablastoma at The Christie Hospital, this was her first time sailing with the Trust. She said: “Despite first day nerves, it was soon like everyone here was a great big family. I loved meeting everyone here, meeting other young people who have had cancer makes you feel normal again.” Sailing onboard 42-48 foot cruising yachts, the Trust trips provide a chance for the young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment, encouraging them to work as a team and get involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking. “When we played rounders, I ran for the first time in two years, the first time since I was diagnosed. This trip has played a big part in convincing me that I can do whatever I want as long as I put my mind to it.” During the trips, the Trust fleet navigates the waters of the Firth of Clyde, making various stopovers including Port Bannatyne on the Isle of Bute, the National Sailing Centre at Great Cumbrae and back to Largs, giving the young people the opportunity to test their new skills on the water. Launched in 2003, the aim of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing. In its 12th year, the Trust has grown beyond every expectation into a national charity.

Ainslie starts British bid in Portsmouth

Sir Ben Ainslie will begin Britain's bid to win the 35th America's Cup as the opening leg of the series gets under way in Portsmouth. The Olympic champion's team Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) hopes to be the first British challenger to win the trophy. A four-day event in the city will open with a sailing parade later, with racing taking place at the weekend. Six teams will battle it out at Word Series regattas around the world ahead of the final races in 2017. Sir Ben told BBC News: "There's so much history with this cup, 1851 it started around the Isle of Wight and we've never won it in Britain. "That's what we're all working towards with our team, to right that wrong, and get the trophy back here where it belongs. "For us to now go out and race in front of our home crowd is absolutely fantastic. "[The crowd] is going to be pretty wowed, these fly over the water. Everyone's going to be going for it 100% and it will be an amazing spectacle." Events have also been scheduled in Gothenberg, Sweden, in August, and Bermuda in October. Four to six regattas are expected in 2016, including a second event in Portsmouth in July. The last America's Cup took place in San Francisco in 2013 Defenders Oracle Team USA - which Ainslie helped to win the cup in 2013 - will also take part, as well as crews from Sweden, France, New Zealand and Japan. Their overall placement will affect the seeding and starting score they take into the America's Cup qualifier events in 2017. Following the opening ceremony in Portsmouth later, practice racing will follow on Friday when teams will familiarise themselves with the race course. Competition takes place on Saturday and Sunday, culminating in the "Super Sunday racing showdown". The headquarters of Ben Ainslie Racing was recently completed in the city The event is expected to attract up to 500,000 spectators. A race village has been set up in Southsea Common and will provide a free viewing platform and large screens during the event. Organisers said the course is "amazingly close to shore". There will also be an on-water spectator area for small boats.

Woolverstone Project celebrates 20 years of helping disabled people to sail

On the face of it, sailing is something of a physical activity, requiring patience, dedication and a bracing pair of hardy sea-legs. But the Woolverstone Project in Suffolk has spent the last 20 years dispelling that myth, with its extraordinary band of volunteers who have turned taking to the water into an opportunity of a lifetime for so many disabled people. Formed in 1993, the Woolverstone project began life as a branch of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club. The brainchild of then commodore Margaret Howard, she was keen to provide the opportunity and facilities for any person, with any disability whatsoever to take up sailing. But with the huge popularity the project received, it became its own registered charity in 1995 and now 20 years later, it is still a centrepiece hobby for hundreds of youngsters. “When the people who started it dreamed it up, they didn’t know a thing about disabled sailing,” says senior instructor Peter Hibberd. “They got their initial experience through working with the Thomas Wolsey School, and we have grown with the help and experience of people like the Thomas Wolsey.” Be it sensory difficulties or physical limitations, the project is proud to say that it has never turned anyone away, and as a chat with senior instructor Peter Hibberd reveals, there are no signs of work on the project letting up soon. “We have a fleet of various specially designed boats allowing people to sail whatever their disability,” he says. “From 2012 to 2014 we saw a 45% growth, with 1,500 sailing opportunities from 237 sessions increasing to 2,178 opportunities from 264 sessions. “We are proud of this because sailing is a great leveller. Our specialist boats allow sailors the freedom of sailing on the same basis as any able-bodied sailor.” One of the schools to work with the Woolverstone Project regularly is Stone Lodge Academy in Ipswich, where staff have been impressed by how much the sailing tuition does for their pupils’ confidence. Claire Hale, PE co-ordinator at the academy, said: “We have been coming every year for the last 10 years or so. We have got eight of our older children on six or seven week sailing courses and the instructors are fantastic because our children have moderate learning difficulties and they work with them so well. “They can listen and learn from other adults, and the confidence they get is invaluable – last year one parent couldn’t believe her son had taken to the water and sailed by himself.” Now for its 20th year as a charity, the Wheelyboat project has been launched to help the club acquire a new state-of-the-art craft that will transform the way they can help disabled people go sailing. Allowing those with wheelchairs easier access, the Wheelyboat will complement improvements to the pontoon at Alton Water to get more people out on the water at a time, and join other recent acquisition Venture, which gets more people out on the water, and has greater stability to prevent capsizing. Mr Hibberd added: “It’s a fantastic boat, and it extends the bounds and the variety of the sailing experience we provide.” For a first taste of the new boat, the club appeared at the East Anglian Boat Show at Woolverstone Marina in June, where the Wheelyboat made an appearance. And to kick off the 20th anniversary celebrations, a special event was held in May to launch the Friends of the Woolverstone Project, and included the Seamark Nunn Cup which saw teams from 10 local sailing clubs take part in a race to help raise money for the cause. As part of the Friends, supporters will be helping to maintain boats and safety equipment and help the project develop new opportunities for young and adult sailors, while the Friends themselves can attend regular events, help provide assistance and keep up to date with the project’s work via a newsletter. But it is clear how much the opportunity to sail means for many people who thought they may never have been able to take part in such activities. It’s a fact that is not lost on patron and TV personality Paul Heiney, pictured left. “I have been lucky enough to sail for most of my life, so I know the deep sense of freedom that comes from being on the water, and the satisfaction it gives,” he said. “I have seen people return from trips, and even though they might not be able to speak the words to express it, the look of triumph on their faces says it for them.” Indeed, such is the project’s established place in the community, that in 2003, the cause received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee award for services to the community, and it is the community feel that Mr Hibberd feels is at the heart of what the project is all about. He adds: “The way we all feel is that we all realise we are part of one big community – there’s no definition for someone to be a part of the community whether they are disabled or fully able. Equality is our watchword.” But with the way the project has gone from strength to strength, they are always on the lookout for volunteers, regardless of their experience. For anyone interested in volunteering, or to find out more about the project, visit woolverstoneproject.org.uk

Moray pupils sailing to international success in boat race

Pupils from a Moray public school are hoping to sail to victory in an international boat race after triumphing in its first leg, from Belfast to Norway. Seven youngsters from Gordonstoun boarded the school’s 80ft Ocean Spirit of Moray vessel to compete in the 2015 Tall Ships Race, organised by the Sail Training International group. The crew defeated more than 50 other teams to cross the finish line in the contest last Friday, reaching the town of Alesund on the Norwegian coast. The group, which boasts seven students among its members, sailed 707 nautical miles at an average speed of 8.1 knots. Related Articles The crew is now journeying through Norway’s famous fjords and will embark on the second leg of the race on Saturday, July 25. Teams will depart from Kristiansand, in the south of Norway, to Aalborg in Denmark. Gordonstoun skipper and sail training coordinator Ian Lerner said: “The trip has been pretty tough, we had some very strong winds and very rough seas. “But the crew all worked very, very hard to help us win a fantastic first leg.” Gordonstoun principal Simon Reid added: “It is excellent to hear of the success of our students in the first leg of the Tall Ships Race. “Taking part in something as unique as this is a wonderful opportunity for them, and we are all really proud of their achievement. “The race is a great way for young people to learn teamwork and it’s a great adventure.” Sail training has been part of the Gordonstoun curriculum since the school was founded in 1934. The Ocean Spirit of Moray yacht is owned by the school and is mainly used for sea training. Students undergo a programme of seamanship on the school’s locally built cutters at Hopeman harbour prior to taking part in week-long voyages on the Ocean Spirit of Moray.

Two Belfast teens recovering from cancer get a taste for sailing thanks to Dame Ellen MacArthur

Danielle McGriskin and Craig Lindsay took part in a sailing trip with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust After months of gruelling treatment, two Belfast teens recovering from cancer were given a treat on the high seas. Danielle McGriskin and Craig Lindsay were both invited to take part in the sailing trip organised by the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust which was set up to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing. The pair joined 13 other young people to make up the crew of one of the Trust's yachts for a four day adventure on the Firth of Clyde in Scotland earlier this month. Danielle, 18, from Lisburn, finished cancer treatment in January last year for a Grade 2 Astrocytoma Tumour at Bristol Children's Hospital. This was her first time sailing with the Trust and she said it had been brilliant. "We've sailed around some beautiful islands and worked together very closely – we've really become like one big family," she said. Craig Lindsay, 20, from East Belfast, finished treatment in June last year for Testicular Cancer at Belfast City Hospital. He said the trip had given him a taste for sailing and helped him move out of his comfort zone. MORE: "Check yourself - I am living proof it can happen at any age" says East Belfast teen who survived testicular cancer "This trip was recommended to me by my social worker from CLIC Sargent who knew I was going through a tough time and thought it would be beneficial to meet people my own age with cancer," said Craig. "I've got a taste for sailing now – I've gained confidence by speaking openly with others about cancer. To be out of my comfort zone with people who have been through similar experiences has been great." Craig Lindsay Craig Lindsay Sailing onboard 42-48 foot cruising yachts, the Trust trips provide a chance for the young people to test themselves in a safe and supportive environment, encouraging them to work as a team and get involved in everything from helming the boat to cooking. During the trips, the Trust fleet navigates the waters of the Firth of Clyde, making various stopovers including Port Bannatyne on the Isle of Bute, the National Sailing Centre at Great Cumbrae and back to Largs, giving the young people the opportunity to test their new skills on the water. Launched in 2003, the aim of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing. Dame Ellen, who tries to spend a day on as many trips as possible, said: "The mental and social fall-out from cancer can be just as devastating as the physical illness. Everything we do is about building confidence, self-esteem and having fun together." In its 12th year, the Trust has grown into a national charity, taking young people aged between 8-24 who are recovering from cancer on four-day sailing trips.

MSP makes a splash at St Mary’s Loch

Borders MSP John Lamont visited St Mary’s Loch Sailing Club to see – and christen – the club’s new RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) rescue boat. During the visit, which took place during the club’s annual training camp for junior members, Mr Lamont was taken out on the rescue boat. He also watched some of the training sessions and met sailing instructors and junior sailors. The club was able to buy the boat as a result of funding from Awards for All Scotland. Club commodore Alison Robertson Morrish told The Southern: “The RIB will be particularly useful in enabling instructors to get much closer to sailors to highlight teaching points. “It will be used on a regular basis for training and coaching purposes, and will be of great value during our annual summer camp, which we run for younger members (eight to 16-year-olds). We are currently working with RYA Scotland with a view to running a youth regatta for sailors across Scotland in 2016. “In addition to supporting the training needs, the RIB will provide us with improved rescue cover.”

Marazion Hosts Major Sailing Contest

Mounts Bay Sailing Club in Marazion has announced it will host the Neil Pryde UKLA National and Open Laser Championships in August. The competition will be intense when the three Laser fleets start their National Championship races on Sunday 2nd August at 12 noon. The week-long event involves two Olympic sailing classes of dinghy, the Laser Standard and the Laser Radial so the standard of sailing promises to be very high indeed. The third fleet involves the 4.7 fleet which is for younger or lighter sailors and will include some of the stars of the future. Approximately 200 of the single handed dinghies will be taking to the waters with two races scheduled for each day with a midday scheduled start on the first day and 1100 each day thereafter until Friday 7th August. The boats are strict one design dinghies and as identical as manufacturing tolerances allow, meaning that tactics, boat handling skills and fitness are paramount in all three fiercely contested fleets. Entrants will be travelling from all corners of the British Isles to sail in Mount's Bay and already there are entries from New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Korea, Serbia and a large contingent from Ireland. In addition to the three types of boat participating there are a number of other categories of competition within the racing relating to age and experience and there is even a family prize which will involve parents and their offspring competing in their respective fleets. Local interest will focus on Denzil May (Mount's Bay SC) who is the current Masters National Champion and a National Youth Champion in the 1990's. Denzil will be a strong contender for the overall trophy in the Standard fleet and he is shortly off to Canada to compete in the World Masters Championship so he will certainly be "match fit" by the time the local event starts. Mount Bay SC member John Woolcock, who usually sails in the warm waters of Dubai (UAE), will be worth watching as he usually features at the front of the fleet. Other local contenders include Kian Andrews (Mount's Bay and Penzance Sailing Clubs) who is a young sailor with a very bright future. Kian has been making impressive progress over the last couple of years and Nick Stoten (Mounts Bay SC and Nick Downing (Penzance SC) are also expected to feature in the Standard fleet. The other fleets have entries from Mylor, St. Mawes and Restronguet Sailing Clubs so there is a strong local participation as well as a national and international interest. The sporting action is also supplemented by a full social programme to ensure that the competitors fully enjoy their visit to West Cornwall and Marazion and the warm welcome and keen competition has resulted in Marazion being a very attractive destination with a worldwide reputation for top class dinghy championships.