Extreme Sailing Series comes to Cardiff

The world’s top short-course multihull racing sailors are gearing up for what promises to be a spectacular return of the Extreme Sailing Series™ to Cardiff in one week’s time. The only UK Act of the 2016 Extreme Sailing Series season – on June 23-26 – will see the brand new fleet of hydro-foiling GC32 catamarans making their UK debut in the Series at a venue that draws the crowds in their thousands and usually features fast and furious conditions. With two competitive Acts already completed this year – at Muscat in Oman and Qingdao in China – Cardiff is the tightest stadium of the year so far, that could see the new flying machines really take-off, and the crews can’t wait. “It’s going to be super-flat water and there is likely to be some breeze on one or two of the days,” said Series-leading Oman Air British crewman Pete Greenhalgh. “That means we’ll be going extremely fast and we will see some really good top speeds. It will be pretty hairy – very hairy – but I am very much looking forward to it.” Jes Gram-Hansen, the Danish co-skipper of the SAP Extreme Sailing Team which lies fifth overall, is also viewing Cardiff as a big challenge in the new boats. “In the past Cardiff has always been an exciting place to sail and we’ll have to see what kind of conditions we get this year. But of course it’s going to be difficult if the breeze is up with the new boats on foils and hopefully there will not be too much carnage,” said Gram-Hansen. “It’s an interesting racecourse. There is a fairly long and fast leg from the startline and, assuming there is good breeze, we are going to reach some very high speeds there. Then there is a loop in the Bay which is going to be short and hectic.” It all adds up to a big handful for Race Director Phil Lawrence who loves the Cardiff setting. “We get big crowds and it’s a compact stadium so the racing is really close and people can watch the action all along the side of the course. The racing is great and the sailors love it,” he said. Lawrence will be watching to make sure wind conditions do not get out of hand as the boats hit top-speeds of up to 45mph in very confined waters. “We have been very impressed with the boats so far – the switch from Extreme 40s has worked well and the new design has slotted easily into our format. The sailors are enjoying it too and there is no doubt it has refreshed the format of the Extreme Sailing Series,” he added. The UK Act will see the battle rejoined at the top of the leaderboard between Series leaders Oman Air who are two points ahead of Alinghi and Red Bull Sailing Team tied in second place. Fourth overall is the Land Rover BAR Academy team which will be deploying a rotating crew at Cardiff for the first time with both Paul ‘CJ’ Campbell-James and Jono Macbeth attending as senior team mentors. A squad of eight young talented multihull racers, who are part of the Academy at Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup syndicate in Portsmouth, will rotate after each day’s racing. “For the Academy guys Cardiff is going to be the perfect step into Extreme Sailing serious-style inshore racing at its absolute best,” said team coach Andrew Walsh. “It’s going to be a very steep learning curve.” Behind the Land Rover BAR Academy team, SAP Extreme Sailing Team will be looking to improve and cut out errors as they aim to join the podium places in the overall rankings. Just two points behind the Danes, battle will recommence between Sail Portugal – who welcome new crewman, the New Zealand America’s Cup sailor Sam Bell, on board – and China One who are tied in sixth and seventh places respectively. Cardiff will be all-action on the water and on the shore and fans in the UK can watch the racing live on BT Sport Europe on the final day, while fans online can watch the racing live on the official YouTube channel on June 25-26, 1530-1700 BST daily.

Sailing World Cup 2016 (Weymouth and Portland) - Final Day - GBR Rules The Waves

Fleet of yachts heads for Lochmaddy marina for the inaugural CNM St Kilda challenge

Lochmaddy’s marina was bustling with activity today as more than 30 yachts from all over the UK sailed in ready for tomorrow’s St Kilda Challenge. Featuring both a race and a cruise in company, the St Kilda Challenge organised by North Uist’s Comann Na Mara (Society of the Sea) is the first event of its kind to set its sights on the UK’s remotest archipelago. Half the yacht will race, while the remainder will cruise as a flotilla. Both fleets will use the islands as the turning point on the course, which will take in a distance of some 100 nautical miles return. Participants have travelled from far and wide, including Shetland, Cornwall, Ireland and the Clyde to assemble at the remote North Uist outpost. The race will begin in the Sound of Harris tomorrow (Friday, June 10) at 9am. It is likely that the faster yachts will complete the race in some 24 hours, with the cruise in company yachts taking a little longer. In something of an irony, too little wind is likely to be the issue tomorrow, rather than the strong breezes associated with the islands. The Uists have been basking in Mediterranean temperatures for the past three weeks. A light east/south easterly forecast is expected to greet the yachts in the Sound of Harris for the start. Ashore in Lochmaddy, a three-day festival will be in full swing, with a variety of cultural events, including the Hebridean Premiere of Heisgeir with internationally-renowned Julie Fowlis, who originally hails from North Uist. The fleet brings together some interesting yachts, including AJ Wanderlust, Charlene Howard’s 45ft sloop which has travelled far and wide around the world and goes in the racing fleet, as well as 67ft Swan, a traditional Shetland fishing boat owned and operated by The Swan Trust which will take part in the cruise in company – built in 1900, she is also the oldest vessel to be making the journey. The challenge brings the windswept St Kilda island group into sharp focus – helping to highlight the UK’s only dual World Heritage Site, recognised for both its natural and cultural significance, in what will be the 30th anniversary of it receiving its designation in 1986. Sailing’s governing body RYA Scotland and the Scottish Sailing Institute, which specialises in the organisation of national and international events in Scottish waters, have been closely involved in the project along with Clyde Cruising Club, and CalMac is offering significant support as proud prime sponsor. Collaboration partners on the event advisory board also include Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, Sail Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, University of St Andrews, Scottish Natural Heritage, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Harris Tweed and Harris Distillery.

Oban Marina put up for sale at offers over £975,000

Oban Marina has been put up for sale for the second time in less than five years. The North Ledaig Co Ltd, which bought the marina after its previous owners went into administration in 2011, is looking for offers over £975,000. It said it had made "strenuous efforts" to improve the infrastructure on which the marina relied but with only partial success. The marina is located on the Isle of Kerrera, close to Oban. It includes 95 serviced floating pontoon berths, 30 moorings, two boatsheds, as well as a shop, bar and licensed restaurant. Oban Marina's managing director, Peter Weir, told BBC Scotland that the company had tried to improve infrastructure around the island, including wi-fi and water supplies, but had had limited success. 'High hopes' He said: "We have struggled. We had high hopes when we bought the marina. We were prepared to invest £1m into this place to make it a showpiece for Oban but that didn't happen because of the issues we faced. "We have invested £250,000 but I am 72 now and I just feel that I am past running it." He added: "It is one of the most fabulous locations on the west coast. "It has traded successfully in the past and we are three-quarters of the way to solving the infrastructure issues. "A younger, more enthusiastic buyer should be able to turn it around and hopefully develop it into the marina it has been in the past and grow it into a showpiece for Oban." Estate agent Strutt & Parker is handling the sale. Associate Euan MacCrimmon said: "The sale of Oban Marina offers a rare opportunity to purchase a trading marina located within an area which boasts some of the best sailing in Europe. "It benefits from several income streams and development opportunities. It is not often a business like this comes to the market and it offers fantastic potential."

First coble meet scheduled

The first rally for cobles in living memory has been scheduled to take place this 13-14 August The Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society and the Coble and Keelboat Society (Yorkshire Group) in co-operation with Bridlington Harbour Commissioners, are encouraging coble owners to join a sailing coble festival at Bridlington from 13-14 August. The event is likely to see one of the largest gatherings of sailing cobles in the British Isle in recent times. Four local, restored, cobles will joined by two new cobles built by John Clarkson and Joe Gelsthorpe in 2014. The hope is that further cobles will attend to make an exciting flotilla of sail. One owner from Cornwall has already given his support and intends to bring his vessel. It is hoped a 40ft (12.2m) restored seiner will also make the passage from the Tyne to take part. For details, contact organiser Paul Arro. Tel: +44 (0)1482 878028 or email plandsarro@plandsarro.karoo.co.uk.

RYA Push the Boat Out 2016 - Free Sailing & Windsurfing Taster Sessions across the UK

World’s largest sailing yacht arrives in Greenock

THE world’s largest sailing yacht arrived in Greenock yesterday. Three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner Eos came in from Cork for a fortnight’s stay at James Watt Dock Marina. She is being prepared by her crew for a cruise on the Clyde and around Scotland with her American owner, who is flying in for the trip. The impressive yacht is believed to be owned by movie and media billionaire Barry Diller, who is a former chairman and chief executive officer of Paramount Pictures. A marina spokesperson said: “James Watt is the logical choice for the yacht to be berthed before setting out on the cruise.” Eos measures approximately 305ft, has 200ft tall masts and took three years to build. Little is known about the yacht’s interior, kept a secret by Mr Diller, but it reportedly boasts a glass staircase and panoramic views astern.

Grant helps Otley Sailing Club expand its fleet

OTLEY Sailing Club has added three new boats to its fleet thanks to a Sport England grant. The club has used the £10,000 award to buy a trio of Hartley 12.2 sailing dinghies, which are designed to be easy to use while still exciting to sail. The boats will be used both to teach beginners and to help established sailors try out more advanced techniques. They will also be available for members to use for leisure sailing or in the club races that take place on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings. The public will be able to view one of the dinghies at the Otley Show on Saturday, when visitors will also be able to try sailing in one of the club's Comet dinghies out on the showground lake.

Push the Boat Out with Isle of Bute Sailing Club

The Isle of Bute Sailing Club is set to hold a ‘Push the Boat Out’ event later this month to give folk the chance to test their sea legs and have a go at a new outdoor activity. Push the Boat Out is a great way to discover a new outdoor sport to enjoy this summer. Dinghy sailing, windsurfing, keelboat sailing and kayaking are among the activities on offer to all ages and abilities. This year, over 300 venues have signed up around the UK, with 28 in Scotland. With twice as many locations participating this year, make sure you don’t miss this opportunity to get afloat. Isle of Bute Sailing Club, having just celebrated 40 years in their clubhouse, are looking forward to holding a Push the Boat Out event on Saturday, May 21. Richard Fairman, the club commodore, said: “People learn and enjoy by having a go. We’re welcoming people along so they can have a go in a dinghy, rib, yacht and motor cruiser.” With the club located in Rothesay Bay it provides the perfect backdrop for people of any age to come 10am till 4pm to have a taste of a variety of activities with trained instructors free of charge and enjoy some shore side hospitality. From Oban to Montrose or Loch Ryan to Banff, this nationwide ‘have-a-go’ campaign gives all comers the chance to get on the water for free or low cost over nine days from Saturday 14 to Sunday, May 22, so get the dates for a club near you from.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo. Liza Linton, Development Manager for RYA Scotland said: “I’m delighted that we’ve doubled the numbers of clubs and centres involved in this initiative for 2016. It is a great opportunity for them to harness national and local publicity for their facilities and for them to be able to give others the chance to try our sports.” She continued: “Hopefully we shall be able to turn some of the first timers, who will hopefully gain a great experience, into lifelong participants of our sport.” More than 65,000 people have discovered the sport through Push the Boat Out since its launch in 2012. Nationally, 2015 Push the Boat Out saw almost 28,500 newcomers attend events across the UK. Love Boating? Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding British boating. Join today and support the RYA in protecting your boating rights and freedoms. Take advantage of free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, as well as enjoying a range of fantastic personal member offers. Find out more by calling 02380 604 159, email member.services@rya.org.uk or visit www.rya.org.uk.

Get afloat and ‘Push the Boat Out’ in Angus

The Royal Yachting Association’s Push the Boat Out initiative is a great way to discover a new outdoor sport to enjoy this summer. Dinghy sailing, windsurfing, keelboat sailing and kayaking are among the activities on offer to all ages and abilities. Over two weekends this May there are events across Tayside. On May 15 Dundee Sailing Club and Forfar Sailing Club are getting people afloat as part of the campaign, while May 21 sees Montrose Sailing Club hosting an event. Michael Caine, club secretary for Dundee Sailing Club on the River Tay, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to hold our Open Day as part of a national event; past events have been great fun, and we expect this year’s to be equally good.” Forfar Sailing Club is based on Forfar Loch and offers support and encouragement to people of all levels, whilst offering a competitive element as a racing club. The club’s Tony Walker enthused: “We are looking forward to a great day of sailing for our local community and potentially welcome new members.” Nearer the coast, Craig Robinson, of Montrose Sailing Club, added: “Come and visit Montrose Basin as you’ve never seen it before, with free have-a-go taster sessions. “Have a sail with an experienced club member. Don’t forget, you may need to bring warm (windproof) clothes and footwear to get wet in.” Liza Linton, Development Manager for Royal Yacht Association (RYA) Scotland said: “I’m delighted that we’ve doubled the numbers of clubs and centres involved in this initiative for 2016. “It is a great opportunity for them to harness national and local publicity for their facilities and for them to be able to give others the chance to try our sports. “Hopefully, we shall be able to turn some of the first timers, who will gain a great experience, into lifelong participants of our sport”. More than 65,000 people have discovered the sport through Push the Boat Out since its launch in 2012. Nationally, 2015 Push the Boat Out saw almost 28,500 newcomers attend events across the UK. Find out more by calling 02380 604 159, or visit www.rya.org.uk

Free Sailing Sessions for 1,000 Young People aged 9-13 years old

The 1851 Trust, the official charity of Land Rover BAR and the Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series Portsmouth, in partnership with the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, will be providing inspiring free sailing taster sessions for the second year running to young people in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas throughout the summer holidays. The Portsmouth Sailing Project will once again be hosted from Portsmouth Sailing Club from Monday 25th July – Friday 26th August 2016 and thanks to a funding collaboration between Travis Perkins plc, The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation and the 1851 Trust, this activity will be free of charge for all the young people involved. Speaking on behalf of the 1851 Trust, CEO Jo Stocks said; "This is a great opportunity for more young people from Portsmouth and the surrounding areas to get out on the water, learn about sailing and most importantly have fun in a safe and friendly environment. One of the 1851 Trust's key aims is to use the inspiration of our Patron, Sir Ben Ainslie and the team to inspire and motivate a new generation into sailing by breaking down barriers to participation. The Portsmouth Sailing Project is the prefect platform for us to engage with young people who might not have ever considered getting into sailing, or had the opportunity to do so. Stocks added "Learning from 2015 we are really pleased to be able to offer an extended programme for around 50 children that want to continue sailing but aren't in a position to fund themselves. This is absolutely what the 1851 Trust and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation are about." To register your group or school's interest in the taster sessions email info@portsmouthsailingproject.org or to find out more please visit www.portsmouthsailingproject.org

Opening muster at Isle of Bute Sailing Club

A successful opening muster was staged on Sunday by Isle of Bute Sailing Club. It was attended by over 30 people who really enjoyed the racing, barbecue and social event. The season now starts in earnest, with sailing happening on every Sunday and Wednesday. The club is also organising training for cadets on Sunday mornings, to RYA standard. There will be social events thoughout the year too - and everyone is welcome to join in. There are three major events organised for this season. They include Push The Boat Out on May 21 at 10am, The Round Bute Race on June 11 at 9.30am and the annual raft race at midday on August 14.

Turn to Starboard Round Britain Challenge for veterans final countdown

On Wednesday 1 June, a team of 38 veterans will challenge their minds and bodies by sailing 2,000 miles around the British Isles with the charity Turn to Starboard. The voyage, which is being sponsored by International Paint and supported by The Endeavour Fund, will begin in Falmouth. The journey expected to last eight weeks, stopping at ports including Ipswich, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Glasgow and Liverpool. The team – many with little or no sailing experience – will circumnavigate Britain anti-clockwise on board a 92-foot replica tall ship to help participants re-engage, reintegrate and gain new skills to help start new careers across the world. Some of the 38 veterans will sail the complete expedition whilst others will join for shorter sections of the voyage. They will be joined by two additional yachts also crewed by ex-serviceman and women to meet the unexpectedly high number of applicants. Turn to Starboard was set up three years ago by former RAF leader and CEO, Shaun Pascoe. The charity has helped hundreds of military personnel suffering with physical injuries or mental trauma by providing RYA courses and family sailing trips in a unique and supportive environment. Shaun, who will also be taking part in the challenge, was the leader of a helicopter medical emergency response team. After finding it difficult to adjust to normal life outside of the forces, he embarked on a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Yachtmaster course, and within two weeks of sailing he felt in a better place. He now invests his time in helping others to feel the same. Shaun commented: ‘For most of our participants leaving the military, particularly on medical discharge, sees them facing significant challenges, with some losing the true comradeship and sense of purpose that is so important in a military setting. The Round Britain adventure aims to help them readjust by providing the same level of challenge in the company of those who have experienced the same testing conditions. The crew are expected to experience physical exertion and sleep deprivation while overcoming the psychological challenges of living and working in a turbulent natural environment. We are looking forward to the challenge and helping those taking part to regain the sense of value and the belonging they were once so proud of.’ The lead sponsor of the initiative is AkzoNobel’s International coatings brand which is supporting the project and providing essential products from their range of leading yacht coatings, to help prepare the boats for the challenge, and ensure the crew enjoy optimum performance. Stuart Melville, Global Marketing Specialist at AkzoNobel, commented: ‘This is a fantastic challenge for such a worthy charity and we are delighted to be supporting the team as they fulfil the two month journey. Our team will be offering advice and support to ensure the boat is in top condition and the team are ready to conquer the challenge. We are looking forward to giving them a big welcome at a number of the stops along their journey.’ Turn to Starboard is run by a group of ex-service, serving and civilian staff and volunteers who believe that sailing has a therapeutic and calming effect on participants. They help veterans gain internationally recognised sailing qualifications to help start new careers. The organisation also offers sailing trips to Service families who have been affected by operations to spend time together on a skippered yacht. For further information visit www.turntostarboard.co.uk