America's Cup 2017: Ben Ainslie's GB team joint top despite collision on day one

Sir Ben Ainslie's Great Britain team won one and lost one of their opening two races as the America's Cup Qualifiers got under way on Saturday. After Friday's opening day in Bermuda was postponed due to strong winds, Ainslie's Land Rover BAR beat Sweden's Artemis Racing in their opening race. But they were then defeated by SoftBank Team Japan after helmsman Ainslie was penalised for a start-line collision. With damage to one hull, GB finished 48 seconds behind the Japanese. BAR - whose crew includes tactician Giles Scott, who won Olympic gold in Rio last summer - still finished the day top of the table with defending champions Oracle Team USA, who await the top challenger in the 35th America's Cup starting on 17 June. Oracle won both of their races on Saturday, leaving the two teams level on three points. Standings America's Cup standings Team Wins Losses World Series points Total points Great Britain 1 1 2* 3 United States 2 0 1* 3 Sweden 1 1 0 1 New Zealand 1 1 0 1 Japan 1 1 0 1 France 0 2 0 0 *Land Rover BAR started the qualifiers with two points and Oracle Team USA with one point after finishing first and second respectively in the 2015-16 America's Cup World Series. 'We silenced a lot of doubters' "We had a bit of an up-and-down day," said Ainslie. "We had a fantastic first race, we took down Artemis who were the form team coming into this America's Cup. "It was fantastic for the team, we silenced a lot of doubters out there. "We've then got to back that up with a win in the second race - unfortunately we had a big collision with Softbank Team Japan. We suffered a big hole in the side of our boat. "It was all we could do to get round the course and, frankly given the damage to the boat, it was pretty amazing that we did that. "Now the shore team have got to work their magic to fix the damage and get us out for racing tomorrow."

STONE FATHER & SON TEAM TO EMBARK ON THE BIGGEST SAILING RACE IN THE WORLD

Cliff Goodwin, and his Dad Michael Goodwin from Stone are to under take the Biggest Sailing Race In the world to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust charity after Cliff’s brother, Dan, passed away in April after battling Cystic Fibrosis. Cliff said “Dan loved sailing with me and my Dad until his health prevented him. We are undertaking this challenge and hope to raise valuable funds for the charity. This will be a hard challenge, make no mistake. It is a busy course and one of the challenges is simply not colliding with others whilst getting around as fast as possible! It’s a long day and an early start!! We’ve got a great team, my partner will join us along with other friends!” The one-day annual yachting extravaganza has upwards of 1,500 yachts and 12,000 sailors competing and circumnavigates the 50nm course anticlockwise around the beautiful coastline of the Isle of Wight. The 2017 race date is Saturday 1st July with a first start of 05.30. The team have a Virgin Money Giving page below to help to raise some funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust by way of getting people to sponsor ‘Team Antara’ (Antara is the name of the boat). Cliff added “If people can help us defeat this dreadful disease that would be brilliant, we want to smash our target of £1500!!” Michael added “ We are hoping for fine weather and a great race as we fly the flag for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. The war against CF must be won, and this race is our place in the front line – raising funds to develop a cure. We hope also that we can beat our previous best finish in the top 25% of the fleet. Supporters can read about Team Antara and make a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust via the team website at https://teamantara.blogspot.co.uk/ We will be posting regular photos and video of Antara’s progress during the race on the above website. We do hope that the people of Stone will enjoy following us! Many thanks to all who sponsor us!

The Best Of J-Class Sailing!

One man and his dog set sail on adventure

SETTING sail on an epic journey around the coastline of the United Kingdom in a small boat, one man and his dog are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for a cancer charity. Peter Matheson has cast off from Wick Harbour with his border collie Elsa to raise money for the Petal Childhood Cancer Research charity in his Bumble Ahoy challenge. The former police officer from Essex, who now lives at Stirkoke, near Wick, bought and repaired a boat which he named Wait and Hope. He will circumnavigate the UK including the Scilly Isles, Orkney and Shetland before travelling back to Wick Harbour in a challenge would could take at least six months. He said it is a chance for him to take part in the challenge of a lifetime while raising money for a good cause. “I’m guessing it’ll take about five to six months, fair weather sailing, calling into as many ports and harbours as I can, and obviously enjoying the fine British summer,” he said. “I’ve been sailing since I was young and I have poured a lot of money into this boat to get ready for this challenge. “To say I’m apprehensive would be an understatement, but I’m also excited about the experiences that lie before me.” Mr Matheson was inspired to take up the challenge after his sister Heather died from cancer last year and said he wanted to do something more than just hand over a donation. “This is a way of me being able to give something back,” he said. “To choose Petal Childhood Cancer Research was a no brainer as their wonderful work helps children fight this awful disease. “I want to fundraise as much as I can for them and spread the message, in my own small way, by doing this sailing challenge. “I am really excited to be raising money for them and can’t wait to get started.” In 2014, Mr Matheson drove an old tractor from John O’Groats to Nordkapp in Norway, and back again, each time via Land’s End. His venture took just under six months where he travelled 8000 miles at 12mph on a 40-year-old open Massey Ferguson 135. To donate to Peter’s cause, visit http://relay.cancerresearchuk.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/General?px=1189352&pg=personal&fr_id=1706

Sailing stars throw support behind first ever Southampton Sailing Week

HAMPSHIRE sailing stars have thrown their support behind Southampton’s first ever dedicated sailing week. Dee Caffari, the first woman to sail single-handedly and non-stop around the world in both directions, and paralympic gold medallist Helena Lucas are backing the week-long event which will be the city's first official celebration of the sport. Despite the fact it sits on one of the most popular stretches of water for sailing in the UK, Southampton has never had an official Sailing Week. The event will run from May 24 to 29 and will feature numerous sailing-related activities both on and off the water for the public to take part in. "It's fantastic that Southampton is finally having a week to celebrate sailing," said Southampton sailor Lucas. "I am amazed this has not happened before and hopefully the whole city will get involved and get out on the water." Caffari, from Titchfield, added: “Southampton Sailing Week is not just another regatta, it is a showcase week celebrating all the activities that take place in this vibrant area. "What is really exciting is there are a multitude of ways to try and experience the water based activities throughout the week encouraging everyone to enjoy this area and its surroundings and be inspired to get involved."

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2018 Golden Globe Race to start from Plymouth UK

The 2018 Golden Globe Race will start from Plymouth on Saturday June 30, 2018. The Race marks the 50th anniversary of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s victory in the Sunday Times Golden Globe solo non-stop round the world Race back in 1968/9, THE START PROGRAMME The Golden Globe Race is all about anniversaries. Today (Saturday April 22) marks the 48th year since Sir Robin Knox-Johnston won the Sunday Times Race and became the first man to sail solo non-stop around the Globe Suhaili Parade of Sail Thursday June 14 2018 will be the 50th anniversary of Sir Robin’s start in that race from Falmouth aboard his 32ft yacht Suhaili. The 30 skippers competing in the 2018 Golden Globe Race will join hundreds of other yachts in Falmouth Harbour with a sail-past salute to Sir Robin. Other historic yachts joining the commemoration include Sir Francis Chichester’s famous Gipsy Moth IV, Sir Alec Rose’s Lively Lady, a replica of Sir Chay Blyth’s original Golden Globe race yacht Dytiscus III and Joshua, which Frenchman Bernard Moitessier sailed in the original Sunday Times Race. That night, the Royal Cornwall YC will host a Suhaili gala dinner where Sir Robin will be guest of honour. SITraN Challenge charity race to Plymouth Friday 15th June 2018 will see the Golden Globe yachts and historic fleet take part in the SITraN Challenge charity race from Falmouth to Plymouth, timed to finish in Queen Anne’s Battery Marina early that evening. SITraN (Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience) is the nominated charity for the GGR and is one of the world leading centres for research into Motor Neurone Disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. From basic neuroscience research to novel therapies and clinical trials - their aim is to improve the lives of patients with neurodegenerative disorders and their families worldwide. These diseases are affecting more and more people. See www.Sitran.org Richard Gates, Falmouth Town Manager says: Falmouth looks forward to hosting the Parade of Sail recognising Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s significant achievement 50 years ago, in partnership with the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and the Golden Globe Race. Next year promises to be a great spectacle out on the water. “ Plymouth host city for the 2018 Golden Globe Race start and finish Plymouth has strong historic links not just with single-handed sailing, but the original Golden Globe Race. The City hosted the first Observer single-handed transatlantic race (won by Francis Chichester) in 1960, was the start and finish port for Chichester’s successful one-stop solo circumnavigation via Sydney, Australia in 1966/7, and also hosted four of the nine competitors in the Sunday Times race - French competitors Bernard Moitessier (Joshua) and Loic Fougeron (Captain Browne), Commander Bill King (Galway Blazer II) and Lieutenant Commander Nigel Tetley (Victress) when they set out on this 30,000 mile odyssey around the five Great Capes. The Race village will open on Saturday 15th June with a parade of sail led by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston’s Suhaili followed by Joshua, Dytiscus III, Lively Lady and Gipsy Moth IV, Entry to the Race village will be free and the attraction will be open to visitors from June 15 to the start on Saturday June 30. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the skippers, look down on their yachts, take a sail aboard Gipsy Moth IV, Joshua and Lively Lady, and view Suhaili and Dytiscus III on display in the marina. In addition, the Royal Western YC is to host an exhibition on the history of singlehanded sailing, and the National Marine Aquarium, which will form part of the Race Village, is planning special interactive exhibits for children, focused on climate change and the effect this is having on Coral reef health and marine bio-diversity. Cllr Ian Bowyer Leader of Plymouth City Council says: “ We are delighted that Plymouth has been chosen as the host city for the Golden Globe race. This is a true adventure of a lifetime and I am really proud that Plymouth will be able to provide a spectacular backdrop to this event. The City has a proud and illustrious past in ocean racing which we are continuing to support and celebrate.” John Lewis, The Royal Western Yacht Club’s Oceanic Race Director says: “This is great news for Plymouth and the Club which is the home of Single Handed Oceanic racing. We very much look forward to welcoming the competitors, their families and friends, before they start their epic voyage around the world. Plymouth continues to build on its enviable reputation to host major international sailing events” Education programme. Climate change and sustainment of the planet's marine ecology are subjects close to the hearts of all the competitors and form a major part of a school education programme that will involve the National Maritime Aquarium, the McIntyre Adventure Marine Discovery Centre and the Open University. As part of this, each skipper will nominate a school in their region of the world to partner with a school in Plymouth and will host classes from these schools at the Race Village prior to the start. Nicola Murray, Head of Discovery and Learning says: “The National Marine Aquarium is a charity created to support and promote healthy oceans. Our world-class education programme facilitates curriculum based learning for 30,000 students annually, linking an array of subjects to the marine world. We work with Pre School to PhD students. The Golden Globe Race is an incredible event and our team are really excited about developing the Learning Programme and the opportunities it offers Britain’s Ocean City and students around the globe.” Other attractions During the 15-day build-up to the start from Plymouth, The Golden Globe Race will be holding a series of lectures presented by famous sailors, and host an Ocean Adventure Film Festival (Now open for international entries) which will include little seen historic footage, recording the pioneering days of sail together with a short film competition shot on Kodak Super8 film – the same stock that the Golden Globe Race fleet will be shooting on. In addition, Plymouth City Council will be holding its famous Plymouth Jazz and Blues festival in the Race Village, playing the best music from the Swinging Sixties. Start day – Saturday June 30, 2018 coincides with Plymouth Armed Forces Day so there will be plenty to keep visitors occupied once the race has started. Plymouth Armed Forces Day has a spectacular and exciting programme of entertainment, with air displays, parades, demonstrations, competitions and activities for the whole family. Don McIntyre, the Golden Globe Race Chairman says: “Plymouth’s enthusiasm for the 2018 Golden Globe Race is fantastic. We are all excited to be partnering with this vibrant Ocean City and with so many new and exciting elements coming together for the Race Village and start day, we are looking forward to attracting spectators from across the UK, Europe and the world. June 30t will see 30 Hero’s embark on a voyage the likes of which the world has never seen." ENTRY LIST – 5 PLACES UP FOR GRABS This past winter has seen some entrants inevitably drop out but their places were eagerly filled by those on the Wait List. One of the fallers is Australian Shane Freeman who was forced to abandon his Tradewind 35 yacht Muska after being capsized and dismasted in fearsome seas some 600 miles west of Cape Horn. Mercifully, Freeman was rescued by a passing ship, and though no longer a competitor, he hopes to have a role to play supporting other competitors and the Race. This has left a very strong list of 25 entrants including new names Izabel Pimentel from Brazil, Mark Slats from the Netherlands and Mike Smith from Australia. It also gives the opportunity for five more to fulfil lifelong dreams of sailing around the world. “The Race is limited to 30 entrants, and since we have received more than 150 tentative enquires, I don’t think it will be long before our list is full again.” Says Don McIntyre, the GGR Chairman. “I know a few sailors around the world who are losing sleep this week deciding whether to join the GGR Family and change their lives for ever. It is a case of first-come, first served.” For further details, go to www.goldengloberace.com

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Dartmouth couple to take 250 children to sea

Aaron Ashton, Panerai Classics 2016 Young Sailor of the Year, was first introduced to sailing at the age of 7 due to a chance encounter on the yacht, Heron II. Nearly 20 years later, Aaron and his wife Abbie, are in the midst of fully restoring the same 1936 classic sailing boat from the depths of disrepair. Aaron met Abbie “at an acoustic guitar night in a bike shed in Exeter”. They have have lived in Devon since they were small children. Abbie is expecting and the baby is due in two months. She continues to help with the lighter work on the boat. These Dartmouth residents aim is have Heron II up and running this summer to compete in classic sailing regattas across Britain. In a bid to push their project to completion, they are seeking help with funding the project. In return for a funding boost, they will take 250 local school children sailing on the open sea. They are raising money for the rebuild through Spacehive Crowd Funding. This is a community crowd funding site, where projects give something back to the community. When the boat rebuild is finished, Aaron and Abbie intend to dedicate their time to introducing other young people to the world of sailing in Heron II. This sailing vessel was rescued by the couple at a critical time. After finding her in a serious state of disrepair in the Isle of Wight, they moved her to Dartmouth last summer. They have been working on her ever since. Currently, they are making her original teak deck water tight and are replacing some structural damage. They are giving the boat a full over haul of the exterior and interior. This includes a new rig, boom and sails to restore her to the original one-mast design with the original silver spruce mast. Heron II is now registered as a National Historic Vessel. According to Aaron, “she is a beautiful 50ft example of a 1930’s boat designed and built in the UK. Both her designer and her boat-builder are renowned and respected in the classic boat sector. “Heron II is a classic piece of history and a registered National Historic Vessel. A 1936 Fred Shepherd design, she was built by Woodnuts on the Isle of Wight for Stanley W Cooper to Lloyds highest standard (100A1). “She is a well respected vessel and was even sailed by the famous Uffa Fox who dedicated a full chapter to her in his 1937 book ’Racing, Cruising and Design’. Quoting from the book: ‘The Construction plan shows that Heron is well and truely built, and a hundred years from now she may easily be sailing and giving pleasure to some owner.’ “You can also get better acquainted with Heron II at www.heron2.com” Further details of the boat’s ‘Restoration and Gateway to Sailing project’ can be found on the a community crowd funding website: www.spacehive.com/gatewaytosailing.

Eight young people to sail around the UK from Devon

Eight young people are preparing to leave Devon and set sail on the adventure of a lifetime to circumnavigate the UK aboard a 57ft tall ship. ASPIRE 360 is an exciting expedition organised by The Mórvargh Sailing Project, a social enterprise offering inspiring sail training trips for young people on board tall ship the Helen Mary R, so they can learn about leadership, resourcefulness and teamwork. On Sunday a group of eight students aged between 14-19 will leave The Marina at Sutton Harbour in Plymouth to embark on a 1,735 nautical mile voyage around the UK, visiting 16 ports in two different countries, and learning how to sail - and live aboard - a traditional tall ship. The eight young people taking part are from Westcountry locations including Plymouth, Tavistock, Torquay and Torbay, as well as one from East Sussex, and have met just once after being selected following a demanding application process, including a challenge activity day. They will spend the next five weeks learning everything they need to know about setting sails, steering and keeping watch, as well as cooking, cleaning and living aboard a tall ship in close quarters to each other and the staff on board. Most have never sailed before, and they will all need to work as a team as they swap home comforts for single bunks, a moving deck, freezing temperatures and rough seas. The Marina at Sutton Harbour has supported the ASPIRE 360 project by providing the Mórvargh team with a specially subsidised annual berthing rate for Helen Mary R in Plymouth's 5 Gold Anchor marina, as part of the marina's aim to support pioneering youth sail training schemes and become a national hub for projects inspiring young people to engage with their natural environment. Helen Mary R is currently berthed at Guys Quay (opposite Cap'n Jaspers) as preparations are completed ready for her departure on April 2nd, and she is due to return on May 4th. Matthew Barraud, director of the Mórvargh Sailing Project, said: "ASPIRE 360 will be a life-changing experience for the young people taking part, many of whom have no previous sailing experience. This will be a feat of pure physical, mental, emotional and academic endurance, and one which will leave the young people changed forever, instilling them with the confidence to know they can try and excel at anything. "We expect to be battling strong winds and rough seas at times, but we will also be visiting 16 amazing ports with lots of educational visits planned, and there will be unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the beautiful coastline on our sail around the UK. "Organising a major expedition like this has required huge support and we are enormously grateful to The Marina at Sutton Harbour, as well as to our many fundraisers and dedicated team of helpers." ASPIRE 360 represents the relaunch of the Mórvargh Sailing Project following three long years of fundraising to get the 57ft ketch re-coded and back into the water to inspire more lives through sail training opportunities. The Marina at Sutton Harbour has previously supported the Mórvargh team by accommodating Helen Mary R whilst the team was fundraising in 2015 to pay for major repairs. This current subsidised berthing deal is a bespoke package created through the Marina's S-Class service, which provides specialist berthing agreements for elite vessels. Mark Brimacombe, Manager of The Marina at Sutton Harbour, said: "We firmly believe in the life-changing potential of sail training trips for young people, and the Marina regularly supports expeditions and projects like this whenever it can, recently welcoming the Challenge Wales team to Plymouth for example. "The Mórvargh Sailing Project is a wonderful local social enterprise helping thousands of young people through its sail training trips. We have been delighted to support the ASPIRE 360 project this year, and we are sure it will be a wonderful experience for the eight lucky young people picked to take part." The ASPIRE 360 team will be hosting a small reception and blessing on Sunday at The Marina at Sutton Harbour for parents and guests, who will be able to hop aboard and see the close quarters on the boat which the team will be living in for the next five weeks. Members of the public are invited to wave off the Helen Mary R as she sails off at 1.30pm; the vantage point of Whitehouse Pier on the corner of Quay Road (alongside Cap'n Jaspers) in Sutton Harbour will offer a good view of the boat slipping the lines and heading towards the lock gates and out into Plymouth Sound. During the journey, the young people will be uploading regular updates to the website at www.morvargh-sailing.co.uk/roundbritainchallenge You can also follow the boat's journey on a tracker and read updates on the social media channels at www.facebook.com/morvarghsailing and www.instagram.com/morvarghlife/ and https://twitter.com/MorvarghSailing