Setting sail on the trip of a lifetime

LIFELONG friends and keen adventurers will be taking on the challenge of sailing around the whole of Great Britain in a 60-year-old wooden dinghy to raise money for charity. Will Hodshon from Westwood, near Bradford on Avon, and Richard Mitchell from Fort William in Scotland are casting off tomorrow (Saturday) to raise funds for the RNLI and Surfers Against Sewage. They will setting sail in Nipegegi, the beloved Hodshon family wooden Wayfarer dinghy which they have owned since it was built, with their aim of completing the first non-stop and unassisted circumnavigation of mainland Britain in an open sailing vessel. Where they start their journey all depends on the wind direction: on Saturday morning they will launch from either Sennen Cove in Cornwall, Salcombe in Devon or Swanage in Dorset, depending on the weather report tomorrow. Mr Hodshon said: “It’s been a real family affair preparing Nipegegi over the last 18 months and we’re feeling a healthy mix of excitement and trepidation, before we set sail on the biggest adventure of Nipegegi’s and our lives. “The charities do invaluable work, and Surfers Against Sewage drive change for the protection of the marine environment, a subject close to the hearts of both Rich and his wife Suzanne who have studied and worked in marine conservation for some years. “The success of this attempt is highly dependent on favourable weather and sailing conditions. Fingers crossed that we will be smiled upon and able to achieve our record attempt.” The two friends are also hoping to beat the Round Britain speed record of 32 days set in 2014. Nipegegi, known fondly as Nipe, is registered as Wayfarer number W198 and was bought at the 1959 London Boat Show by Mr Hodshon’s grandfather, Bill Hodshon. Her name is made up of the first two letters of each of his children, Mr Hodshon’s uncle, father and aunties’, names: Nick, Penny, Geoff and Gill. The Wayfarer is regarded as the fastest, most seaworthy dinghy for long distance voyages and has set the last two records. If all goes to plan, the trip will add to the achievements of the boat, which during her life has won numerous national championships helmed by Mr Hodshon’s Grandpa Bill, father Geoff and uncle Nick. During the winter Mr Hodshon gave Nipe a major refit with help from his dad, wife, and children as well as current Round Britain record holder Jeremy Warren. To donate visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NipegegiRoundBritain

Watersports fun for youngsters at Southampton OnBoard Festival in July

Dozens of young boating enthusiasts from sailing clubs around Southampton and the New Forest areas are expected to come and take part in next month’s RYA OnBoard Festival 2019 at Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC). The event takes place on Saturday 13th July between 10am and 4pm. SWAC’s OnBoard festival is a day which celebrates kids who are part of the OnBoard Programme in the local area. The aim of this year’s OnBoard festival is to invite participants from neighbouring clubs and centres who have sailed in the clubs’ OnBoard programmes to come along to the Festival and take part a fun packed day on the water in a social environment with other like-minded people. The Festival will give children a great opportunity to sail at a different place to their usual home club, and to take part in some fun games and challenges. The day is for children aged 8-14 years old. Activities through the day include sailing challenges and games, Stand Up Paddle Board taster sessions, multihull rides and raft building. There will also be a barbecue. The Festival is set to be an amazing day and your children will come away from the event having had a brilliant day on the water. For booking information visit our web page. Have a look at our video.

Exciting opportunity for Norfolk and Suffolk young sailors with the Tom Crisp Sailing Scholarships

The Lowestoft sailing charity Excelsior Trust, last week launched four sailing scholarships for young people aged between 16 and 24, living in Norfolk or Suffolk. The project is named after Thomas Crisp VC, DSC, RNR, the heroic and distinguished skipper of the (armed) Lowestoft Smack ‘Nelson’, who lost his life in World War One whilst engaged with German U Boats in The North Sea. The scholarships, launched last Friday, are worth over £2,000 to each successful applicant, and will give young people the chance to sail as part of the crew aboard the 1921 Lowestoft smack and sail training vessel “ Excelsior” whilst visiting the South Coast, Channel Islands and Brittany this summer. No previous sailing experience is required, but applications are encouraged from individuals who have an enthusiasm for the opportunity, and an ability to take individual responsibility as part of a crew. The Excelsior Trust is a charitable organisation that provides life changing sailing experiences for young and disadvantaged people, schools and corporate groups, as well as unique sailing opportunities for individuals, all whilst preserving and maintaining one of the UK’s most historic ships. The Mayor of Lowestoft, Cllr Alice Taylor said: “Lowestoft Town Council is thrilled to support the Excelsior Trust in this wonderful educational opportunity to learn about Lowestoft’s rich maritime history in a practical, hands-on experience.” Excelsior Trustee, Laurence Vulliamy said: “The experience gained at sea will be life changing for each participant”. The Trust hopes to be able to offer these scholarships each year up to Excelsiors centenary in 2021. Applicants should send an email to sailing@excelsiortrust.co.uk with details of their name, home address, age, and a description why they would make an excellent member of the Excelsior crew. All applications must be received by midday on Monday 17 June. More information can be found here.

Hebrides May 2019

Ep 44A Sailing Solo Scotland to Isle of Man

Dinghy cruising a Welsford 'navigator' Day sailing Plymouth Sound Episode 2

Dinghy cruising a Welsford 'navigator': day sail around Plymouth Sound P...

OnBoard Festivals are back for 2019! Join the fun and find your nearest ...

GoPro chest mount | Sailing a Hartley boat

INEOS TEAM UK podium in Act 1 GC32 Racing Tour 2019

Youth Nationals Top Tips from Laser Sailor Jack Cookson - British Sailin...

Epic Island Sailing In Mounts Bay. Yodare and St Michaels Mount

Thousands try sailing in May with RYA Push the Boat Out

There's still time to get out on the water this summer This year’s RYA Push the Boat Out (PTBO) saw some 400 RYA affiliated clubs and recognised training centres, invite visitors to try sailing and windsurfing for little or no cost in May. The month-long, national participation campaign - which aims to get more people on-the-water, having fun and getting active outdoors - inspired thousands of people to attend their local PTBO venue and ‘have a go’. A resounding success Lisa Kilham, Vice Commodore at Silver Wing Sailing Club, commented: “It was great to welcome guests to our club and see their surprise at what a lovely place we have hidden away just off the M25! Getting so many people on the water was great and our team of 56 volunteers did an amazing job in making everyone welcome.” Club Secretary, John Maher, from Brading Haven Yacht Club on the Isle of Wight, said: “We were fully booked for the event, and over 100 people joined us for taster sessions on the water and to enjoy our wonderful club house. There was a great atmosphere and several people joined the club.” One of their new members added: “What a great day. We've just moved to the island and are looking forward to learning how to sail.” Teacher, Myra Shuttleworth, was encouraged to have a go by the pupils at her school after their positive experiences at Solway Yacht Club, in Kippford. She said: “I heard about this event last year, but was not brave enough. However, the kids at the school I now teach at encouraged me to come along, so I thought I would come and try it myself.” “The club member who took us out was super and I learnt a lot, while having some great fun, so I hope to be back over the summer.” Commodore, Lindsay Tosh added: “We’ve seen some good steady numbers and managed to get 115 visitors afloat. The best open day we’ve ever had, despite the chilly weather!” RYA Programmes Manager, Michelle Gent commented: “It’s fantastic to hear that so many people have been able to take this opportunity to get active on the water and involved with our sport. The feedback we have started to receive is really positive, with many clubs welcoming new members and visitors returning to keep sailing. “Once again, we are hugely grateful to all the clubs, centres and volunteers around the UK, who have dedicated so much time and effort to make these events happen - it simply wouldn’t be possible without your support.” Try Sailing this Summer RYA Push the Boat Out has come to a close, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get out on the water this summer. Supported by the RYA, venues across the UK will be hosting Try Sailing events and open days from June – the end of September. For more information visit www.rya.org.uk/go/TrySailing. To find out more about how to get started on the water this summer, visit www.rya.org.uk/go/StartBoating.