ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE - SAIL DIARY - Follow our BKA team's adventures

YMCA Newcastle Sailing Expedition- Summer 2019

Hugo Boss arrives in Cape Verde Islands and puts focus on Vendee Globe

(Friday 8th November 2019), shortly after 08:00 UTC, Alex Thomson and Neal McDonald arrived safely into the Cape Verde Islands onboard the Hugo Boss yacht. The skippers, who had been racing in the 4,350 mile double-handed Transat Jacques Vabre race from Le Havre, France to Salvador, Brazil, were forced to retire from the race when their IMOCA 60 race boat, Hugo Boss, hit an unknown object submerged in the water. The incident, which occurred on the morning of Sunday 3rd November – when Thomson and McDonald were just over a third of the way into the race – left the pair with no choice but to detach their 4.5m long keel from the yacht and abandon their attempts to finish what was their debut race onboard the new Hugo Boss boat. After cutting the keel free from the boat, the skippers – with support from their technical team based in Gosport on the UK’s south coast – embarked upon an 800 nautical mile journey to the Cape Verde Islands in order to bring themselves, and the boat, to safety. This morning, Thomson and McDonald were greeted by members of their technical team in Sao Vincente, Cape Verde, and together they brought the yacht safely into port. Upon arrival, Thomson said: “It was a pretty scary experience for both of us and we’re very pleased to be on dry land safely with the team. “From here, the next steps are to lift the boat out of the water in order to do a thorough assessment of the damage. We will then bring the boat back to the UK so that we can begin the necessary repair work, with a view to getting back out on the water as soon as possible. “This is of course a setback, but the team will be doing everything in its power to move swiftly forwards. As for our objective to win the Vendée Globe in 2020-21? Nothing changes. That remains the sole focus of our team”.

Sailing Scotlands Inner Hebrides 2019

Newark residents circumnavigate UK to raise £18k for local social issues

Eighty residents from Newark have taken part in a circumnavigation of the UK by boat to raise money and awareness to support issues relating to the district’s poor social mobility. The locals, none of whom had any prior sailing experience took part in a six-week national sailing relay around the whole of the UK in aid of YMCA Newark and Sherwood, to fund its new Community and Activity Village. The sail started in Portsmouth, and circumnavigated Plymouth, Cardiff, Liverpool, Greenock, Inverness, Hull and London, where the Tower Bridge ceremoniously raised for them, before finishing back in Portsmouth. The expedition was a joint venture between YMCA N&S and Tall Ships Youth Trust. Residents as young as 13 took part in the sail, where they ate, slept and lived on board for between four and six days straight. They also celebrated with other local YMCAs as each new crew navigated the waves. Other participants included apprentices, college students, council workers and YMCA residents living in the charity’s supported accommodation following a period of homelessness. When the final group of sailors arrived back in Portsmouth, the home of Tall Ships, they were greeted by Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon, who is an ambassador of the sailing charity. Residents as young as 13 took part in the sail, where they ate, slept and lived on board for between four and six days. Other participants included apprentices, college students, council workers and YMCA residents living in the charity’s supported accommodation following a period of homelessness. The first of its kind Community Village will help to reduce the lack of opportunities to the rural area which is currently ranked 323rd out of 324 by the Social Mobility Commission. The scale ranks all of the local authorities in England in terms of life chances of someone born into a disadvantaged background. The East Midlands has been identified as the region with the worst outcomes for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with Newark and Sherwood the worst-performing local authority. The money raised will help YMCA Newark and Sherwood to continue building spaces in the Village, which will offer integrated family programmes, sensory classes and other facilities, as well as scholarships for those needing a helping hand. Its aim is to help young people acquire skills to help them through life. Craig Berens, Chief Operating Officer of YMCA Newark and Sherwood, said: “The cornerstone of our work is in creating equal life opportunities for all, no matter what their background is. Early life experiences educate your core values into adulthood, and opportunities for young people to thrive often rely on an unfair postcode lottery which negatively affects social wellness, healthy living and youth development. “We are delighted with the work of our sailing superstars in the expedition. The donations that keep coming in are so appreciated, as they will help us to make a real difference in our community. Our youngsters need the right support to believe in themselves, to get jobs, the right education, do what they love, and lead fulfilled lives.”

Oyster 565 Review with Matt Sheahan

Highland sailors go round Mull in circles for Children in Need

A crew of hardy Highland sailors will take on a gruelling challenge circumnavigating Mull for a whole week. They hope to raise £10,000 for Children in Need by taking on the 24/seven endeavour from Friday November 8-15. The crew is being skippered by 71-year-old Duror man Joey Gough, who is currently recovering from major surgery and is a cancer survivor. For the past few months, he has been working hard to regain fitness for skippering the Oban yacht Tangle o’ the Isles. The past Commodore of both Oban Sailing Club and Royal Highland Yacht Club has enlisted Twig Olsen, from Taynuilt, Christine MacFarlane Slack, Ballachulish, Colin Campbell, Acharacle, and Robert Bradley from Melbourne. Mr Gough said: “It will be 24/7 as long as the weather allows. We won’t put the boat or the crew at hazard. But that doesn’t mean to say they won’t get cold, wet and miserable. “It’s 80 miles round, we should get round in about 20 hours, depending on the wind. But the tide could slow us down. Having said that, if we get fair winds we could be faster. I would expect to go eight or nine times, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we only do seven. “I’m hoping we will make £10,000. At present we are just short of £2,000, but we haven’t started sailing yet. “Sailing round Mull in summer is something we do for fun. Sailing round in November is a challenge and something worth sponsoring. It might not be fun but there will be satisfaction.”

Investigations into feasibility of a marina in Barry

SMALL boats and yachts could be sailing into Barry Dock after the Vale council and Associated British Ports (ABP) commissioned The Marine Group to investigate the possibility of a marina at the site. The dock area, owned and operated by ABP, currently allows cargo ships in and out of the dock and offers space for business and is already home to Barry Community Water Activity Centre. The council and ABP have jointly commissioned The Marine Group to carry out a feasibility study which will investigate the technical and commercial viability of smaller boats and yachts accessing and mooring in the dock. It will also look at the economic benefits and challenges a marina would bring. Vale council cabinet member for education and regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett said: “This study is a great opportunity for us to look into the detail of creating a marina in Barry which if it were to prove to be achievable, would add to the quality tourist and leisure destination that Barry has become and provide local job opportunities. There are some really exciting regeneration initiatives under way in the Barry area and this study could signal the next major opportunity. We are looking forward to working with Associated British Ports and The Marine Group to explore the project.” The Marine Group, whose Marina portfolio includes Cardiff, Aberystwyth, Port Dinorwic and Burry Port, have an excellent track record in exploring, delivering and operating high quality marinas in Wales. Marine Group director, Chris Odling-Smee said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to assist with the feasibility study of a full service marina on Barry Waterfront. "Our expert consultants from Waterco, Pebble and Kaymac working alongside our own harbour management specialists will provide the best possible options to further the exciting momentum and success of Barry. Barry has the potential to become a strong contributor to the economic development of coastal Wales and a welcome addition to the network of marinas around Wales and beyond.” ABP regional director, Andrew Harston said: “We are delighted to be working with the Vale of Glamorgan Council on this project, which has the potential to establish Barry as a marina destination by making use of the former working dock. This could enable leisure and marina activities that will help to further stimulate tourism growth. The marina has the potential to complement other existing water-based activities at ABP’s Port of Barry and, if feasible, will further add to the significant investment and economic regeneration that has already proved successful at Barry Waterfront.” Barry Dock is steeped in history. The town was once the largest coal exporting port in Britain. Today, the regeneration of the waterfront has been transformative with a 2,000-home housing development moving towards its final stages. Construction has also begun on the £9 million Goods Shed development at the Innovation Quarter which will include new restaurants, workspace and housing. Consultations will take place in the next few months with key stakeholders around the site to help inform the business case, with the study to conclude at the end of the year.

RNSA Dinghy Training Camp Lake Garda 2019

INEOS TEAM UK | The sights and sounds of Britannia

South west sailors to receive Volunteer Awards from HRH The Princess Royal

No fewer than eight South West sailors are to be presented with some of the Royal Yachting Association’s most prestigious awards by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA in recognition of their commitment to the sport of sailing and the organisations for which they volunteer. They will receive their awards at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony in London on 22 November. Ken Elsey, from Highnam, will receive a Lifetime Commitment Award. Ken has been a pillar of the Frampton on Severn Sailing Club (FOSSC) for over four decades. As well as being an outstanding participant in the sport of dinghy sailing at FOSSC, Ken has been at the forefront of the development of fresh ideas and initiatives and his achievements on the water have only been exceeded by the amount of time, effort and skill he has put back into the club and his chosen sport. Brian Hall, from Long Ashton, is another Lifetime Commitment Award recipient. For 45 years he has been an outstanding contributor to adult, youth and disabled sailing. A founder member of Avon Schools Sailing Association (ASSA) in 1974, he established Bristol Sailability and was responsible for making ASSA, now the West of England Schools Sailing Association, a Recognised Training Centre. When the Association took over the Baltic Wharf Sailing School, he played a crucial role in its transformation into the All Aboard charity. Ian, Sue, Sarah and Joe Hotchkiss, from Clevedon, will receive the Family Award for their dedication to Clevedon Sailing Club (CSC). The family has been involved in the running of the club since 1947 when Ian’s parents, Bryon and Jean, founded it and played active roles. The family’s commitment to CSC and its day-to-day management and growth over the last 70 years epitomises the concept of volunteering within the sport. They have helped to guide and inform every aspect of its promotion and operation, and they are viewed with affection and appreciation by club members. Paul Kimmens, from Swindon, will receive a National Award. Paul has fulfilled many different roles at South Cerney Sailing Club and has been involved in the training side of the club, leading many projects. A National Mark Layer who worked at the 2012 Olympics, and a Regional Race Officer and Judge, he also volunteers regularly at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, attends events throughout the UK and conducts Racing Rules and Race Officer courses. Friendly and approachable, he is always the first to volunteer to help people, especially if it gets them on the water. If something needs doing, Paul’s drive and enthusiasm make it happen. Bob Penfold, from Torquay, is another Lifetime Commitment awardwinner. Always the friendly face at Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Bob encourages volunteers to get involved and warmly welcomes new members. He has been a linchpin, serving in a variety of crucial roles, and as Commodore he has brought financial stability to the club, laying the foundations for its current success, which ultimately led to it being awarded RYA Club of the Year in 2019. Many congratulations to all of them as they receive these ‘MBEs’ for our sport – they, and other committed volunteers up and down the country, are maintaining and developing sailing clubs and keeping boating sports vibrant for future generations.

Musto Skiff 2019 UK Inlands

Argentinian Tall Ship Libertad arriving Dublin