Lymington sailors create a buzz with Channel crossing on Waszps

TWO Lymington sailors are preparing to join forces with French counterparts for the challenge of crossing the English Channel in a convoy of tiny dinghies to raise money for the NHS. Hattie Rogers and William Heathcote, both members of the Royal Lymington Yacht Club, are set to depart in Waszp-class craft from Lymington and sail the 103 miles to Le Havre in France when the weather permits at some point between 12th and 18th August. They will be joined by British teammate Edward Higson from Draycote Water Sailing Club, and three sailors from France: Pierre Leboucher, Mael Garnier and Corentin Horeau. They aim to raise money for the NHS and the French Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, while also promoting international friendships. Event organiser Hattie (20) is a youth and ladies sailing champion who represented Team GBR for the 2017 Youth World Championships sailing a 29er. In 2019 she also completed the Fastnet Race in a Contessa 32 and was Contessa 26 national champion. She explained: “The summer of 2020 is providing plenty of days with superb sailing conditions but a distinct lack of events in which to share the camaraderie and experience of being on the water. “The Waszp class has been renowned for its community spirit since its inception in 2016, and a group of enterprising British and French sailors, filled with a spirit of adventure, put together this Foil for Life challenge. “It is going to be tough, but I am so excited! We really want to show how amazing foiling is and the capabilities of the Waszp, as well as making a difference to lives with the money that has been raised.” A huge amount of work has gone into planning the challenge, and the dinghy sailors will be accompanied by three RIB support boats for the entire crossing. Hattie explained that choosing suitable weather conditions with a 10 to 15-knot south-westerly wind will be key to their success. The challenge can be pushed back if necessary. Hattie said: “This challenge was able to be planned due to not having any international events this summer because of Covid-19. “One of the best things about the Waszp class is the community feel. It is such a great opportunity to bring the British and French Waszp communities together and do something for charity. “Covid-19 has highlighted the amazing work both the NHS and Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris does and how lucky we are to have them. “The reason we have chosen these charities is to deepen the meaning behind this challenge in showing the French and British sailing community relationship, despite Brexit and any political arrangements.” The support crews are volunteering their time and RIBs for the challenge to keep costs to an absolute minimum. The event is sponsored by Lemer Pax, the Delphie Lakeman Trust on the Isle of Wight, Andrew McIrvine, Waszp, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Le Havre Yacht Club, and the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. Visit www.foilforlife.com

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BEMBRIDGE TEENAGERS SAIL AROUND THE ISLAND RAISING THOUSANDS FOR ASPIRE RYDE

2 teenagers from the Isle of Wight have raised thousands of pounds for Aspire Ryde by sailing around the Island. 18-year-old Jamie Winterbottom and 17-year-old Xander Huber were determined to help the local charity with their amazing work for young people in the area. They set themselves the huge task of sailing around the Island in one go and completed their 100km journey in just 9.5 hours on Tuesday 28th July. Sailing single-handed Laser dinghies, Jamie and Xander needed to contend with the weather, strong tides and some particularly rough seas around the southern tip of the Island in order to return to Bembridge and complete their journey. Donations have totalled £15,500 with additional contributions still being made. Trevor Nicholas, Aspire Ryde Chief Executive said: “This is a phenomenal achievement by two determined and inspiring young men. Jamie and Xander wanted to raise funds for the work that we do with young people and the amount they have secured will enable us to significantly expand the services we are able to offer. “The challenge they set themselves required a huge degree of skill, endurance and bravery and we are so grateful to them and to their families who have supported them through this. “We often hear negative stories about our youth, but these are not generally our experiences and it is wonderful to see such spirit and generosity in the actions of these young men”. Jamie said: “It was a great challenge with a few hairy moments but worth it given how generous friends, family and the Bembridge community have been towards Aspire. Thank you to everybody for all your support”. Xander commented: “I was really struck by the amazing work that Aspire do and it was a case of thinking of what I could do to help – this mad sailing marathon came to mind. I am excited to hear what Aspire can achieve with the funds.” All of the funding raised will go direct to Aspire Ryde’s work with young people in helping them to remain in education and in teaching the skills required for successful and independent living. Further contributions can be made at https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/xander-and-jamie-100km-sail?.

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The Royal Windermere Yacht Club has now reopened

THE ROYAL Windermere Yacht Club has now re-opened and ready to set sail again under socially distanced regulations. The popular attraction has been closed during lockdown but is now able to resume business whilst ensuring the safety of the public. Commodore Amanda Wilson said: “Despite the months of lockdown and then the poor weather in July, we have a good programme of sailing now underway for the Flying Fifteen and Dinghy fleets. “We are keen to encourage both experienced sailors and newcomers to the lake, offering both adult and youth training – again, with great care taken to comply with socially-distanced regulations. “We have liaised extensively with the RYA (Royal Yachting Association – the national body for all forms of sailing and sail racing) and gone further than the very high standards they have recommended to ensure we do everything possible to protect our members and guests. “Both our Friday and Saturday Youth Sailing Clubs are now back in full swing, with the addition of Paddleboards and Canoes to give people more variety and new opportunities on the lake. “We have summer activity days running throughout August which are proving very popular and are booking fast!” Amanda is the current Commodore of the Royal Windermere Yacht Club and only the third female to have held this position. She is to remain Commodore for another year owing to the unprecedented circumstances brought about by Covid-19. The club will also be welcoming regular visitors such as secretary of the Hollowell Sailing Club, and keen sailor James Avery. Amanda said: “We offer temporary memberships and sailing opportunities to enthusiasts such as James who, with his wife and family, has recently enjoyed a well-earned break in Windermere after months of working on the front line in the NHS in London. “All of James’ family members are sailing enthusiasts, with son Henry a keen Laser sailor and assistant instructor.” As part of the club’s revised 2020 programme, a free event is being planned to recognise the contributions of NHS staff and key workers throughout South Lakeland. The club is excited to reopen and continue with sailing and training with the public. Covid saw the club, and many other sailing and water sport clubs shut down for nearly four months, however as restrictions are being lifted establishments like Royal Windermere Yacht Club is now able to return to the waters once more.

AOTW Interview 2020

More than 100 yachts race round the Isle of Wight

More than one hundred boats took part in Race The Wight - a 50 nautical miles anticlockwise course, starting and finishing in Cowes - on Saturday. In all 133 yachts took on the challenge, which was raising money for the NHS and the Scaramouche Sailing Trust. Tokoloshe II took the double win for Monohull Line Honours and the race overall after IRC Time Correction. (Image: Rick Tomlinson) Entry fees totalling £5000 will be donated to the two charities. Class Winners included; Giovanni Belgrano’s Whooper which was also second overall; Ross Applebey’s Scarlet Oyster, Jim Driver’s Chilli Pepper and Richard Palmer’s Jangada. Tokoloshe’s David Bartholomew said: “We got a good start and made The Needles in good shape, staying inshore required a lot of gybes, and flat water definitely helped. It was a quick race for us, I think our fastest is about five hours and that was with a crew of ten. So, to get around in five hours and thirty minutes, with just six crew, was a great effort.” PowerPlay's Peter Cunningham said: “I have been in quarantine for 14 days, so that was a release! That is the first time I have raced around the Island. The sun was shining, a beautiful day, a great boat, top crew and a fun race. This was a fantastic way to come out of quarantine. We plan to do more RORC racing during August and September.” Over 40 yachts raced with just two crew in IRC Two-handed. Richard Palmer racing JPK 10.10 Jangada, with Jeremy Waitt, won the contest. The team scored a notable victory over Fastrak XII, sailed by Olympic hopeful Henry Bomby and Double Olympic Gold medallist, Shirley Robertson, who is based on the Isle of Wight. Ross Applebey’s Oyster 48 Scarlet Oyster was the winner of IRC Two beating to JPK 1180s; Thomas Kneen’s Sunrise and Ed Bell’s Dawn Treader. Jim Driver’s Sun Fast 3300 Chilli Pepper took the win in IRC Three in their maiden race. “We picked up the boat just four days ago and it’s been amazing, going like a train today!” said Chilli Pepper’s Jim Driver. RC Four was won by Giovanni Belgrano’s classic sloop Whooper.

Norfolk Broads boost as charity for disabled announces reopening

The Nancy Oldfield Trust, which is based at Neatishead, near Wroxham, has been closed since March and will reopen on Monday offering two sessions in the morning and afternoon only but hopes to expand as the weeks go on. Among the measures the trust has taken include fitted plastic screens on its motorboats alongside its social distancing procedures. The charity, which offers sailing, yachts, motorboats and canoes along The Broads, hopes to expand its range of activities to include paddle boarding and pedal boating if it has the funding. Stephen Bradnock, centre manager, said: “It is so good to be back. We have stayed in contact with our visitors, as well as our volunteers, and we know that everyone is just as excited as us at the prospect of getting out on the water again. We will be re-starting activities in a very careful and measured way with a maximum of two morning and two afternoon sessions only, at first, to make sure that everyone has a safe and fun experience out on the Broads with us. We plan to gently increase the level of activity week by week. “We have really missed our visitors over the last few months. We have spent that time looking after our fantastic fleet of boats, which are all in great condition, ready and waiting to be used. “Getting out in the fresh air on Barton Broad, whether sailing, canoeing or motor boating is a great way to enjoy a socially distanced activity in the beautiful surroundings of the Broads. We have plenty of interest from our regular visitors who are really looking forward to coming back to us, as well as from new visitors, particularly families, looking for a relaxing escape from the challenges of the past few months.” To find out more about the charity, how to donate to it or more about its activities, visit nancyoldfield.org.uk

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