Disabled sailing sensation sets her sights on Atlantic crossing

A woman born with cerebral palsy is preparing to test her limits by sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. Natasha Lambert, whose condition affects her movement and ability to communicate, is able to skipper a yacht using a unique system which allows her to take control of the sails and rudder of the boat using only her breath and tongue. The 23-year-old has already sailed 440 miles around England’s south west coast to Wales, and crossed the English Channel, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Natasha will command a 46ft catamaran for her ambitious ‘Atlantic Challenge’, which is due to get underway in November. “Natasha is one of those individuals who is unwilling to accept the word ‘can’t'”. Despite her severe form of cerebral palsy and being a wheelchair user, she told the BBC she was “so excited” at the prospect of the trip ahead. Dad Gary said: “Every time Natasha goes out, it stuns me. It’s great to watch. We’ve sailed in so many places around the UK and it’s exciting to see her every time.” The youngster has not limited herself to sailing exploits. In 2014, she climbed the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons, Pen Y Fan, for charity. She said afterwards: “I just enjoy doing what I do. It’s great people get behind it, but really anyone could do it”. Her achievements have resulted in a string of awards including the British Empire Medal. Her website states: “Natasha is one of those individuals who is unwilling to accept the word ‘can’t'”.

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Falmouth Sailing Week begins today (but things are a bit different this year)

FALMOUTH Sailing Week begins today in what will be a welcome sight for the town after months of event cancellations due to coronavirus. The Port of Falmouth Sailing Association (PoFSA) confirmed the news last month that the sailing could go ahead under the current restrictions. It had already been announced earlier this year that the shoreside aspects of Falmouth Week had been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Interest in what is the first regatta to go ahead on the south coast has climbed as the event drew nearer and now more than 100 boats are due to compete. Proceedings will of course be somewhat different this year, but the chance for the town to celebrate one of its landmark events will no doubt be welcomed by many. Speaking last month when it was confirmed that Falmouth Sailing Week was going ahead, Neil Andrew, race management officer, said: “It was difficult at times as we felt we were looking through an out of focus pair of binoculars. "When the Falmouth Town Falmouth Week organising committee decided it was no longer possible to hold any shoreside or music events it looked as though PoFSA were going to have to put away our flags and starting guns as well." Competitors from last year were contacted to gauge interest in holding a regatta that could be organised within government legislation and it was the responses returned that meant it was a viable proposition, organisers said. In the meantime Cowes Week, Royal Dartmouth Regatta and Fowey Week were all cancelled. It wasn’t until July 11 that sufficient easing of restrictions gave the team the green light to go safely ahead. A slimmed-down Falmouth Sailing Week will now take place over four days, beginning today (Wednesday). There will be two racing fleets in the Carrick Roads and out in Falmouth Bay with the start lines close to Pendennis Point The organisers said the racing would be compliant with current Covid -19 legislation in that only same households – or household plus support bubble – may crew the boats and man the safety RIBS. It will be run in a "conservative and considerate" way to minimise any risk using the Royal Yachting Association’s guidelines. That does mean that there will not be any prizegiving teas or entertainment and receptions this year, but there will be a time after the regatta when winners will be invited to receive their prizes and keen fought for trophies in a socially distanced environment. Today, Wednesday, August 12, will be the standalone Ancasta Champagne Day and tomorrow to Saturday will comprise a three-day series of six races for all classes sailed as regatta courses. Jane Wright, the PoFSA sponsorship and publicity coordinator, said that all the partner sponsors were keen to continue their support and said that Ancasta Champagne Cup, the Hine Downing Bay Fleet and the Mylor Yacht Harbour Carrick Fleet were "providing excellent platforms for the racing community to challenge their skills". More information can be found at www.pofsa.co.uk/index.htm The Race Office is available via 01326 211555. Falmouth Week plans to return in full on and off the water from August 6 to 15, 2021.

Dinghy cruising a Welsford 'navigator': sloppy seas and poor seamanship

Dinghy Sailing

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

Vendée Globe 2020: 3 months to go

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