Crew needed for sailing adventure

Young people in the North West can be nominated for one of 10 free places to join a yachting adventure on the Irish Sea. Winners will join the Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) North on-board James Cook, its 70-foot purpose built sail training yacht, during August, for its Irish Sea Adventure Challenge. Now the charity wants to hear from schools, colleges and youth work agencies in the North West to nominate deserving young people, aged 12 to 19, to win a spot on the voyages. No previous sailing experience is required and all equipment will be provided. Steve Lennon, general manager OYT North, said: "The Irish Sea Adventure Challenge is an exciting new project aimed at providing opportunity for young people in the North West to experience adventure under sail first hand. "If you know someone who loves adventure and deserves to have a fantastic time then we'd like you to nominate them to join our crews this summer." The competition is part of a drive to re-establish sail training opportunities for young people in the North West of England, including Cumbria, following the closure of Ocean Youth Trust Northwest, a trust which provided sail training on the Greater Manchester Challenge yacht. OYT North is committed to expanding its operations in the North West and will base James Cook between Whitehaven and Barrow-in-Furness for three weeks in August. The trust will run the Irish Sea Adventure Challenge voyages and hold a series of Open Days for schools, colleges and organisations interested in finding out more about the charity's work with young people. The winners of the competition will have the chance to learn from Grace Metcalfe, skipper of James Cook and winner of the 2013 International Young Sail Trainer of the Year award from Sail Training International. Grace, from Garsdale, in Cumbria, had never set foot on a boat before sailing with OYT North as an 18-year-old in 2003 and became the youngest skipper in the UK sail training fleet when she took command of James Cook in 2008. Grace said: "Coming on an OYT North voyage is about much more than just learning to tie knots or taking the wheel for a short time, it's about stepping out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself a little. It's also about making great friends and seeing incredible sights like dolphins riding the bow wave and the sun setting over the sea." Young people sailing aboard James Cook learn how to navigate, set sails and take the helm. To nominate a young person send an email stating - in fewer than 200 words - why the nominee deserves a place, to Rob Browell, at office@oytnorth.org.uk. Nominators must include their name, address, telephone number and contact details for the organisation they represent. Entries close at midnight on August 1. Individuals can book a voyage with OYT North by contacting Rob directly.

Disabled sailor looks abroad for round the world bid sponsorship

DISABLED sailing star Geoff Holt is looking abroad for sponsorship for his bid to sail around the world after failing to attract the cash from British businesses. Mr Holt, from Shedfield, has been planning the bid to become the first disabled sailor to circumnavigate the globe for the past two years. But despite his impressive pedigree he has struggled to find sponsorship for his latest record-breaking attempt. The 46-year-old quadriplegic already holds several records and has won numerous awards – he was the first disabled person to sail single-handed around Britain in 2007 and followed that up sailing unassisted across the Atlantic in 2010. Later that year he was made an MBE for his services to disabled sailing. He said: ‘The total cost of the project will be in the £3m to £5m bracket, but it’s not all necessarily from one company, it would be a whole range of sponsors. ‘But we haven’t been able to get the sponsors in this country, so I am looking at taking another disabled person with me.’ As a result Mr Holt is looking at bringing paraplegic French yachtsman and Paralympic table tennis player, Philippe Durieux, onboard with him. ‘I went to a boatshow in Paris and met someone who knew him and they put us in touch,’ he added. ‘He knows none of us are going anywhere without the sponsorship, and I’m not getting anywhere with British corporate sponsorship, so we’re widening the net. ‘With a Frenchman on the project it could attract French companies – the French love their sailing and are really supportive of it. ‘Their companies seem to be more prepared to get involved. But if British companies want to sponsor me, I’d more than gladly talk with them. Mr Holt has been wheelchair-bound since a diving accident when he was 18. It left him paralysed from the chest down and with only limited use in his arms. Any businesses interested in backing Mr Holt can contact him through his website, geoffholt.com

"sailing saved my life" by Hilary Lister

Sailing gives me a sense of freedom that I never thought would be possible again .. Hilary Lister had her life worked out from an early age. It was all planned, she was going to be a biochemist. She knew which exams she needed to pass, what grades she had to get, even where she wanted to work! Simple. Just stick to the plan. Growing up in Hampshire with three brothers resulted in Hilary being a bit of a tomboy. Hilary went to a boarding school just outside of Deal, in Kent when she was 8. She enjoyed an active lifestyle and participated in a variety of sports. Particular favourites were hockey, swimming and netball (captaining her school team in each sport). Hilary also fenced and was placed 3rd in 1984 in the Kent Under 13 competition. Hilary also enjoyed rugby and canoeing. When Hilary was 11, she began to experience discomfort in her knees whenever she played her beloved sport. It started with shooting pains in her legs, which she first dismissed as growing pains. By the time Hilary turned 13, she was in pain everyday and by the age of 15, she could no longer walk. Not something a teenager needs at that stage in her life. Doctors put Hilary in plaster from ankle to thigh and she was given a wheelchair. This meant Hilary was unable to return to school, which was difficult as it was the beginning of her GCSE year. Hilary tried as much as possible to lead a ‘normal’ life - albeit on 4 wheels rather than 2 legs! She continued to play the clarinet with the Oxford County Youth Orchestra. By the time she was 23 she had toured all over Europe and was regularly playing in venues such as the Festival and Royal Albert Halls in London. Hilary also gained her Teaching Diploma in 1991 from the Guildhall School of Music. She won the only music scholarship for sixth form entrants to the King’s School, Canterbury which allowed her to go back to school. Hilary has an amazing sense of not letting life pass her by, which became evident in her teenage years. Despite her body slowly giving up on her and becoming paraplegic, Hilary did not sit in her chair doing nothing. She started swimming and working out in the gym several times a week. Hilary’s commitment saw her swim fast enough to qualify for the Great Britain Paralympics squad. However she could not commit to the training schedule due to her desire to complete her school exams. After all, she was going to be a biochemist! It was then discovered Hilary had a progressive neurological disorder, diagnosed as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), which meant that over the coming years, as Hilary grew into a young woman, she would gradually begin to lose the use of almost all of her body whilst still leaving her in incredible pain. Hilary studied biochemistry at Jesus College, Oxford receiving a high 2.1, despite having to dictate her papers whilst flat on her back with an epidural drip on her spine. Hilary was offered a DPhil position at Oxford but chose to move to the University of Kent in Canterbury, to be near Clifford, her husband whom Hilary married in 1999. Just before she married Clifford, Hilary began to lose the use of her hands and arms. Hilary could no longer drive, continue her work as a biochemist, or play her clarinet. More than that, the most basic tasks, like eating and washing, suddenly had to be done for her. With her condition worsening, Hilary was forced to give up her life bit by bit - her mobility, her career as a biochemist, a secondary career as a clarinet teacher and most importantly, her independence. After losing everything she had always worked so hard to achieve, Hilary was housebound. After four years of complete inactivity and total dependence on others, she began to weigh up whether the quality of her life made it worthwhile continuing. During these darkest moments she was tempted to end it all but then there was a miracle. A friend introduced her to sailing. It was the first time she had left the house in three months. "Going out of the front door that day was the hardest thing I'd ever done", she says. Within a few minutes of being at the lake however, out in the wind and sunshine again, she had fallen in love with sailing and had found a new reason for living. It provided a fresh impetus and transformed life for Hilary. Hilary’s condition now is such that she is quadriplegic, only able to move her head, eyes and mouth. She lives in Kent with her husband Clifford and their chocolate labrador Lotti. Her home is wheelchair friendly and equipped with modern technology allowing her to use her computer through voice recognition. Through a switch she operates with her forehead, Hilary is able to control some of her environment, like changing channels on the television, answering the phone and opening the front door. However, she relies totally on her husband, carers and friends to do so much of her life for her. When Hilary says "sailing saved my life", she means it ...

Sailing success for inspirational Natasha

INSPIRATIONAL teenage sailor Natasha Lambert has completed her cross-Channel voyage today (Monday). The 16 year old, who has cerebral palsy and controls her specially-adapted boat Miss Isle Too using her mouth, set out from Boulogne at around 7.30am. She took just four and a half hours to reach Dover, two hours ahead of time, having sailed through swells of up to two metres and Force 4 and 5 winds. She has raised more than £2,000 on her online fundraising page so far, which will be split between the RNLI, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Wetwheels Solent. Natasha's mum, Amanda, who sailed alongside in the Wetwheels Solent boat said ahead of the trip: "Natasha took a long time to get to sleep, but she eventually did for around three or four hours. She was very excited and nervous, it was a fear of the unknown, we did double check if she wanted to go ahead and she said 'Yes, yes definitely.’ "Gary was being very practical about it, but I was just being a mum, I was very nervous." added Amanda. After completing the voyage, Natasha arrived in Dover to a hero's welcome, where hundreds of cheering well-wishers had gathered. Gary said: "It was foggy this morning and it could have shut us down, but once we set off the conditions were perfect. "She is very happy with herself that she completed it and did not let anyone down. She was completely shattered and exhausted, but she is feeling fine now. "We are very proud of her."

Disabled teenager sailing English Channel controlling yacht with her TONGUE

A disabled schoolgirl is to sail across the English Channel – controlling the yacht with her tongue. Wheelchair-bound Natasha Lambert was born with athetoid cerebral palsy, which affects her limbs and speech. But the determined 16-year-old will leave her chair behind to sail her 21ft adapted yacht from Boulogne to Dover. Her father Gary developed a device, utilising a straw inside a mountain bike helmet, to help Natasha sail using just her mouth to steer. Electrician Gary said: “From the moment she first experienced sailing, Natasha fell in love with the water. “She was determined to find a way to sail herself. I am so immensely proud of her.” The French Connection challenge will see Natasha, from Cowes, Isle of Wight, raise money for the RNLI, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Wetwheels Solent. She hopes to complete the 25-mile trip on Monday in seven hours. Last year, she sailed solo around the Isle of Wight and raised £17,000. Mum Amanda said: “Natasha can’t walk across the room yet she will be sailing from one country to the other.”

Free mooring for south coast sailing charity catamaran

Poole Harbour Commissioners is supporting a local charity, Sports Forum for the Disabled, by providing them with a free permanent berth. Sports Forum for the Disabled provides sailing opportunities for the disabled and their carers on its 10-metre offshore sailing catamaran, Knoticat. Knoticat, , based at Port of Poole Marina, is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations and grants from charitable trusts. Last year the Poole-based charity took more than 500 people sailing in Poole Harbour and along the Jurassic Coast. Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, said: 'We are delighted we can help support a local charity that is so valuable in what they offer for the disabled. 'Sports Forum for the Disabled provides a real hands-on sailing experience and we hope that by berthing at our award-winning Port of Poole Marina they will be able to provide even more sailing opportunities throughout the year.' Knoticat's chief skipper, Ian Fisher, added: 'The free mooring in Port of Poole Marina will make an enormous difference to us and we are extremely grateful to Poole Harbour Commissioners for its support. 'It's from generous donations like this that mean we can continue to help the disabled." The catamaran, which can sail a maximum of 11 persons, including two crew, has been adapted for ‘roll on, roll off' wheelchair access throughout. All the ropes, lines and controls lead to one wheelchair adapted steering position and passengers are encouraged to steer and sail the boat with guidance from the charity's highly experienced skippers and crew. Weather permitting, the Knoticat operates five days a week and trips are free of charge. For booking enquiries, call 07889 970702 or email booking@sailing4all.org.

Kids, Learn to Sail at Youth Sailing @ Chasewater

Kids, what could be better on a summer Saturday morning than messing about on the water and learning to sail with your mates? Youth Sailing @ Chasewater's latest RYA Start Sailing sessions for Under 18s kick off on the weekend of 6-7 July giving you to perfect chance to find out what all the on-the-water fuss is about. Sailing has everything; whether you want to get involved in a cool, sociable sport, which can be enjoyed by mums and dads too, or really ramp up the adrenaline by eventually getting into racing and attempting to become the next Ben Ainslie! RYA Start Sailing is an introduction to sailing providing all you need to know to get afloat and learn the foundation skills of the sport. You will soon be sailing on your own, as sessions include starting, stopping and turning, launching and recovering, rigging and safety. All equipment, such as buoyancy aids and training boats, are supplied, you just need a change of clothes, old trainers and a towel. Youth Sailing @ Chasewater (YS@C) is a registered charity offering a fun, friendly way for 10-18 year olds to sail, whether learning from scratch or improving skills. It is a recognised RYA Training Centre meaning it conforms to the highest standards of safety and quality. The club meets on Saturdays (9.30am-1pm) to mid-October, and youngsters can follow the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme, from Stages 1-4, while also getting involved in junior racing and club sailing with its parent club, Chase SC. The RYA Start Sailing sessions cost £65 per person, with two follow on Saturday morning sessions at YS@C included in the price. It costs just £5 per week to then carry on sailing at YS@C, which includes the use of kit (boat, wetsuits, spray tops, buoyancy aid etc). Mark Buckingham, Chief Instructor at YS@C, said: "We've just successfully run our first Under 18 RYA Start Sailing sessions. All the kids that did the course have come back sailing with us at YS@C and we hope to see lots more of them in the future too. "For youngsters to stick with sailing and not trade it in for the next fad, it's got to be fun and social. They want to be with their mates so if they are sailing too it's more fun. Kids don't sail to get fit, but once they discover they get better by being fitter it all becomes part of developing an active, healthy lifestyle that happens to come from doing a sport they love." Full details on how to sign up for the RYA Start Sailing Under 18 sessions, and information on all other courses and activities being run at Chase SC this year, can be found at www.chasesc.org.uk or email m.buckingham@btinternet.com

The best sailing video footage by Air Vide et Eau

Point Panic! Rogue wave nearly takes out sailboat in Waikiki Harbor

Solo sailing grandmother nears dry land

A 70-year-old British grandmother is due to sail back in Victoria, British Columbia within several days after spending over 245 days at sea alone. Jeanne Socrates in her 38ft yacht, Nereida, will be officially timed as she passes the Ogden Point breakwater. It will mark the completion if her non-stop single-handed sailing voyage around the globe - a feat undertaken without the use of the boat's engine for propulsion. Nereida departed from Victoria Harbour on 22 October 2012. Jeanne's voyage is being recorded by the World Sailing Speed Record Council. The yacht will be escorted in by a Prince of Whales whale watching boat. After arrival, Nereida will be docked in front of the Empress Hotel, courtesy of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. Third time lucky Jeanne is a remarkable woman who has previously had her hopes of a successful non-stop round the world voyage dashed. She has written a spirited daily journal throughout her quest, in which she describes the many challenges she has had on her voyages (http://svnereida.com/). This is her third attempt; the first attempt resulted in the total loss of her boat, and during the second attempt her vessel was knocked down off Cape Horn and Jeanne was forced to put into port for extensive repairs. Though she completed the circumnavigation, the non-stop challenge eluded her. Jeanne learned to sail when she was in her late 40s. In 1997 she and her husband commissioned the first Nereida and sailed from the UK across the Atlantic. After her husband's death from cancer, Jeanne started a steep learning curve that resulted in her deciding to carry on sailing single-handed. She hopes to raise funds to support the Marie Curie Cancer Foundation by using her sailing to highlight the work it does in providing home care to terminally ill patients. In 2004, Nereida was trucked from Florida to Vancouver. Her remarkable voyages since then (including the loss of the first Nereida) are documented in detail on her website. After her laptop computer was damaged, Jeanne has had radio communications with many HAM operators around the globe who have lately been posting her progress reports received by radio. Ocean Cruising Club Jeanne Socrates, a member of the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC), is following in the path of another OCC member, Victoria resident Tony Gooch , who completed the same nonstop solo round the world sailing voyage in record time in 2003 aboard the sailing vessel Taonui. Tony has acted as mentor to Jeanne. Jeanne is recognized internationally for her sailing achievements, and she is well regarded locally, with friends in Vancouver, Victoria and Port Townsend who have assisted her in many ways and enthusiastically followed her progress toward her goal.

Sailing is for everyone, even the disabled !!!

By Glenn McCarthy I have a good sailing friend who lost two legs in an auto accident 20 years ago. And I have not met anyone who is so upfront and straight forward about how he deals and beats the challenge in everything he does. His forthrightness, and explanations of the prosthetics, the care of the stumps and simply how to get around, has made me comfortable with the subject. I’m an advocate for life jacket wearing, and one day he cornered me and said that double leg amputees don’t like life jackets. “They make us float butt up.” Without the weight of the legs holding the body vertical, he inverts. It is this type of frank talk that helps all of us understand the challenges of a disability. However, you quickly find that this group doesn’t like to be called “disabled,” because they are very able at doing everything. So a few years ago, an effort was made to change the title to “Sailors with Special Needs.” Sailing is a Paralympic sport. Each athlete is assigned points based on their needs and when sailing as a team, the maximum points the team can have is 14 points. You’ll see these sailors taking off an arm or leg prosthesis, leaving them on the dock to get their team down to 14 points. Each person can adjust their “points” based on how able (with prosthetics) or disabled (with one or more prosthetics removed) they are. With the number of injuries in car crashes, veterans coming back after defending our country, this exciting sport awaits them. Convince them to give it a try, most are surprised at how invigorating sailing is and gives them a big boost.

Plain sailing at County Durham boat club

A SAILING club in the North-East held an open day over the weekend to encourage people to take up the sport. Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club welcomed newcomers to the water, near Consett, in County Durham, on Saturday. All ages were able to try out a free sail with safety equipment provided by the club. Susan Tate, 53, from Hedley-on-the-Hill, who runs the club’s galley, and has been sailing for 18 years, said: “It was an absolutely brilliant day. “A lot of people are interested in sailing and that is what we were hoping for.” Two day training courses to teach people how to sail with all equipment provided are available at the club, which is open at weekends and bank holidays, for £125. Wind surfing is also available through the club. For more information log on to drsc.co.uk or call 01434-675033.

Free sailing on offer at Upton Warren

UPTON Warren Sailing Club and Upton Warren Outdoor Education Centre are offering free sailing for all of the family this weekend as part of national RYA Push the Boat Out Weekend. Running on Saturday and Sunday (10am to 4pm), the fun-filled weekend is guaranteed to offer something for all the family. There will be the chance to enjoy a first taste of sailing with one of the club’s experienced members and sample the social side of what life at Upton Warren can offer. The tasters are open to everyone aged six and above and regardless of gender or experience. Just bring a change of clothes, soft-soled shoes and waterproofs, the club will supply everything else. RYA ‘Push the Boat Out’ will see sailing clubs and centres across the country inviting local people to come and ‘have a go’ at sailing and windsurfing. The weekend provides the perfect chance for everyone to get out on the water and celebrate a national weekend of sailing. Upton Warren Outdoor Education Centre is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. For full details on everything going on at Upton Warren SC, visit www.uwsc.co.uk.

Sailing Club Spotlight " Rutland Sailing Club Open Day"

A sailing club hopes to attract some new members at an open day. Rutland Sailing Club will hold its annual event at the Edith Weston entrance to Rutland Water from 10am on Saturday, June 1. All ages and abilities are welcome to come and try the sport for free. Full details on the open day and the club itself can be found at www.rutlandsc.co.uk

Rough first sailing experience !!!! Sent by a friend

So I purchased my first sailboat this winter (vanguard nomad). I took some sailing lessons the past 3 summers and was very excited to get out on the water. Things, however, did not go well. I have to motor about 1/2 mile with my mast down to get past 2 low bridges. On my first sail I did this without removing the boom. I found out a bit late that this put too much pressure on the gooseneck and sheered the bolts off of it. First sail ended before it really began! I was able to repair the gooseneck on my own. Which I was very proud of because I know that mechanical failures are part of boat ownership and I need to be self sufficient. So now it was time for my second attempt. I made it under the bridges and was getting the sails set up when I realized we were drifting a bit close to shore. No problem I thought I will just start my little 2hp engine and motor away. It refused to start, we drifted into a dock and bumped into a ski boat on boat lift (slight scratches to my boat no damage to said ski boat but I still left a note for the owner). I managed to get off of the boat and pull us over to a vacant dock at which time my son got off and held the boat while I checked the engine and finished rigging. I managed to revive the engine and pull away from the dock. Good to go I thought, I went to drop the kick up rudder and the wire snapped. I didn't realize at the time how important that part can be. Because of the lack of real steering sailing was impossible. I quickly became frustrated and headed for home. I have repaired the rudder, but I am now leery about sailing. I have learned a lot about my boat, but it has caused me lots of stress instead of being the fun and relaxing hobby I hoped it would be. Oh well, I have a few more tries in me before I look for a boat for sail sign. Here's hoping for improving fortunes.

Blind sailors hope for success in Japan

A team of blind sailors will be representing Great Britain at the 2013 International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) Blind Sailing World and International Championships in Japan next week. The championships will take place from Seabornia Yacht Club and Riviera Resort in Koajiro Bay from Saturday, May 25. The five-day event allows sailors to race against other sailors with the same level of vision. Blind sailing is split into three sight categories, B1, B2 and B3, B1 being those who are totally blind to B3 sailors who suffer from conditions like tunnel vision and retinitis pigmentosa. Great Britain is sending a whole team, with representation in all three sight categories. Each team, supported by the charity Blind Sailing, is made up of four sailors – two visually impaired and two sighted. The visually impaired sailors helm and work the mainsheet, with the support of a sighted crew and a tactician. The blind sailors use the feel of the wind and the movement of the boat to enable them to sail. Sharon Grennan, a category B1 sailor, said: “Blind Sailing has given me the opportunity to take part in an active and exciting sport with the camaraderie of a group of enthusiastic sailors, who, like me happen to be partially sighted or blind. “I enjoy the competitive buzz of racing too and improving my sailing for the next event always gives me a goal to work towards.” Previous successes of Blind Sailing sailors includes gold at the 2011 IFDS Blind Match Racing Championships, gold at the International Blind Match Racing 2010, and they were world champions at the 2002 World Blind Championship. For more information about Blind Sailing, visit www.blindsailing.net

Cowes sailing team trip competition

An activity day for a group of 12 at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) at Cowes, Isle of Wight, is perfect for team building. The Telegraph have teamed up with Volvo to offer this exciting prize to one lucky reader and 11 of their business colleagues. The team-building day will be held on Friday, September 6. The prize includes travel, ferry crossing, transfers, dinner and overnight accommodation on Thursday, September 5 at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA). The following morning, the winner and 11 colleagues will enjoy breakfast followed by a fantastic day's sailing, which includes all the equipment needed, a safety brief, practice sailing, lunch and an exciting mini race. Find out more about the itinerary at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy website: www.uksa.org Sailing and Volvo – Volvo Car UK has been a key sponsor of British sailing since 1999, supporting everything from youth development at grass roots through to Britain’s top sailors at the pinnacle of the sport. – Volvo has invested in a group of top inspirational British athletes under the banner of Team Volvo since 2001. Britain has won six Olympic sailing medals, (four golds, two silvers and one bronze) since Volvo started their support. – For the last 15 years, Volvo Car UK has been a great supporter of The Royal Yachting Association Champion Club Programme. – The Volvo Ocean Race is the world's pre-eminent round-the-world yacht race and one of the most coveted prizes in the sport. See more at: www.volvocarssailing.co.uk The prize draw To enter this competition you will need to explain a particular business challenge your team has dealt with in the last 12 months that means they deserve this great day's sailing.

Paralympic sailing champion Helena Lucas talks of her MBE honour

Redhill's Paralympic sailing gold medallist Helena Lucas has said she was “humbled and honoured” on receiving her MBE recently at Buckingham Palace. Helena was crowned London 2012 champion in the 2.4mR class at Weymouth and Portland last September. She claimed an emphatic victory to become Britain’s first medallist since sailing joined the full Paralympic Games programme in 2000. Speaking after the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, she said: “It really was the icing on the cake after such an amazing year.” She said: “I’m so honoured to have received this award for doing the sport that I love. “There were so many other amazing people in the room with me from all walks of life, who were so driven, have made great sacrifices and have worked so hard for their country. “It was really quite humbling.” Helena, 37, was awarded her MBE by The Princess Royal, who is also President of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and who attended alongside other key figures from London 2012. The Skandia Team GBR member was accompanied to the investiture by her husband Steve Thomas, and her parents Val and Geoff. She said: “It was so nice to have been able to share the day with them, as they’ve all been so brilliant and supportive throughout my career. “All the tradition and ceremony around the day made it really special for all of us.” She continued: “There’s still so much excitement around London 2012. People are still so excited about wanting to see my gold medal.

Ahoy there, get a taste for the big blue with free Sail Spree classes

Sail Spree – an initiative developed by the Irish Sailing Association (ISA) to encourage people of all ages to try water sports – will run from May 4 to May 6 in over 25 venues around the country. On offer will be various free taster sessions in sailing, windsurfing and powerboating. Many clubs will also provide onshore activities, including food and entertainment, guaranteeing a great day out for all the family. While pre-booking is not essential for all of the venues, it is advised that you contact your chosen club to avoid disappointment. For more information about Sail Spree events in your area check out www.sailspree.ie.

Fire Crews sailing against the tide !

Land-locked firefighters from West Yorkshire, including some from Bradford, are preparing to defend their UK Firefighters Sailing Challenge title – with just one day of training. Four teams of eight from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service will compete against 30 crews from across the country in the three-day annual competition in the Solent next week. But with limited access to water, the teams, which won the title in 2009 and 2012, have yet to complete any training. They will take part in their first practice session the day before the event, which starts on Tuesday. Watch Commander Darren Bagley, of Huddersfield, said: “Most of the other brigades are from coastal regions, mainly from the South Coast, and West Yorkshire is quite clearly land-locked. We don’t train. “The event starts on Tuesday, but we’ll travel down on the Monday for our first and only training session before the other crews arrive. “I think we surprise a lot of them with how well we do – especially when we don’t do any training. We won it last year and in 2009 and we’ll be ready to give them hell again this year.” The event will see the crews race 40ft yachts over three days, staying at Yarmouth and Cowes during the evening. They have a secret weapon in their midst – skipper Peter Crowther. Mr Bagley said: “Our success lies mainly with our skipper who has more than 40 years’ dinghy-racing experience and has transferred his expertise seamlessly to a bigger scale. “Peter was recently the world firefighter dinghy racing champion.” The West Yorkshire crew has used the event to raise thousands of pounds for Yorkshire Cancer Research and Huddersfield Downs Syndrome Support Group. It has also secured sponsorship from The Woodman Inn in Thunderbridge, nationwidebathrooms.com, Lucas Lee and Partners chartered surveyors and Kevan Davey of Concerto Support Services in Cheshire. To sponsor them, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WYFSCharitySailingTeam

Red Bull Sailing take second in Singapore

Roman Hagara's crew climb to the top of the Extreme Sailing Series' overall leaderboard after Act 2. Switzerland's Alinghi team claimed victory at the Marina Bay Reservoir in Singapore after winning more races than the rest of the Extreme 40 fleet. But it was a closely fought thing on the final day. With little wind to speak of the event's Race Committee had made the decision to abandon competitive racing. Thankfully, though, a breeze picked up and the teams were able to complete one final race. It was an eventful one, too. Four teams – Alinghi (SUI), Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT), SAP Extreme Sailing (SAP) and Realteam (SUI) – all muscled their way into podium positions. In the end, it was Morgan Larson's Swiss team who triumphed to take their first win since Almeria in 2011. But Roman Hagara's Red Bull Sailing Team pushed them all the way and notched another impressive second-place finish. enlarge It was always going to be an uphill task for Hagara and crew to cancel out Alinghi's lead, which they'd held since race six, but the Red Bull Sailing Team were able to hold on to the position they ended day three in and repeat their result from Act 1 in Muscat. Roman had this to say afterwards: “It's always tough when you don’t know when the last race is going to happen, but it worked out well for us and it's great for the team. They did a great job on the boat. I think they really deserved it and it's great for the overall standing now.” enlarge Roman Hagara of Red Bull Sailing in action© Red Bull Content Pool / Balazs Gardi / Red Bull Sailing Roman's Red Bull Sailing Team now share top spot in the overall standings with Alinghi. The next stop for the Extreme Sailing Series is in Qingdao, China, on May 2-5. Extreme Sailing Series 2013 Act 2, Singapore final standings 1. Alinghi (SUI) – 198 points. 2. Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) – 163 points. 3. SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) – 161 points. 4. Realteam (SUI) – 159 points. 5. The Wave, Muscat (OMA) – 153 points. Extreme Sailing Series 2013 overall standings 1. Alinghi (SUI) – 18 points 2. Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) – 18 points 3. The Wave, Muscat (OMA) – 16 points 4. SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) – 12 points 5. Team Korea (KOR) – 11 points

Sailing Club Spotlight Otley Sailing Club

Otley sailing club has received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services. This is the highest award presented by the Queen to voluntary groups. The award is for the club’s voluntary work with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Sailability scheme to make sailing accessible to all. Young people and adults from Bradford, Otley, Ilkley, Skipton and Leeds with special needs are encouraged to sail independently in specially-designed boats. This would not be possible without volunteers. Schools also take part in regular Sailability sessions during term times. The volunteers give many people with special needs an opportunity to try sailing and ‘sail free’ independently, giving them a sense of achievement and freedom that they might not otherwise be able to experience The award will be presented on behalf of the Queen by Dr Ingrid Roscoe, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, on April 25.

'Ordinary sailors' urged to take on charity challenge !!!!

Ordinary sailors, who normally steer clear of a racing buoy, are being urged to sign up for this year's 26-mile sailing marathon in Plymouth. Billed as a 'chase' and very definitely not a 'race', the 12th Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit will be held on Saturday 13 July. The event will culminate in an evening of supper, entertainment and prize giving, hosted by The National Marine Aquarium for the first time. The reserve date, in case of postponement, is Sunday, 14 July. Since its inception in 2002, the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit has raised more than £300,000 for 123 charitable causes. This year organisers are adopting a new formula for awarding prize money from the 'prize pot' which has been increased to £15,000. Organiser Julia Creeke, who created the charity challenge in memory of her mother, said: 'If you've got access to a boat and a charity close to your heart, then sign up for a fun, rewarding day out on the water which always adds a thrill to fundraising. 'The chase always captures the imagination of supporters and can boost a charity's coffers through sponsorship as well as prize money.' Last year, 73 cruising and racing yachts raised £41,569 for 40 different charities, which were crewed and skippered by individuals, entire families and charities with crew ages ranging from nine year olds to octogenarians. ‘King Magic' sailed in at the top of the prize ladder, scooping £1,000 for the RNLI. By raising £4,525, the highest amount of sponsorship the Pursuit has ever seen, The Island Trust also received a special prize of £500. This year Plymouth Yacht Haven, Yacht Haven Quay and Blaster Master have joined forces to raise the public profile of the event. Dr David Gibson, managing director at the National Marine Aquarium, said: 'We're delighted to be supporting the Eddystone Charity Sailing Pursuit, and to be welcoming the successful crews to the Aquarium in July. 'It's great to be able to support events such as this, which help raise money for charity and share our views on protecting the seas. 'Our visitors will have a perfect vantage point with all the sailing action taking place just outside the Aquarium, and we are greatly looking forward to the event.' This year yachts will start from a line off the Hoe, from approx 8am, at intervals depending on their handicap which is based on Portsmouth Yardstick. The course takes them out to round the Hand Deeps buoy, three miles west of the Eddystone, and back to finish at the same line off the Hoe. Early bird entries for the individual event and the three boat team event -where all three boats sail for the same charity- began on 1 April and will continue online at www.eddystonepursuit.org until 9 July. Entries cost £15 with a minimum sponsorship requirement of £50. As the main aim of the event is to fundraise for charities that 'benefit the human condition' the new points system aims to encourage participants to raise as much sponsorship as possible for their nominated charity. Now with points aggregated for sponsorship, sailed position and date of entry, boats will buy a proportion of the 'prize pot'. There is an opportunity for businesses, charitable trusts or individuals to help support the Pursuit by becoming a 'Friend' and donating prizes, goods in kind or services; or a sponsor of the three-boat Team event. For more details contact: sec@eddystonepursuit.org

A summer festival of sail in Weymouth and Portland

A festival style weekend offering coaching, racing, spectator interest and taster activities will be recapturing the Olympic spirit in Weymouth and Portland. This summer's August Bank Holiday weekend will see the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA), the 2012 Games sailing venue, hosting a brand new event, open to all. Action will begin on Friday 23 August with a coaching day. GJW Direct SailFest, the inaugural WPNSA annual handicap regatta, will run from Saturday 24 August to Monday 26 August. There will be racing on the Olympic waters, from Portland Harbour to Weymouth's Nothe peninsula, GPS tracking and live updates, commentary and analysis. Ashore at the academy, there will be an exhibition of dinghies with class association displays, trade stands, workshops and seminars, evening meals and guest speakers Accommodation packages are available at RYA Portland House - the Olympic Team GBR base - campervan pitches and a camping field. During all four days of the event, there will be a fleet of windsurfers available for fully instructed taster sessions by the Official Test Centre (OTC), based right on the slipway at WPNSA. Booking will be opened in June for 90 minute sessions, running at four time-slots each day, for just £17. Tris Best, of the OTC, said: 'SailFest is a great event to keep the momentum of the 2012 Olympics going and we're hoping to build on the 780 plus tasters we achieved last summer. 'Sail sports are more accessible than ever before - an excellent - and enjoyable - way to keep fit, socialise and make the most of some of the best conditions in Europe that Portland Harbour offers. Come and get involved.' Alongside the dinghy racing, the OTC will be running a mid-season slalom training camp in association with the British Slalom Association (BSA) - a chance to keep your slalom skills honed during the summer break in the series calendar. Read more at http://www.pbo.co.uk/news/534263/a-summer-festival-of-sail-in-weymouth-and-portland#MwKQ6cufWc007WyZ.99

Sailing Club Spotlight Royal Western Yacht Club

NEWS that Plymouth is to host the Class 40 World Championships yacht race is a "great coup" for the sailing community. ​ The Class 40 World Championships will be hosted by the City of Plymouth this summer, immediately following the Rolex Fastnet Race • • • The race will come to the city immediately after the Rolex Fastnet Race finishes in August. It is expected that 20 teams from nine nations will compete over the four day series of inshore and coastal races. John Lewis, commodore of Royal Western Yacht Club said it was excellent news for Plymouth and its sailing community. He said: "It's fantastic, we are delighted at the club because it's the first time for many years we've actually held a world championships here, I can't remember the last time. "It's a great coup because we have also the J Cup and Plymouth Race Week so it's a very vibrant sailing programme in Plymouth this summer organised by the RWYC. "We are also running a single handed transatlantic race before the local events start so it all makes for a nice mix." At the start of the summer the city will host a leg of the major new yacht race, Route des Princes. It will stop over in Plymouth on June 27 before departing for Baie de Morlaix the next day. The Class 40 race will take place from August 17 to August 20. The public will be able to visit the fleet and also watch the yachts parade in front of Plymouth Hoe on Sunday August 18. 20 Class 40 teams have already pre-registered for the Rolex Fastnet Race and are due to arrive in Plymouth from the August 15. The teams will have a couple of days break before starting an intense series of inshore and coastal races to decide the overall Class 40 World Champion. In the evenings there will be a series of event functions for the visiting teams to enjoy some of the local hospitality. François Angoulvant, Class 40 president, said: "We are delighted to be welcomed by Plymouth for this fifth edition of the Class 40 Worlds. "The timing is perfect and we hope we can build a partnership with the RWYC to come back regularly for the Worlds. "The Class 40 fleet knows the area quite well as it comes here every two years for the Rolex Fastnet Race and was also here in 2008 for the Transat."

Sailing toward expansion

SOMERSET — Residents are likely to see a lot more impressive-looking boats making their way up the Taunton River to Bristol Marine this summer and as the business is expanding, it is also planning to open up part of its waterfront property for the public to enjoy. "Somerset is a place that is a hidden gem," Bristol Marine Vice President Nick King said. "People don't know about the Somerset waterfront. We're trying to make something here that is good for us and good for Somerset." Bristol Marine President Andy Tyska said the business has been installing a new marina with dock slips for boats that he hopes will bring more traffic up the river. From a barge, steel pylons have been driven into the bottom of the river and floating docks have been installed. Mr. Tyska said the marina will be built in three phases. The first phase, which he said will be done in a week, will allow the business to dock 25 boats at the marina. Because of the deep water in the area, Mr. Tyska said Bristol Marine will be able to dock boats that are significantly larger than those that go to other marinas in the area. There are three phases to the dock project, which will eventually have 65 slips for boats. Bristol Marine will have slips for seasonal rental, transient slips for boaters who want to spend the night in the area and for boats that are being serviced at the business. Mr. Tyska said the marina will help to boost the economy of the area. He said when owners come to pick up boats that are being worked on at the business on Main Street, they will spend money at local restaurants and shops. Mr. Tyska said Bristol Marine has contracted with two manufacturers to service their boats and said he expects the first boat, which will be a 75-foot yacht built in Italy, to arrive in Somerset in about two weeks. He said the business will be working on mostly power boats, but there will be some larger sailboats, as well. Mr. Tyska noted that he has local craftsmen working on the boats at the Main Street site and as the business grows will be hiring more employees. He said Bristol Marine has hired some of the workers from the former J&J Marine that was on the site, has workers who live in Somerset and surrounding communities and will continue to hire local residents. There are currently 25 employees at Bristol Marine. "I anticipate that in the next three years, we will have doubled our current workforce," Mr. Tyska said. Mr. Tyska said that 16 months ago, there were no employees on the Somerset site. He said Bristol Marine has invested a significant amount of money not only into the facilities on the site, but also into the workers and their training. Mr. Tyska said local workers were also used to build the floating docks and lumber and hardware was purchased from local suppliers. Mr. Tyska said it has been nice to do business in Somerset. Mr. King said part of the plan for the business is to provide public access to the property. A 22-foot wide boardwalk where people will be able to walk and fish is being constructed and will hopefully be ready by this summer, he said. "We're hoping to have an event here for the public this summer so people can see what is going on down here," Mr. King said. With all of the rumblings about increased taxes going on in town recently, Mr. King said Bristol Marine is trying to take an upbeat approach to its business. He said the business wants to work with the town in a positive way. He said the two entities can benefit each other. Mr. King said he appreciates the efforts of Somerset Economic Development Committee members Steve Silverman, Roger Benevides and David Costa. He said people in town have asked what they can do to help the business. Mr. King said he hopes people see the investment that Bristol Marine is making and think it is valuable to the community. He said part of the business's mission is to get involved in the community in projects that involve volunteer work. He said the town can also help the business with things, like permitting and tax relief. "I really think that we're doing something unique here," Mr. King said. Mr. King said the Fall River Country Club can be seen across the river from the Bristol Marine site. He said there are many birds in the area. Pierce Beach Park is located right around the corner. He said Somerset should promote its waterfront more because a lot of communities do not have a waterfront. "That's something you can't buy," Mr. King said.

The Toughest Sailing Race in the World

'Sailing is awesome, for the LOVE of WATER'

Leigh McMillan wins Extreme Sailing Series regatta in Oman

An “exceptional day” and an exceptional final, double points scoring race gave British Olympian Leigh McMillan and his local The Wave team a last gasp win in the opening regatta of the 2013 Extreme Sailing Series in Oman. He beat by just six points, 232 to 226, the Red Bull Team, skippered by Austrian Olympic gold medallist Roman Hagara, which had led for most of the four days. In third place was America’s Cup winner Ernesto Bertarelli, racing under the Alinghi banner and who is also giving serious consideration to expanding his sailing horizons to the Volvo round the world race, which starts from Alicante late next year. In the West Indies, Simonas Steponavicius has also announced that he intends to enter a Lithuanian entry in the Volvo next year. Entries already announced are an all-woman crew for Swedish challenger SCA, a Brazilian team from Recife, and a repeat appearance of an Abu Dhabi crew skippered by British double Olympic silver medallist Ian Walker.

Extreme Sailing Series : The Wave, Muscat continues its winning streak

Having won the Extreme Sailing Series in 2012, the defending champion, The Wave, Muscat, laid down a marker today, winning the opening races of the 2013 series, held out of the Omani venue carrying their boat’s name. In seven races run, The Omani team won three, to take the overall lead after day one. However it was also a good day for double Olympic Tornado Gold medallist Roman Hagara on Red Bull Sailing Team, which now trails The Wave, Muscat’s skipper Leigh McMillan in second place by just one point. “It went pretty well - a solid opening day,” commented McMillan. “It was really fantastic sailing conditions on a more normal race course, upwind-downwind in 15 knots – it doesn’t get much better. It was pretty exciting and the racing was really close and we enjoyed it. It was a fantastic opening day in Muscat.” Conditions started out at 11 knots and built to 16 throughout the afternoon. “It gave everyone a chance to warm up in the breeze and get used to it,” said McMillan. “We had a bit of space so it wasn’t too close or too crash-bang. It was a good opener for everyone trying to get going.” The only change for 2013 on The Wave, Muscat is that there is now a second Omani sailor on board. Racing with McMillan and old hands Peter Greenhalgh and Ed Smyth is once again bowman Hashim Al Rashdi, but new in the ‘5th man’ slot is Musab Al Hadi, Oman’s leading F18 catamaran sailor, for whom today was nerve racking in his first ever day of Extreme Sailing Series racing. “It was my first day ever in the Extreme fleet, and what a day it was! The wind conditions were fantastic today and they helped intensify the competition. This is a great and exciting opportunity for me and every one in the team has been very supportive. I look forward to the next race and I will continue doing my level best to see a podium in our home waters.” Al Rashdi, having sailed on board for a season already, is showing Al Hadi the ropes and says the new boy is getting on just fine: “He is at home. He is the right man for the job. He is a really good sailor.” Personally Al Rashdi believes his own confidence on board has improved since the last Act of 2012 in Rio and he was pleased The Wave, Muscat had got off to such a good start here in Muscat. “We had a really good day. We won the day and we won the first race of the 2013 Extreme Sailing Series, so I am very happy. We had 14-15 knots and it was quite wavy but I think our boat handling is good. We had a great day today.” While The Wave, Muscat is the favourite going into the Extreme Sailing Series this year, the second Omani entry Team Duqm Oman making, racing as an invitational team, was much more of an unknown. Greenhalgh may be one of Britain’s most experienced all-round sailors but it has been some time since he won the first season of the Extreme Sailing Series and was runner-up in its second. “I think it has evolved quite a bit,” said Greenhalgh of how the circuit has evolved in the intervening five years. “The teams are quite a bit more competitive now, so it is just about getting used to it again. We had a good day. It wasn’t the easiest opening day. It was quite breezy - up to 18 knots and a very small course and quite choppy, testing conditions.” However hardest for Greenhalgh is competing alongside four crew he’s never sailed with before, although this includes both Will Howden and Oman’s Nasser Al Mashari, who competed on Oman Air, finishing second overall last season. Despite the excuses Team Duqm Oman performed well and ends the opening day fourth overall, but tied on points with Alinghi in third. “We are pretty happy with how we got on. We have got room to improve, but there’s plenty to come,” said Greenhalgh. “To be honest we had no expectations. I think we’d be upset if we were seventh or eighth, so we are happy with today - we have got some good results, including four thirds today. In the first two races we were sixth and seventh when we were finding our feet. But most of it is just me seeing how races unfold and how people get around the race course these days.” Tomorrow racing continues with stadium racing off The Wave, Muscat beach with the start of the public village where families and children will get an opportunity to experience a variety of fun activates while supporting the national teams.

Sailing Club Spotlight Teesdale Sailing Club

TEESDALE Sailing Club is hoping to encourage more people to take to the water when the new season starts. Recognised by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the club, based at Grassholme Reservoir, will host a programme of training days in the coming months. The club programme also allows space for cruising and infrequent sailors who do not wish to commit to the scheduled races. At the club's recent annual meeting the existing committee of Robert Johnson, commodore, Chris Barraclough, secretary and treasurer David Fowell was re-elected. The last two weekends in March are designated club work days to prepare for the season’s opening on Sunday, April 7. The first Sail Training Level 1 session will take place over the weekend of April 13 and 14.

Sailing Club Spotlight Foulridge Sailing Club

A SAILING club has been awarded £41,500 to build a gangway and pontoon to allow safe access into the water. Burwain Sailing Club, in Reedymoor Lane, Foulridge, has been awarded the money from Inspired Facilities, part of Sport England, for a 15-metre long gangway which will be connected to a 15-metre pontoon. The club, which has 120 members applied for the grant a year ago, say- ing the current access into the water when the level is low, by vertical iron ladders, is not safe enough for children, the elderly and disabled. Permission is expected to be granted from The Canals and Rivers Trust in the coming weeks and work is hoped to be completed by early June. Peter Norcliffe, training centre principal for the club, said the new access to the lake would be of huge benefit. He said: “It has been a long process getting the money but it’s fantastic that it has now been awarded. “We applied for the money because the current access to the water is not as safe as it could be, especially for children, the elderly and disabled. “At the moment we have vertical iron ladders. The problem that we have is that the reservoir is fed from the canal so during the summer months in particular the reservoir level drops, which means we need to use the vertical ladders to get into the boats. “All the money from the award will be put towards the gangway and pontoon as it is an expensive project. It will be quite a feat of engineering, weighing a couple of tonnes. “The new gangway and pontoon will hopefully make it a lot easier and safer for people using the sailing club.” The club meets on Wednesday evenings, Sat- urday afternoons and Sunday afternoons as well as holding a Sailfish club for seven to 15-year-olds on Friday eve- nings. The club currently has spaces for new members. Anyone wishing to join should call the club on 01282 863493.

Sailing: Patience a real virtue at Big Weekend in Largs

More than merely a trade show, it brought together some of the key players in sailing in Scotland. Along with the customary announcements, guest speakers and industry news, came the assurance that the future of sailing in Scotland is being taken very seriously by industry leaders. The big news – that Luke Patience, the Olympic silver medallist from Helensburgh, is to be an ambassador for this year's Scottish Series, and will also compete at the event in Tarbert from May 24-27 in a Bavaria B/one sports boat supplied by DDZ Marine – is great for the event in particular and Scottish sailing in general. Having someone of his calibre racing locally demonstrates to cadets just what can be achieved. Patience is more than a great role model, he is proof that hard work pays off. It is not easy sailing in West Coast summers but, as he said, it gives cadets the edge when it comes to competing in "windy and wavy conditions". It's good to have someone put a positive spin on what can often be a brutal summer. To underline the importance of young sailors, he handed out medals to Scottish National ranking awards winners. These youngsters have worked hard to achieve this success and, as the RYA Youth National Championships are being staged in Largs in April, the recognition was timely. It was announced by VisitScotland's David Adams-McGilp that MalinWaters is lending its support to the Active Marina Programme which is intended to increase participation and competence in boat owners within marinas, and to encourage and support berth-holder activity by establishing partnerships with marinas, RYA-recognised training centres, berth-holder groups and yacht clubs to develop a programme of training, cruising and social opportunities. More than 150 people joined RYA Scotland at their annual awards dinner on Saturday evening, an evening spent celebrating the successes and hard work of those clubs, instructors, coaches and volunteers without whom sailing would be dead in the water. Among the award winners was Oban's Matt Thomas, who won the coach of the year award for 2012. He returned to coaching just more than a year ago, having taken a 13-year break from the sport. His return has galvanised the Scottish 29er squad and resulted in them making a big leap up the British rankings. More than merely looking back on the past year, RYA Scotland's Big Weekend took the brave step of telling us what to expect in the year ahead. With new investment, both in terms of money and people in the sport, RYA Scotland, VisitScotland and MalinWaters showed their commitment to sailing.

Sailing and the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is famed for its sailing pedigree and is home to many of Britain's best sailors. Surrounded by the famously challenging waters of the Solent, the Isle of Wight has historically hosted (and continues to host) many of the world's most popular sailing events including the ever-growing Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, both starting from Cowes and both drawing participants of all levels, from keen amateurs to Olympic champions from all over the world. Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is a tradition which stretches back to 1826 and still takes place around the beginning of August each year. Cowes Week lays claim to being the world's largest sailing regatta of its kind, regularly attracting around 8,500 competitors and over 100,000 spectators. As one of the UK's most successful and long-standing sporting events, Cowes Week is renowned for its unique atmosphere and great mix of competitive sailing, parties and live entertainment. The spectacular firework finale is traditionally held on the last Friday of the regatta and always attracts a big crowd of appreciative spectators. The JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race is a one-day event that takes place every June and attracts over 1,700 yachts and 16,000 sailors, all keen to challenge themselves and their equipment in a circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight, starting and finishing off Cowes. Every year, thousands of spectators take to the water and flock to the many Island and mainland vantage points along the route to watch the incredible sight as thousands of yachts jostle for position whilst passing some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world, including the iconic Needles rocks. Another favourite is the Yarmouth old Gaffers Festival which traditionally takes place in the Spring in the small, picturesque harbour town of Yarmouth. During the event, Yarmouth harbour fills with over 100 traditional sailing, steam and motor vessels, including the cream of the Old Gaffers fleet. The vessels compete in a series of races in the Solent before returning to Yarmouth harbour in a stunning display of colour and tradition; combined with the variety of entertainment and events on-shore, the Old Gaffers Festival is a firm favourite with the thousands of annual spectators and competitors.

Gosforth man celebrates retirement by sailing around the world

ACTION man Richard Dawson is celebrating retirement by sailing around the world at the age of 65. The retired airline director will wave goodbye to family and friends in August to take part in the ninth Clipper round-the-world yachting event. But, with more people having climbed Mount Everest than sailed round the globe, Mr Dawson has an epic undertaking ahead of him. Before signing up to the race, he only had one week’s experience of sailing while on holiday under his belt. “I must confess to a little trepidation. At 65, it’s not something you take on lightly,” he said. “There have been a number of injuries in the past, people with broken bones having to be lifted off the ship.” While some choose to participate in smaller stretches of the race, Mr Dawson has put himself down for the whole 11-month, 40,000-mile course. After covering the cost of entering the race, Mr Dawson, who lives in Gosforth, Newcastle, and who grew up in Whitley Bay and Ashington, hopes to raise as much money as possible for St Oswald’s Hospice through sponsorship. The Clipper course is the world’s longest ocean race crewed by amateur sailors. A fleet of 12 racing yachts will navigate the route this year, with around 20 people on board at any one time. In the first stretch of the race, participants cross the equator and Atlantic Ocean to reach Brazil. From there, Mr Dawson hopes to travel to South Africa’s Cape Town and on to Australia. The crews will then sail to Singapore, China and the West Coast of the USA, before passing through the Panama Canal and round to New York. Finally there is the “homecoming” stretch with a 22-day, 3,750-mile recrossing of the Atlantic via Northern Ireland. Across the whole race, 600 people from 40 different countries will take part, making it the biggest ever. Last year, the oldest person to take part was aged 72 and the youngest 18. The idea originally came from Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo around the world, who launched the Clipper race in 1995 with the aim of allowing ordinary people to experience ocean racing.

High performance inflatable sailing dinghy

Charity offers Scottish sailing trips to young cancer sufferers

A charity set up by round the world yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur is offering sailing trips in Scotland to young people recovering from cancer. Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust will create a sailing hub in Largs, North Ayrshire during the summer. The charity has been running from the Isle of Wight for almost a decade, taking young people aged between eight and 24 in recovery from cancer and leukaemia on four-day trips on-board 38ft-48ft cruising yachts. Now, after £40,000 funding from the People's Postcode Trust, it will be able to offer the excursions for two weeks in July round the coast of Scotland. Dame Ellen has now met Health Secretary Alex Neil at Holyrood to discuss the charity's plans. "What we are going to be doing this year for the first time is taking young people from Scotland sailing in Scotland. It will basically be replicating what we have been doing for 10 years on the south coast," she said. "We are really pleased to be working in Scotland. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world to sail and the young people gain so much from the experience. "We have already worked with over 29 Scottish young people so we know that what the trust does is an integral part of their recovery. Having our services on their doorstep will make such a difference, allowing us to reach even more young people across the country. "We've already seen what an impact our work on the Isle of Wight has had, so we know our hub in Largs will be just as life changing." The money from the small-grant giving charity, funded by players of People's Postcode Lottery, will allow the trust to charter the sailing boats from Largs. Dame Ellen said: "Without this funding we simply wouldn't have had the means to make our dream a reality and, as you can imagine, we are delighted to get it all started." Mr Neil said: "It's inspiring to see a charity work hard to make a young person's experience of cancer or leukaemia as positive as possible. Simply being involved with the Cancer Trust gives these youngsters the confidence to be young people again, to be around each other and find the strength to get their lives back on track." People's Postcode Lottery involves players using their postcode to win cash prizes while raising money for good causes in their area. There are five draws a month and 40p from every £2 ticket goes to charity.

Alex Thomson attempts the Keel Walk

Sailing Club Spotlight Colemere Sailing Club

A sailing club in Shropshire has been given £31,000 of Olympic legacy funding from Sport England's Inspired Facilities Fund. Colemere Sailing Club, near Ellesmere, will use the grant to buy a new rescue boat and to build new jetties. Hugh Farrington, club Commodore, said they would be able to bring their safety cover up to "the high standards required". The club has been sailing at Ellesmere since 1959. Mr Farrington said: "We can upgrade the quality of our launching facilities and rescue boat to bring our safety cover to the high standards required and to complement our wonderful 19th Century club house." The funding is part of a £135m scheme to use lottery money to encourage more people to become involved in sport in the wake of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Skud 18 Adaptive Sailing

Alex Thomson on record-breaking Vendée Globe course

British solo sailor Alex Thomson has set a new national record for sailing from the equator and back to the equator of 68d 14hr 53min. That is nearly three weeks quicker than the old record set by Mike Golding. Thomson is also inside the record schedule of 84 days set by the 2012 winner of the Vendée Globe round the world race but still lies fourth as he heads for the Doldrums before crossing the north Atlantic to the finish in Les Sables d’Olonne. On his third attempt, Thomson, 38, has come of age but, like horse racing’s Grand National steeplechase, the Vendée course is littered with potentially disastrous fences. Ahead of the start he said his number one goal was the finish. His management of himself and his 60-foot Hugo Boss has paid dividends so far. He has less than 3,000 miles to run and should be one of four to break the current record of 84 days set in 2008-09 by Michel Desjoyeaux. Still leading is François Gabart, by about 100 miles from Armel le Cléac’h with Jean-Pierre Dick third. But Golding is closing down on the man in fifth place.

Dinghy Sailing with Flying Fish

GBR Youth Challenge selected for Red Bull Youth America's Cup trials

GBR Youth Challenge has been announced as the British team challenging for the Red Bull Youth America's Cup. The team will compete at the selection series in San Francisco between the 18th and 24th of February 2013, using the same AC45 catamarans as the America's Cup World Series. They will be competing against 11 other nations for the opportunity to sail in the first Red Bull Youth America's Cup. After the selections teams will go into an intensive training program in pursuit of the ultimate youth sailing goal, to win the youth Americas Cup in San Francisco. The eight sailors that make up GBR Youth Challenge have come together with the aim of winning the Red Bull Youth America's Cup. All have proven themselves to be some of the best young sailors in Britain competing in events of the very highest level including RC44 world championships, TP52 Medcup, Extreme Sailing Series and F18 world championships. Their focus and drive set them apart from the rest as they all have the longing to be allowed the chance to compete on yacht racing’s world stage. The team is led by James French, a talented sailor from the Isle of Wight, who has taken every opportunity to better himself from a young age. He will be joined by Trystan Seal, Peter Austin, Will Semken, Adam Lees, Adam Piggott, Andrew Sinclair and Tom Forrester Coles. A number of the team have come through the British Keelboat Academy a joint RYA and UKSA programme aiming to develop young British sailors. According to James French, "We have been very fortunate to receive financial backing from Team Concise (teamconcise.com) to help us get this far. Team Concise is committed to helping young British sailors. Their main focus so far has always been offshore racing in Class 40's and its amazing to see the success they have already had there. It's a real advantage to GBR Youth Challenge to have another young team with a phenomenal race record assist us with our program." Moving further down along the campaign path the team are looking for likeminded companies and individual’s to join the campaign to help them progress. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone to become involved with, as the possible rewards could be fruitful as well as promoting youth sailing. We are passionate about youth sailing and hope that we can bring together a group of likeminded individuals to move forward and get a chance to compete in the most prestigious event in the sailing world. GBR Youth Challenge For more information please do not hesitate to contact James French. gbrchallenge@gmail.com Editors note The America's Cup has a long history in Britain, the first race being sailed around the Isle of Wight in 1851. Britain has had a long tradition of challengers all the way through from the foundation of the cup. From the outside, the race has changed dramatically, moving from wood to carbon fibre in the search for perfection. Even though the boats are now modern racing machines the essence of the races has not been lost, it is a pure test of skill and tactical calls with the only difference between the two teams competing is the people sailing the boats. After the success of the Americas Cup World Series, stopping in Plymouth for spectacular grandstand racing, the plans were laid down for an opportunity for young sailors to have a route to the top. It is first time that there has been a clear pathway to give youth sailors the experience they need to compete the most prestigious event in sailing. We are proud to be forging a pathway in the first Red Bull Youth Americas cup with the hope that more will follow and be inspired to take up the challenge of representing Britain at the Youth Americas Cup.

Sailing Club Spotlight Chichester Sailing Club

The first races of the Chichester Yacht Club Snowflake open winter series brought a good turnout of more than 40 boats. Race officers Nick and Roger Elliman laid a P-shaped course with a good beat, followed by an exciting reach in front of the CYC clubhouse, much to the enjoyment of onlookers. Winds were fast, variable and gusty, starting around force five but building to six and gusting seven in the second race. Even some of the most experienced sailors were affected by conditions, with many capsizes and retirements keeping the safety boats busy. The fast fleet comprised a good number of RS200s, plus Merlin Rockets and RS400s and a smattering of other fast boats. In race one, Steve and Sarah Cockerill (Hill Head) were fastest on the water in their Merlin Rocket but were pushed into second with the RS200 of George Yeoman and Sophie Ormsby (Itchenor) taking first several minutes ahead of next RS200. Third were Ben and Charlotte Ainsworth in an RS 200 (Itchenor). In race two, there was a general recall as the tide was beginning to turn. The racing was notable for the lively and close completion between the RS200s, who were flying round the course in the conditions. The first four positions went to RS200s. First were Edward Fitzgerald and Rosie Sibthorne (HISC) a few seconds ahead of Yeoman and Ormsby in second. Dicken Maclean and Hannah Young (Island Barn SC) were third. At the end of the races Yeoman and Ormsby were leading the series. In the medium fleet, in race one, the National 12 of William Warren and Sophie Mackley (Shoreham SC) shot out ahead of the fleet to take a good lead, winning on the water and on handicap. Luke South (CYC) put in a good time in his Laser to finish second on the water and tied on handicap with Mark Harper (Solo, CYC). In race two, the conditions led to the second race being shortened because of the many retirements and capsizes. The Solos dominated the fleet, perhaps because of fewer capsizes, although even some of the Solo fleet retired in the difficult conditions. Mike Linney and Giles Dixon were notable in their Laser 2000 for several capsizes but for continuing to be the only two-hander to finish. The first three places went to Solos. First was Nick Peters (HISC), second Ray Collins (Locks SC), third Mark Harper (CYC) - with Peters leading the series at the end of day one. The slow fleet were all under 16. In race one the RS Feva of N Townsend and A Fordham put in a fast time on the water, but were beaten into second place on handicap by Harry Kennedy in a Laser 4.7 (Hill Head SC). Third was Alex Butler in an RS Tera (HISC). Only a few ventured out in race two in the heavy winds. First was Butler, second Billy Venius-Ozanne and Andre Ozanne in an RS Feva (HISC), with Butler leading overall at the end of the day. The next Snowflake races take place this Sunday (Jan 13) - first start 10.30am. Spectators welcome.

Sailing Club Spotlight Marconi Sailing Club

Sailing World Championship event set for Poole

The 2013 International 2.4 metre Class Open World Championships are set to take place in Poole this September with the competition being in of the very few events in the sport where able-bodied and disabled sailors compete together. The Championships will be staged by the Poole Yacht Club from September 6 until 14 with International 2.4mR being the only class where able-bodied and disabled sailors, male and female, compete in the same boats on a level playing field. A best-ever fleet of around 100 sailors is anticipated at the event with a top cast of able-bodied and disabled sailors set to attend, including Britain's 2.4mR London 2012 Paralympic champion Helena Lucas. The 2.4mR is the one-person Paralympic Games boat and typically 25-30 per cent of an International 2.4mR fleet is classified with a range in type and severity of disability, making it an even playing field. "We are delighted to be bringing the 2013 Worlds to Poole," said International 2.4mR class Association secretary Steve Bullmore. "This event always captures the imagination wherever it's staged because the racing is so unique. "You have Paralympic and disabled worlds medallists going head-to-head with top able-bodied athletes in unbelievably tight, tactical and strategic racing. "The 2.4mR is a keelboat but has the fingertip feel of a dinghy. "The sailor sits facing forwards in the 'cockpit' of the boat with all controls within arms' reach, so the sailing isn't physically demanding. "Also the boat is insensitive to different sailor sizes, as body weight is always close to its centre of gravity. "This is why we get such equal and intriguing competition." Britain’s 2.4mR London 2012 Paralympic champion Helena Lucas is expected to compete at the International 2.4 Metre Class Open World Championships in Poole All racing will take place in the famous Poole Harbour, which typically presents tidal, flatter conditions with a South-Westerly prevailing wind. "It's been a lot of very hard work in a very short space of time, but when you're offered the chance to stage such a prestigious event, you don't turn it down," said Poole Yacht Club Rear Commodore Tim Edom. "We're very honoured to be hosts and look forward to welcoming so many world class sailors to compete on Poole Harbour's stunning waters."

GP14 World Dinghy Sailing Championship to be Hosted on Strangford Lough

East Down Yacht Club has announced that they will be hosting the GP 14 World Championship in August 2014. This will probably be the largest ever dinghy sailing championship to be held on Strangford Lough. It is anticipated that there will be in the region of 130-150 boats competing in the event, with entrants from Ireland , United Kingdom, Europe and even as far afield as Sri Lanka. East Down Yacht Club is situated on the Western shores of Strangford Lough about 1 mile north of Killyleagh. The facilities at the Club have recently been substantially up dated with concrete hard standing for all boat parks and surrounding grounds. It also has its own Caravan and Camping facilities on site which together with additional marquee facilities will make the whole event have a very " Championship village atmosphere feel to it ". Many competitors will be living on site or staying in nearby B&B accommodation, but all will enjoy the onsite catering and evening entertainment which will be laid on. There will be 5 days of very competitive racing taking place with daily prizes and culminating in the awarding of the overall Championship winners on the last day. Strangford Lough is well known to many sailors and provides a fantastic venue for such an event, not only for its outstanding scenic qualities, but also for the abundance of wild life which can be observed around its shores and on the water. It provides large expanses of open water which are tidal , but not exposed to open sea conditions owing to the relatively narrow entrance to the Lough.

Sailing Beginner Terms - Sails

In this article of sailing beginner, I am going to be discussing sailing terms associated with sails. In general there are three general types of sails known as the Mainsail, Jib, and the Spinnaker used for downwind sailing. The main sail is typically triangular in shape and the top of the sail is known as the head where the halyard rope is attached for raising it up on the mast. The bottom of the sail is known as the Foot. The Tack is where the sail is attached to the boom and is located on the bottom luff side of the mainsail or the side closest to the mast. The Clew is where the sail is attached to the boom and is located on the bottom leech side of the mainsail on the opposite end of the mast. As mentioned the Luff is on the mast side of the mainsail and runs the length of it. The Leech is the opposite side of the mainsail and runs the entire length from the bottom or the foot to the head or top of the sail. Although there are various kinds of sails, the mainsail is the workhorse of them all. It allows the sailing boat the ability to sail up or down wind. With that said, as a sailing beginner, you may want to use just the mainsail initially when tacking upwind. Otherwise it can be overwhelming to control two sails at once especially in high winds! The mainsail can also be reefed in high winds, which is nothing more than reducing the area of the sail. More about reefing in my next article. So in essence the mainsail is the most versatile of the three general types of sails because it can be used in all sailing applications, techniques, and adverse weather conditions. The next type of sail used is known as a Jib and this is what I have on my Renken pocket cruiser. Jibs are located in front of the mast, triangular in shape, and are the main source of propulsion when going upwind or sailing into the wind. The Genoa is similar to the jib, but overlaps the mainsail when in place, unlike the jib's leech side that remains in front of the mainsail. The Gennaker is a hybrid of both the genoa and a spinnaker that was developed in the 1990's and is used primarily for racing. Most common of the three are jibs and most likely as a sailing beginner, it's most likely the sail you will use of the available headsails. Also as a word of caution, please be careful using the jib when sailing in high winds, especially if you are sailing perpendicular to the wind. Just recently while sailing, I was deceived into thinking that the wind was not all that bad and raised my jib sail while sailing downwind. It was smooth sailing up to that point until I was forced to make a starboard turn because I had to navigate around a point of land on my port side. I steered my sailing vessel into a port jibe or gybe, and all of the sudden a gust of wind of over 15 knots hit me so hard that I was just short of taking in water on my port side. At this point, my adrenaline put me into high gear and I put as much of my weight on the starboard side almost sitting directly on the side of the boat, and was contemplating on jumping on the keel if I was able. It was either that or jump ship! In this case, I made the split decision to stay aboard. So with my hands white knuckled to the tiller pushed away from me, I was able to counteract the force of the wind and upright my boat. Mind you this is a 1,200 pound sailboat with a keel that weighs over 400 pounds! And I was single-handed sailing that day, but I was able with much difficulty to retrieve the jib while I had my Renken in irons while in the middle of the lake. The last most commonly used of the three general types of sails is the spinnaker. The Spinnaker also called the Kite or Chute is used for sailing downwind or when the wind is behind you. Much like a parachute, the spinnaker fills up with air and creates a maximum amount of lift, thus propelling the sailing boat forward while going downwind. Since a spinnaker can be twice the size of the mainsail, it takes more effort to raise and to retrieve it. I hope that this gives you a general idea of the sailing basics associated with sails. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7315151

Weymouth and Portland to host Open Handicap regatta

The host venue of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing events is set to launch an annual event inspired by the Games. Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy's (WPNSA) Open Handicap regatta is set to take place during the August Bank Holiday weekend. It will combine coaching, fleet sailing and racing. The event will take place on the same stretch of water used during the 2012 Games, close to Nothe Fort. 'Lasting legacy' Three races, inclusive of all classes, will take place on both Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 August. Competitors will also have access to support from Olympic coaches on Friday 23 August. An all classes pursuit race, run under the RYA Portsmouth Yardstick scheme, will be held on the Bank Holiday Monday. John Tweed, chief executive of WPNSA which has developed the event with SailRacer, said: "There will be a WPNSA Regatta Cup awarded and the event will not be one-off, but be part of a programme to ensure there is a continuing and lasting legacy in Dorset and the United Kingdom." SailRacer will stream the event online to allow spectators to follow the live action. Chartered boats will also be provided by SailLaser, the onsite sailing school, to allow those who do not own boats to take part in the racing.