Grant to help build pontoon to improve disabled access at Hartlepool club

A SAILING club has been given a £10,000 grant to help get more people involved in the sport. Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club (THYC) clinched the grant from Sport England – as well as receiving the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) award for North-East club initiative of the year. The grant will build a new pontoon that will improve disabled access to the club’s boats. The awards were presented to the yacht club’s president Tommy Richardson and Commodore Barry Hughes by the ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher. Mr Hughes thanked Sport England, Hartlepool Council’s sport and activity team and the RYA and said: “At the club, we are committed to our goal of bringing sailing and boating opportunities to a wider audience. "This goal was made easier by the generous support of Hartlepool Borough Council whose grants and bursaries allowed our plans to take shape. “Indeed, it was the club’s work with the council that brought the club to the attention of the RYA North East committee and led ultimately to the club Initiative of the Year award." Steve Gibbon, Chairman of the RYA North East Region, said: “We had several strong entries but the entry from Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club was outstanding. “Volunteering is recognised by the RYA as one of the pivotal aspects of our sport and provides a foundation upon which we can build a successful sailing nation. “That starts with club like Tees and Hartlepool. Without the time and dedication of volunteers, success such as that achieved by the club would not be possible.”

Isle of Mull gets £450,000 funding for pontoon

A PONTOON is to be built in a small community on the island of Mull in a bid to boost tourism by allowing yachts and tour operators to berth at the spot. A grant of £451,000 from the Coastal Communities Fund has been pledged to the Mull and Iona Community Trust to pay for the new facility for Ulva Ferry, in north-west Mull. It is expected the pontoon will provide berthing for yachts and access for tour and ferry operators while also catering for fishermen. Cally Fleming, Ulva Ferry Local Development Officer, said: "Sailing tourism is increasing on the west coast of Scotland, however there are no berthing facilities on the west of Mull - which has some of the most spectacular sailing on the west of Scotland. "This facility will complement other pontoon facilities within a day's sail, such as Lochaline, Tobermory, Salen Jetty and Loch Sunart, and will help to open up the sailing grounds on the west of Mull to more yachtsmen." Work is expected to start later this year with the facility scheduled to open at the start of the 2015 season. Planning is also under way to secure funding for a facilities building. Meanwhile, £270,0000 has been awarded to two schemes aimed at boosting outdoor activities tourism in Arran and Cumbrae. A sum of £100,000 will provide up to 28 moorings along the North Ayrshire coastline while £170,000 will go towards upgrading the Isle of Arran coastal way, a 65-mile walking trail round the island.

Free taste of sailing as Tamworth Sailing Club opens new £45k training facility

TAMWORTH Sailing Club is inviting people along for a free taste of sailing as the club celebrates the landmark opening of its brand new £45,000 training facilities. The new training room and storage facilities, funded in part by a £35,280 grant from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities programme, will play a huge part in Tamworth SC being able to offer even more local people more opportunities to get into sailing. The free sailing tasters take place on Saturday, April 5, from 10am to 3pm, all-comers being taken afloat by experienced instructors and sailors, with the official opening of the new facilities at 11am. Tamworth SC is an RYA Training Centre meaning it conforms to the highest standards of safety and quality, and it will be running an ever wider variety of sailing courses to suit all ages and experience levels to take advantage of the new facilities this year.

Hilary Lister and Nashwa team up to set two new trans-ocean records

The trans-ocean crossing starts on 10 March and will be the first to be completed by a severely paralysed woman and the first to be recorded by an Arab female sailor. 'Hilary and Nashwa are two remarkable women taking on a route that was used centuries ago when the Indo-Oman trading links were first established. Hilary, who is paralysed from the neck down, became one of Britain’s best-known sailors in 2009 when she sailed solo around Britain to set a new disabled record. Since she started sailing 11 years ago, Hilary who suffers from degenerative disease Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy has felt a strong calling to the ocean and although she has never spent more than 36 hours at sea before, this latest Mumbai to Muscat test is her most exciting yet. 'This is a big challenge in terms of personal endurance and navigating large stretches of water and being responsible for myself and other people as well,' she said. 'But I can’t wait. I love the ocean and feel a huge call to it. I also feel it’s a huge privilege to make this voyage, especially with Nashwa who will be the first Omani woman to make an oceanic passage and that makes me feel very privileged.' Nashwa, an Omani dinghy instructor at Oman Sail who last November won the ISAF President Development Award for outstanding achievement in the development of sailing, said: 'I will be the first Arab woman to do this so if I reach Oman safely, this will be a record. I’m very excited. My friends and family keep asking me why I am doing this but the truth is I love sailing and one day want to sail solo so this is a small step towards my big dream.' The two female sailors will be accompanied onboard by Oman Sail’s Niall Myant, a qualified Yachtmaster with extensive offshore sailing experience, who will help in the event of an emergency and a carer to attend to Hilary’s medical needs. Neither will assist in the sailing of the boat.

New Team Member for Wetwheels

We are delighted to announce that we have a new member of the Wetwheels team. Karen Read joined us this week as our Office Manager. It is a full-time post based at our office at Gunwharf Quays. Many of you will know Karen as she has crewed on board the boat at many events over the past 2 years where we have attended with Wetwheels. Karen is also the person who has been responsible for the behind-the-scenes booking administration for many of the major events we have attended so we are delighted that she has agreed to join us full-time. I hope you'll join me in welcoming Karen to the Wetwheels family and you will get to meet her during the coming season.

Sailing Projects Gets Boost With £63k Heritage Lottery Fund

Portsmouth-based charity, The Boleh Trust, has received an additional £63,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to carry out a sail training transition study which will benefit local young people, it was announced today. The funding will help set up a sail training partnership with local organisations to secure the long term future of the historic junk yacht Boleh, currently being restored in Portsmouth. The grant will also launch Boleh as a sail training vessel to provide inspirational opportunities for young people. The Trust is already discussing ways to achieve this with the Portsmouth Sail Training Trust, a newly formed charity. Through the current HLF funded Boleh Project, the Trust has been able to employ shipwright apprentices and to share Boleh's remarkable story with the pupils of Portsmouth's Charter Academy and the local community. Once the restoration completes this autumn, Boleh - whose name means "Can Do" in Malay - will be used to help those facing challenges in their lives by giving them the chance to experience sailing this unique vessel and so build confidence, leadership and team working skills. Boleh, a unique 40ft wooden junk yacht, was designed and built after WWII in Singapore by a Naval Officer, Commander Robin Kilroy, DSC, who then sailed her back to Salcombe, Devon in 1950. She is constructed from traditional materials to a mixed junk/Bermudan rig design with many novel features - such as portholes made from the windscreens of Japanese fighter aircraft. George Middleton, Chairman of the Boleh Trust, said: "Once again the Heritage Lottery Fund has generously supported our vision for this iconic vessel. This grant ensures that Boleh will be given the best possible start to her renewed life as a sail training vessel."

Set sail to Aberdeenshire for the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

Weigh your anchor, fill your sails and get ready for the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Traditional Boat Festival. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the 21st annual festival which will be taking place in Portsoy, Aberdeenshire from June 27-29th 2014. Scotland’s leading celebration of maritime and cultural heritage is one of the key events in The Year of Homecoming, with the theme reflected throughout the festival programme. The event will showcase the best in Scotland’s maritime, crafts, food, drink, music and dance, with a special emphasis on boat building, restoration and sailing. Traditional wooden boats from all over the UK and beyond will congregate in the historic 17th century Portsoy harbour. Visitors will be able to learn how to sail a coracle, climb aboard restored fishing vessels, and see the crews of the St Ayles Skiffs battle it out on the open seas in the annual regatta. This year will also see the official opening of the PORT Boatshed, a community boat building workshop which allows training and restoration to be undertaken. Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Chair, Roger Goodyear, says, “The Festival has a great programme that offers a fantastic traditional maritime experience. Each year our Festival continues to grow stronger and draw in huge crowds- the small town usually only has a population of 2000 people, and this rises to an incredible 16,000 people over the weekend of the Festival.

2014 KA Sail Victorian Moth Championships

Montrose Sailing Club battles to stem the tide of coastal erosion

An Angus sailing club is continuing to improve its defences in its ongoing battle against coastal erosion. The steps down to the beach which had stood strong for most of Montrose Sailing Club’s 50-year history were damaged in the winter storms which battered Angus. A coffee morning in Old and St Andrew’s church hall raised £660 which will go towards repairing the damaged steps. MSC Commodore Kathy Locke said coastal erosion is a problem which the club has encountered on more than one occasion throughout its history. She said: “There have been many attempts over the years to protect the shoreline near the sailing club. On an occasion many years ago, a well-meaning club member deposited a load of rubble to help prevent erosion towards the road. “The club knew nothing of this at the time and in spite of the fact that it was not planned and seemed like a mistake at the time, it is still intact and providing a good defence today. “The council has also been involved in protecting the area around the club from erosion in recent years. They were responsible for placing the large sandbags on the beach south of the club to help prevent erosion towards the road. “In spite of the attempts made to protect the area from erosion, the residents of the house north of the sailing club were less fortunate a few years ago when the roadway outside their house was washed away. “This has since been repaired but emphasises that the area is vulnerable to erosion in adverse weather conditions. “With winter storms seeming to become more frequent, the potential for further erosion around the sailing club is prevalent and it is in our interests to continue to improve defences so that the club can continue to flourish in the coming years.” First formed with only a few keen members in May 1964, the club has gone through a number of positive changes over the years. Where the steps are from Esk Road down to the shore was a launching ramp, constructed from salvaged railway sleepers and telegraph poles by club members, for launching and retrieving the club’s first safety boat. This boat was an ex-lifeboat powered by a four horsepower ‘seagull’ engine and due to its weight, it was retrieved by hauling it up the ramp using a block and tackle. At the site of the concrete slipway came another wooden slipway for launching dinghies. This was replaced by a more substantial concrete one between 1981 and 82. This slipway, was well used and held up well to the elements until it was eroded to an extent where it had to be replaced. The club was fortunate enough to receive funding of around £1,000 in 2011 to replace the slipway, and over the course of a weekend, club members rallied together to construct the current slipway.

Disabled teenager reveals her big sailing ambition for 2014

On the 24th July, Natash Lambert, 16, will sail from her hometown of Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, to embark on a month-long challenge sailing her 21ft Mini Transat, Miss Isle Too, single-handed down the South West coast of England to Wales. Natasha was born with cerebral palsy, which affects her limbs. This weekend she has officially revealed her incredible 2014 sailing challenge: ‘Sea and Summit’. Natasha's condition means she does not have use of her hands, so she sails her yacht using her mouth to operate a ‘sip and puff’ mechanism engineered by her father. It is operated via a straw mounted inside a cycling helmet. Having completed the sailing part, Natasha will then swap her boat for her special walking aid, called a Hart Walker and will climb Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, the highest peak in Britain south of the Snowdonia mountain range.

Staunton Harold Sailing Club crowned RYA Club of the Year 2014

At the eagerly awaited awards ceremony, Staunton Harold SC was picked as the overall winner from the five finalists including Brightlingsea Sailing Club, Horning Sailing Club, Sussex Yacht Club and Ulley Sailing Club. These clubs were selected by an awards panel who judged them on the range of quality and safe activities they provide, how they encourage people to get out on the water and good governance and club management. Staunton Harold has an enviable record of attracting people to, and keeping them, sailing. The club has generated a 50% increase in membership over the past three years, thanks to its friendly, welcoming ethos, range of RYA training courses, work with schools and the local community and significant programme of facilities investment, totalling £150,000 to date. Meanwhile, those who sail at Staunton Harold have countless opportunities to improve their skills, take part in competitive racing and make the most of the club’s buzzing social scene. Nick Waters, Staunton Harold Commodore said: 'I’m struggling to find the right words, it’s a fantastic feeling. We have got this far for the past two years so winning and picking up the trophy is tremendous. I want to pay tribute to all the members at Staunton Harold who work so hard to make it such a good club.' RYA Club Support Advisor Jackie Bennetts said: 'Over recent years Staunton Harold Sailing Club have focussed on developing both its facilities and the activities they offer. They continually revisit their club development plan, review their achievements and aspirations, and plan for the future. The club have worked hard to develop and maintain great links with their local community and ensure that everyone visiting the club receives a warm and friendly welcome.

Bart's Bash in memory of Sherborne Olympic sailor Andrew Simpson signs up 400th team

A RECORD breaking attempt to hold the world’s largest sailing race is on track say organisers. Bart’s Bash, to be held in memory of Sherborne’s sailing gold medallist Andrew Simpson, has signed up it’s 400th sailing club just two months after entry opened. Jez Payne, the event director at the Andrew Simpson Foundation said: “At a sign up rate that continues to match just short of seven clubs a day worldwide, the world record attempt is on track to easily become the largest sailing event ever on the planet.” Club Nautic Arenal from Mallorca, Spain, were the 400th team to sign up. Albert Vadell, spokesmna for Club Nautic Arenal said: “This is a great initiative and we wouldn’t miss it for the world. We’re ready to go and make it happen.”

Poole Sailability seeks sailors

Poole Harbour is urgently seeking volunteer helpers. Poole Sailability, who are an RYA Foundation site, are appealing for anyone who has sound sailing experience in dinghies or keelboats to join them this season from May to September on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Due to an increasing number of people with disabilities wanting to sail they need both skippers and also boat maintenance helpers. They run a lively social programme after sailing sessions and throughout the winter. If you would like to become involved with Poole Sailability contact Anna Moreland on 01202 632096. More information on www.poolesailability.co.uk.

ILS supports Sailing for the Disabled

ILS Fiduciaries (Isle of Man) Limited has chosen Sailing for the Disabled as its charity of the year. The company, headquartered in Douglas, has donated £1,000 to the Manx registered charity, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sailing on equal terms with their able bodied friends in a harmonious and safe environment. Sailing for the Disabled was nominated by ILS Isle of Man staff and the money donated was raised through dress down days. To further support the charity the Company is also a silver sponsor. Chief Executive Officer of The ILS Group Chris Eaton says “We are delighted to have chosen Sailing for the Disabled as our charity of the year and in turn show our support and raise awareness for a great cause".

River Clyde's Commonwealth Flotilla 2014 Gets £250,000 Funding

Up to 250 yachts will gather at Greenock's iconic James Watt Dock for the Homecoming Muster before sailing up the Clyde to Glasgow as the Commonwealth Flotilla 2014. Inverclyde Council has approved funding towards a major sailing event to showcase Inverclyde, its sailing opportunities and its maritime history. Inverclyde Council has approved £250,000 to help support the one-off event in July. The investment will also secure longer term improvements to Greenock's James Watt Dock. Inverclyde Council's Environment & Regeneration Convener Councillor Michael McCormick said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Inverclyde, its history and modern marine leisure services on a global stage. We have a proud maritime tradition and offer the perfect setting for a spectacular event that has the potential to deliver a long-lasting legacy for Inverclyde and for marine tourism in Scotland. The James Watt Dock Marina is perfectly placed to play host to the event offering accommodation for the boats in sheltered waters and is a perfect day's journey by river from the centre of Glasgow. I am delighted we have been able to commit such a significant level of funding and am excited at the prospect of welcoming the flotilla to the Clyde." Organised by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Scotland the Muster would see a host of feeder sailing events arriving in Greenock between 21 and 24 July from Argyll and the isles, Ireland and Northern Ireland, Wales and England plus the Small Ships Race. Additional boats planning on making the journey up the Clyde will arrive at James Watt Dock by Friday 26 July and after spending the night in Greenock the boats will set sail for Glasgow on Saturday 26 July. RYA Scotland Chief Executive James Stuart said: "We are delighted to be working with Inverclyde Council on this exciting event. Their support will allow us to bring hundreds of boats together in anticipation of a mass Flotilla to Glasgow, which will represent the largest gathering of boats in the Clyde's history. "With Inverclyde as the backdrop the sail from Greenock to Glasgow on Saturday 26 July will be a great spectacle, but it will also help to cement the region's role in the growing Marine Tourism economy and draw attention to the world class sailing and boating in Scotland."

Trinity Sailing offers Devon young people life-changing opportunity

YOUNG people across Devon are being offered a once-in-a-lifetime trip across Europe by a Brixham-based sailing charity. Trinity Sailing has teamed up with a string of Devon businesses to offer 12 deserving young people a voyage at the 2014 International Tall Ships Races. Anyone in the region aged 18 to 25 is invited to apply for a place on Trinity’s sailing vessel Leader which is heading out from Amsterdam on June 29. The 14-night trip sets sail from Harlingen in the Netherlands, where the vessel will meet up with hundreds of other traditional vessels from across the world before heading to Fredrikstad in Norway. The aim of the Tall Ships Challenge is to provide deserving young people with a once-in-a-lifetime voyage worth over £1,200. Applicants are invited to apply for a place by submitting a brief written application explaining why they should be chosen. Anyone who feels they have gone the extra mile can be considered, whether they have helped others or achieved their own personal goal. Alternatively, people can suggest someone they know who might deserve a place. The initiative has been made possible thanks to kind-hearted Devon businesses who have offered to sponsor deserving young people. One of the first businesses to sign up was the Paignton-based family-owned food service company Caterfood. Managing director Mark Felton said he backed the scheme as he wanted to put something back into the local community. He said: “We deal with a lot of businesses in the Torbay area, so we saw it as a way for us to show our support and thanks to local people who deserve a break with this opportunity.” Trinity Sailing works with a wide range of youth organisations, from schools and colleges to social services and community groups. Toby Russell, Trinity Sailing’s director, said: “Sail training, and the Tall Ships Races, is about much more than learning to sail. “It is a true adventure and the experience can inspire young people, whatever their background, broadening their horizons and motivating them towards new goals. For some it is genuinely life-changing. “As well as having a great deal of fun, the Tall Ships helps all of the young participants discover hidden strengths and uncover new talents as they learn the true value of working as a team. “At each stop en route there is a carnival to welcome the ships and their crews. You are given time to explore the various locations and hop on board some the world’s most impressive sailing vessels.” Since their inception in the 1950s, the Tall Ships Races have been a world-class nautical event, attracting young people from all over the world. Trinity will be beginning the Tall Ships adventure in Amsterdam, where the crew can spend four days getting to know the vessel, sailing along the Dutch coast on Leader, as she heads to Harlingen. The first host port will be staging a wide range of activities and events for the international crews before the race begins. No previous sailing experience is required. The trip includes all of the young person’s meals on board, berthing, waterproofs and shore-based activities. If selected, the candidates will need to cover their own costs getting to and from the races. Trinity will provide ideas about how they can carry out fundraising to enable them to pay for their travel and insurance. Selected candidates will also be asked to complete a Tall Ships diary and take photographs of their voyage. A qualified sea staff of five will work with the young people during the voyage. People have until Friday, April 25, to apply for a place. Trinity will then compile a shortlist and invite candidates in for interviews to select the 12 successful applicants. The application form can be downloaded from Trinity’s website trinitysailing.org.

UK GP14 National Championship is scheduled for 27–29 June.

The GP14 National Championship is scheduled for 27–29 June. Put your entry in now! WEYMOUTH AND PORTLAND NATIONAL SAILING ACADEMY is a great venue for this three-day event, with accommodation available so close. Very good value at £99.50 entry fee. Eight races are scheduled over the three days, free beers at tallying – what more could you ask for? Two course-evening meals are arranged for both nights and can be booked and paid for at registration – exceptionally good value. Weymouth offers lots to do for families and non-sailors, with great beaches and good walks along the world-famous Jurassic coastline. Finally, let's see which club can send the most entries to the event. There will be a PRIZE of a bottle of champagne (or maybe two!) for the club with the largest entry.

Third Time Lucky As Staunton Harold Named Best Sailing Club Finalist

Staunton Harold Sailing Club is hoping it's third time lucky after once again being named as a finalist for the prestigious RYA Club of the Year Award. The Midlands-based club was shortlisted in the final five for the award in 2012 and 2013, and will discover if they have landed the 2014 accolade of Britain's best sailing club at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace on Saturday 1 March. The annual RYA Club of the Year, presented by sailing's national governing body, recognises clubs who excel at promoting the sport of sailing, encouraging people on to the water and making their activities varied and accessible to the community. Staunton Harold has an enviable record of attracting people to, and keeping them, sailing. The club has generated a 50% increase in membership over the past three years, thanks to its friendly, welcoming ethos, range of RYA training courses, work with schools and the local community and significant programme of facilities investment, totaling £150,000 to date. Its Open Day regularly welcomes over 100 visitors yearly, and its popular annual 'Sailability Day' attracts well over 100 disabled participants. Meanwhile, those who sail at Staunton Harold have countless opportunities to improve their skills, take part in competitive racing and make the most of the club's buzzing social scene, including its massively popular summertime Friday Night Club, where fun, informal sessions are run for adults and kids complete with BBQ. Nick Waters, Staunton Harold Club Commodore, said: "We're delighted to have been shortlisted for the RYA Club of the Year again. Last year saw us build on the success of the previous two years with success stories in every part of the club. "Over 100 volunteers directly contribute to the running of the club on committees, training, race management, safety, maintenance, bar and galley, and this nomination would not have been possible without their dedication and diligence." The other shortlisted clubs are Brightlingsea SC (Essex), Horning SC (Norfolk), Sussex Yacht Club (West Sussex) and Ulley SC (South Yorkshire). All five clubs will collect finalist awards from the British Sailing Team's Megan Pascoe, before the overall winner is revealed by RYA CEO, Sarah Treseder. In more great news for Staunton Harold, rising star, Ellie Craig, 14, will also be presented with an RYA Regional Youth Champion Award for the East Midlands at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show. Ellie, previously a member of the RYA North Zone Topper Squad, is progressing towards the RYA National Junior squad in the junior one-person class. As an RYA Champion Club, Staunton Harold has enjoyed much success feeding talented youngsters like Ellie into the RYA's hugely-successful Junior and Youth Racing Programme, on the pathway to Olympic classes sailing. Jackie Bennetts, RYA Club Support Advisor, said: "Without the ongoing support and commitment from individual members, clubs wouldn't exist and certainly wouldn't offer the range or quality of activities which are crucial to the continued success of both clubs and our sport." Staunton Harold certainly won't be resting on their laurels in 2014. The club's RYA learn to sail courses start on Saturday 19 April for adults and Saturday 10 May for juniors. Meanwhile their Open Day, when anyone can go along and try sailing for free, takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 25 August. For more full details about everything going on at Staunton Harold SC this year visit www.shsc.org.uk or for information about sailing in Derbyshire visit www.rya.org.uk/regions/eastmidlands Thanks to Gallagher Heath, supporters of the RYA Club of the Year Award, and Sailing Awards, who have donated the Club of the Year trophy.

£100,000 donation will keep Sail for a Fiver scheme afloat

THE popular ‘Sail for a Fiver’ scheme that has helped thousands of youngsters to learn the sport will continue thanks to a £100,000 donation. The Chesil Trust, which oversees the scheme, has received the donation from Mrs Elma Shipley in memory of her husband Rod who died in 2012. This donation will enable the popular “Sail for a Fiver” scheme to continue for at least another three years. Mr Shipley owned Chesil Beach Motors and was a popular local businessman. Born in Pickering, North Yorkshire he was educated at The Royal Hospital School in Holbrook where he experienced sailing for the first time. In recognition of this inspiration, his wife Elma, who lives on Portland, donated £100,000 to the trust to give local school children a chance to experience sailing. Di Ludlow, Chairman of The Chesil Trust said: “The ‘Sail for a Fiver’ scheme has enabled more than 12,000 Dorset children between the ages of 10 and 11 to experience sailing on our Olympic waters. “The scheme will be renamed the “Rod Shipley Sail for a Fiver” scheme in recognition and thanks to Mrs Shipley for the generous donation in memory of Rod”. Mrs Ludlow added: “To formally thank Mrs Shipley and to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the scheme we are hosting a cake and coffee reception at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy at 11am on Thursday February 27 where Olympian and Patron of the Chesil Trust, Simon Hiscocks will receive the cheque from Mrs Shipley”. The Trust works with providers – the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre and the specialist sailing school based at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing academy who in turn work closely with schools throughout Dorset. The programme allows Year 6 schoolchildren to sail for a charge of just £5. The Trust then tops this up to make sure the providers can cover their costs

Ahoy Centre and Greenwich Council offer free sailing tasters ahead of Tall Ships Regatta

GREENWICH Council has joined forced with a Deptford sailing centre to offer free taster sessions ahead of this summer's Tall Ships Regatta. The sessions are for 15 to 24-year-olds from the borough during the Easter school holidays. They are particularly aimed at those who want to join a crew during the regatta, as they race from Falmouth via the Isle of Wight and into Greenwich for a four-day festival from September 5 to September 9. The sessions, which offer a RYA sailing qualification, have been funded through the Woolwich United sports programme, being delivered by Charlton Athletic Community Trust. Anyone interested in signing up to the sessions should call 020 8293 5355 or email katy.mcardlecastle@cact.org.uk

East Coast Sailing Trust offers bursaries for school trips

A sailing barge offering trips for school children is awarding bursaries to some organisations and schools. The Thalatta offers five day cruises from Maldon or Ipswich, and children sleep in hammocks and take turns to crew the boat, while learning about estuaries and the sea. The East Coast Sail Trust can now offer a £1000 bursary, reducing the cost of the trip from £3600 to £2600 for a group of ten. Applications should be submitted by email or post to Christopher McArthur, Director of the Trust, at chris@cimcarthur.co.uk or Mr C I McArthur, Berry Farm, Hoo Road, Charsfield, Suffolk, IP13 7QH by March 25.

Havering Sailing Club

The Havering Sailing Club was founded in the late 1950s by a group of teachers from Hullbridge. Their aim was to provide outdoor activities for schoolchildren, and in turn themselves, and the activity that became dominant was sailing. “When the club’s lease at Hullbridge expired, it moved to Grangewaters, South Ockendon, before finally relocating to Stubbers in Upminster. “Havering Sailing Club is a small, friendly, group which meets from March through to November. “There are various club boats for members to use for a small fee. “Club members own many different classes of dinghy, so the handicap principle is applied to races, enabling each boat to participate on equal terms. “Generally four races are held each Saturday. There is also a rescue boat which is on the water all afternoon and buoyancy jackets and helmets are available for use. “Two week “Come and try” sessions for new people thinking of joining the club are offered for a charge of £20 and if these people join they get £10 of that back. “Currently the fees are £75 per adult for each eight-month sailing season, with a person under the age of 18 paying £35.” www.haveringsailingclub.org.uk

Focus on Tall Ships: Luxury Gulden Leeuw to visit

The former Danish government ship Gulden Leeuw is the third to be featured in our series profiling some of the vessels due in port for August’s Falmouth Tall Ships Regatta. The ship was built in 1937 on behalf of the Danish Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Then named M/S Dana, it was designed and built as an ocean-going ice class ship and was frequently used for marine biological research. Over the next few years she was sold and re-named a few times before being used as a training ship for the Danish Nautical College in 2000. In 2007 she was finally sold to P&T Charters and converted into a fast three-masted topsail schooner. The company claims: “We built our dream, a big, sturdy sailing ship reminiscent of the 30’s and with the deck layout of a classic yacht.” The ship is fitted out in luxury, with the Captain’s VIP lounge offering an open fire and Chesterfield sofas, the deckhouse housing a central bar and a dining room that can be transformed into a dancehall, seminar room or dormitory. As well as offering day trips and quayside parties, the Gulden Leeuw also provides sail training opportunities for up to 60 people. They claim: “On board the Gulden Leeuw we truly believe in sail training and the influence this experience has on the life of young people. “You can see people change during the time they are on board. Our crew is trained to support trainees within every task; sailing, steering, navigating but also cooking and cleaning are part of the program.” For more information on the ship visit www.guldenleeuw.com.

The fantastic A-Cats

Ian is happy with his Volvo Ocean Race crew

HAMPSHIRE round the world racer Ian Walker has bolstered his Volvo Ocean Race crew with a host of Hampshire sailors. Southampton-based Justin Slattery, Simon Fisher, Phil Harmer and Andrew McLean have all been snapped up by Walker for his third stab at victory in the 40,000-mile race. Between them they have sailed in 12 past editions of the Volvo Ocean Race, and Slattery and Fisher were key members of Walker's 2011-12 squad. Harmer sailed with French winners Groupama in the past race while McLean was onboard Team New Zealand. The four new recruits join Emirati crewman Adil Khalid, Australian Luke Parkinson and onboard reporter Tom Bushell on Walker's Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team. The final member of the nine-man crew is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. “Phil, Andrew, Simon and Justin each bring unique skills and invaluable experience to the team and I couldn’t be happier to have them aboard,” said Walker. “We all enjoy sailing together and that can be an important factor in the pressure cooker environment of a nine-month yacht race around the world.” Hamble's Neal McDonald, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing's performance manager, played a key role in selecting the sailors to take on yachting's premier ocean race. ADOR performance manager Neal McDonald was instrumental in the selection process. “I’m confident we have the right people. “It’s a solid mix without any big egos. “This is an international lineup, but the common factor is that they are all very much focused on winning.” Walker and his team are set to take delivery of their brand new Volvo Ocean 65 yacht in the next few weeks and will then head to Lisbon, Portugal, to train. The Volvo Ocean Race starts from Alicante, Spain, in November.

Tenby Sailing Club gets OnBoard

West Wales children will get more chances to give sailing a try thanks to Tenby becoming the latest sailing club to join the successful national scheme OnBoard. It is aimed at providing as many opportunities to sail to as many children as possible, particularly those who would not normally get the chance to try the sport. Tenby is already the host of many Welsh and national championship sailing events, recognised as one of the best stretches of water for sailing on the British coast, so it is one of the best venues to learn to sail. By improving links with schools and clubs in the Tenby area, the sailing club will look to bring sailing to increased numbers of children between the ages of seven and 16. "Tenby Sailing club has been a proactive club for a many years. By becoming the 22nd OnBoard partner in Wales we hope that it will enable them to grow and develop their family, youth and adult membership further," said Hester Walker WYA West Wales Club Development Officer. Run by sailing's national governing body, the RYA, OnBoard is a highly successful industry supported grass roots programe which seeks to make sailing easier to get into for young people. Over a ten year period the programme aims to introduce a minimum of 500,000 children to sailing in the UK, converting over 10% of them into regular participants. So far it's nicely on track. Cat Ferguson, OnBoard Operations Officer, said, "It's great to welcome Tenby Sailing Club to the OnBoard programme. "Sailing is a fantastic sport no matter your age, background or ability. We look forward to working with them and the local community to get as many people as possible enjoying our great sport." Tenby commodore Paul Evenden added, "We are delighted to have been recognised by the OnBoard scheme and this will help us to develop sailing in the area even more. "We have so many natural advantages at Tanby sailing club, but this will allow us to open up those opportnunities to even more children in the area. "We are looking forward to being more involved in Tenby schools and giving a chance to sail to those children who would not normally come across these opportunities." For more information about how to get involved in sailing visit the RYA's website www.rya.org.uk or the OnBoard website www.ruob.co.uk

Honoured For Landmark Disability Sailing Work

A Stoke sailor who has driven the quest to build a new fully inclusive, state-of-the-art £550,000 training centre and boathouse for disabled sailors at Rudyard Sailability, near Leek, has had his efforts recognised by sailing's national governing body, the RYA. Rudyard Sailability Chairman, Dennis Priebe, himself a wheelchair user after suffering a spinal injury in 1993, received the Exceptional Contribution Award at the annual RYA Sailability Volunteer Awards on Saturday (8 February). Having been instrumental in founding Rudyard Sailability 12 years ago, volunteer Dennis has transformed the site from a 'shed' to become a venue for all. In the past 18 months alone he has raised over £400,000 towards the new facilities, spending days and nights at the site in sub-zero conditions last winter overseeing the project. With the ethos to make sailing as accessible as possible to absolutely everyone, regardless of severity of disability, the centre's design promotes total independence. Whilst work continued last year, Rudyard ran shoestring activity for the local special schools, social services users and the Aiming High for Children with disabilities project. But having now achieved official RYA Training Centre status, this season will see the centre bid to achieve its aim of full family inclusiveness and sailing for all. Dennis said: "I'm ecstatic to have been given this award. I'm even smiling and I'm supposed to be grumpy! I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped with this project without whom this award would not be possible. "So far we've received no Sport England or Lottery funding. We tapped into one European fund but everything else has come from private investment, donations, bucket funds, buy a brick, fundraisers, you name it we've probably done it! We've relied so much on goodwill and volunteers, and their efforts and generosity can only be described as extraordinary." Some of the highlight features of the new facility include a remote sensor controlled 4ft wide solid wood entrance door, designed specifically to enable fully-ventilated users with the biggest wheelchairs hassle-free access, an interior painted in contrasting yellow and blue following recommendations from visual impairment groups and open space and kneeholes designed in consultation with mobility groups. The building also has two hearing loops, while sensors and finger tip touch for access is commonplace throughout. All of this is housed in a beautiful traditional stone building that looks like it has been standing at Rudyard Lake for 100 years. Jackie Griffiths is Rudyard Sailability Secretary, and her daughter Tilly, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and is a full-time wheelchair user, is a regular Rudyard sailor and now also teaches others to sail. Jackie said: "This facility simply wouldn't exist if it wasn't for Dennis. He's been project manager, site foreman, he's wheeled and dealed and just not taken no for an answer from anyone! Despite impaired mobility himself, Dennis and up to 20 volunteers each week were digging trenches, laying stones, everything and anything in spite of sub-zero Arctic conditions last winter. He thoroughly deserves this award." Debbie Blachford, RYA Sailability Manager, said: "Dennis' total dedication, commitment and determination have made this project successful and he has ensured disabled people are part of the management committee and board of trustees so disabled people have a voice in every decision of the project. He lives and breathes Rudyard Sailability, and his vision of accessible sailing for all. I can't think of a better role model for accessible sailing and volunteering." To find more about learning to sail and getting involved at Rudyard Sailability this year visit www.rudyardsailability.org.uk

Great things planned for the GP14 International Class 2014

Lots of great things planned for the GP14 International Class. Check out the 3 dinghies at London Dinghy Show 1st and 2nd March. Get entered for some fabulous Racing Events, including Weymouth for the Nationals, then the World's in Ireland this year. Look forward to visiting the Caribbean in 2016 for the next World Championship to be held in Barbados. Mainsail will be out to GP14 Association members in March, but look out for your newsletter this month. Not an Association Member, then check out details to join on the website www.gp14.org

PARALYMPIC CHAMPION SUPPORTS UKSA

Paralympic gold medal winning sailor Helena Lucas has teamed up with youth charity UKSA to become one of their ambassadors. Helena made history claiming gold at London 2012, becoming the first ever female winner of the male dominated Paralympic class and Britain’s first ever Paralympic sailing gold medallist. UKSA offers transformational opportunities to young people through sailing and watersports, from their main base in Cowes, Isle of Wight, and other sites around the UK. Helena explained: “I’m proud and excited to be ambassador for the wonderful youth charity, UKSA. UKSA uses sailing and watersports as a catalyst to help young people. They know that being out at sea, facing a challenge and working both individually and as a team can make you a more positive, more able person. It gives you confidence, it raises your self-esteem. This is something I strongly believe in and I am very happy to be lending my support to such a fantastic charity.”

Sail 4 Cancer announces Hudson Wight as an official supporter in 2014

Recently launched performance sailwear company Hudson Wight is supporting the sailing charity Sail 4 Cancer at a range of UK regattas this year. Participants at a number of events where Sail 4 Cancer is the chosen charity will be able to win a set of Hudson Wight HW1s by entering the charity's various prize draws, competitions and event raffles. The charity will be providing a range of Hudson Wight prizes at industry regattas ranging from the Profile Cup and Legal Cup organised by Britannia Corporate Events, to the Henry Coanda Challenge and Torbay Week, one of the oldest regattas in the country. "The support of Hudson Wight will enable us to raise funds to provide much-needed respite breaks for families affected by cancer. This year we hope to help a record number of families," commented Lizette van Niekerk, Fundraising Manager of Sail 4 Cancer. Sail 4 Cancer has also joined the Hudson Wight Affiliate Scheme that allows supporters buying their sailing clothing and accessories on the Hudson Wight website to use the Affiliate Code: SAIL 4 CANCER, giving them a 10% discount on the purchase and the charity will then receive 15% of every sale. "We are delighted to include Sail 4 Cancer as our chosen charity for 2014. We only sell direct and our Affiliate Scheme is at the heart of that business model. It allows us to give 15% of all our sales to our affiliates who are typically volunteer run Clubs and Class Associations. The aim is build a top-level brand with the sport of sailing as a key stakeholder in our success. With that approach we hope to give more people a chance to get out on the water," said Hudson Wight's Managing Director Jamie Scrimgeour. For more information on Sail 4 Cancer please visit: http://www.sail4cancer.org/hudson-wight or visit the Hudson Wight website at: http://www.hudsonwight.com

Congratulations to Ben Saxton of Grafham water sailing Club

Congratulations to Club member Ben Saxton, who won a bronze medal at the recent Sailing World Cup event in Miami, helming a Nacra 17 catamaran. This result moved Ben and his sailing partner Hannah Diamond up to first in the latest ISAF world rankings for the Nacra 17 – a useful step towards their aim of representing GBR at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and wining Olympic gold.

Big year ahead for Pascoe

FRESH from winning gold at the Miami Olympic classes regatta, Portland’s Megan Pascoe is gearing up for an action-packed year. The 2.4mR keeboat sailor beat her biggest rival – British Para-lympic champion Helena Lucas – and a 26-boat fleet, to secure victory on Biscayne Bay. Lucas battled back into medal contention to take bronze following an over-the-starting-line (OCS) penalty in race two of the regatta. Pascoe, aiming to qualify for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, admits the win is a timely confidence boost. She said: “We are still not sure when the trials will happen but obviously a win is a win and it means I am still world number one. I have a lot more work to do but I’m ecstatic that I finished every race inside the top three. “My speed is getting faster and my racing more consistent in every competition so, with a bit more practice, I’m sure when trials come round I have a good shot at it.” Pascoe, who narrowly missed out on London 2012 Paralympic selection, credits her new coach Rob Wilson for upping her game. She said: “Rob has coached the winning Extreme 40 Wave Mus-cat team plus many more teams to victory in many classes. He has made me go faster and has confidence in my speed, which has made sailing easy. The 27-year-old’s next big events are the Princess Sofia regatta in Palma in March, the Hyeres World Cup in April, the IFDS Worlds in August in Hali-fax, Nova Scotia, then the 2.4mR Open Worlds in Toronto, Ontario in September. Although Pascoe will be in Toronto on September 21, she is determined to participate in the Guinness World Record attempt in honour of her former British Sailing team-mate And-rew ‘Bart’ Simpson, who tragically died in an America’s Cup training accident. ‘Bart’s Bash’ aims to be the biggest-ever sailing race, involving yachts, dinghies and windsurfers world-wide, competing simultaneously at 11am (BST). Castle Cove Sailing Club (CCSC) and Weymouth Sailing Club (WSC) member Pascoe said: “I’m hoping I can persuade National Yacht Club in Toronto to host an event. “Bart’s Bash will be the most amazing spectacle. In Weymouth alone, I know how big some of our Yacht Club of Weymouth events can get so this is going to be massive.” WSC and CCSC are among the 322 clubs signed up so far. CCSC spokesman Rob Smith said: “Bart’s Bash is a multi-club and multi-national event, created by the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation as a special way to remember and capture the spirit of the late Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson. “In addition to promoting sailing, raising awareness of the foundation and its core objective of encouraging youngsters into sailing, it is also aimed at giving thousands of sailors a great simultaneous event with the opportunity to get results against the best in the world, raise funds and achieve a Guinness world record.”

Sponsors wanted for GB sailing challenge

A SAILING enthusiast is appealing to Pershore residents and businesses for sponsorship funding so she can help Great Britain to glory this summer. Pershore High School student Amy Johnson will have the opportunity of representing her country in July when she takes part in The Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship which will be held in France. The competition, which runs over ten days, will see the talented 17-year-old compete in a series of different rowing and sailing races in a 38ft boat called Intergrite against 16 other countries from across the world. To help fund her training, which starts months before the competition begins, Amy is on a £1,000 fund-raising appeal and hopes to get help from businesses and residents to help cover her travel, clothing and boat maintenance costs. Amy, who is also studying in her final year of A-Levels at the Station Road school, has managed to raise some cash already thanks to family members, friends of friends and organising raffles. But time is ticking as Amy needs to raise all the funds by May so she can begin her preparations in good time. This will be Amy's second time representing Great Britain in the competition after making her debut in 2012 when the event was held in Ireland. Speaking to the Observer Amy said representing her country was one of the biggest honours she has had in her lifetime. "I'm really excited to be representing Great Britain and any amount of sponsorship would be greatly appreciated," she said. "My first experience of 2012 was such an amazing experience with the atmosphere and everything and I can't wait to experience it all again. "We will have a much bigger team than we did in 2012 so it means we will have more flexibility and can choose our strongest rowers for races rather than everyone in the team having to row. "I've been sailing for quite a while and got started because my dad got involved in sailing and I then I followed it up from him. I really enjoy sailing and hope to do it for most of my life." Pershore High School headteacher Clive Corbett added: "Everyone at the school is very proud of what Amy achieved in 2012 and what she is going to achieve this year. "I'm always in admiration into how Amy and other students fit these type of activities in around their studies as well. And I'd urge people out there to help out Amy in her quest to do really well for Great Britain this summer." Anyone interested in sponsoring Amy should email her on 006784@pershore.worcs.sch.uk or contact the school on 01386 552471.

WEYMOUTH: Exciting 2014 events programme launched !

WEYMOUTH and Portland has officially launched its exciting programme of events for 2014. It will be hosting more than 260 events throughout the year including world and national sailing championships, live music, art and sports events, community fetes and fairs and many seasonal favourites during 2014. The events programme gets off to a sporting start this month (February) With the Topper Winter Regatta at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy while on February 22nd-23rd the borough will also host the quad bike racing event, Dickies Quad Beach Cross, on Weymouth Beach. The borough’s major events are back in 2014 including Best of Dorset Show in March, Weymouth Kite Festival in May, Wessex Folk Festival and Armed Forces Celebrations in June, Dorset Seafood Festival and Spirit of Portland in July, Weymouth Carnival in August and the Lions Beach Motocross in October. Big sporting and leisure events will be happening in Weymouth and Portland this year including one of the country’s leading Iron Distance triathlons, Challenge Weymouth, in September. Challenge Weymouth will lead more than 1,500 athletes through this incredible multi endurance event which includes a 3.8km swim, a 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run, attracting an extra 5,000 sports visitors and supporters. Challenge Weymouth is planning to develop a strong future in Weymouth. A range of high class sailing competitions will also be happening at the WPSNA including Cadet Worlds in August and the Wayfarer and Optimist Nationals in July and August. People can also take part in sporting challenges such as BustinSkin multi-event series, Round-the-Rock I0K, Portland 10 mile road race and Dumble Bimble Fun Run on Portland, the Weymouth 10 Mile Race on Weymouth Seafront and the ASA Long Distance Swimming Championships. July and August is always a great time to try out a sport and join in the fun on Weymouth Beach and this year the Ecover Blue Mile will be back with an open-water swim, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. This will be part of the Dorset Festival of Sports which will feature the Beach Sports Festival, the Battens Charity Beach Volleyball and the RAF Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic, the country’s leading two side men’s and women’s volleyball championship. Throughout 2014 the borough’s fabulous park and open spaces will host a range of activities including fetes, fairs and picnics organised by the parks’ friends groups and the borough council. Weymouth Portland tourism spokesman Councillor Ian Bruce said: “The 2014 programme is full of top quality events. There are seasonal favourites and exciting new events making this programme bigger and better than ever. There is really something for everyone to enjoy and get involved with. This programme will again give a great economic benefit to the area. “A special thanks to this year’s event partners, Real World Security, Weymouth Swimming Pool (SLM), Weymouth Pavilion, Mud & Gears and Just Racing (Challenge Weymouth).” For the events happening in Weymouth and Portland go to www.visitweymouth.co.uk.

A new range of performance wet weather gear

Hudson Wight is the latest brand of performance sailwear to enter the technical end of the sailing clothing market. Their range of stylish-looking gear is targetted mainly at keelboat sailors for year-round use whether cruising or racing, inshore or offshore, however the range is only available to purchase direct from Hudson Wight which is intended to reduce pricing. Norrie Forster, a delivery skipper and RYA Yachtmaster Instructor in Scotland, had this to say. "In summary, I would now without hesitation consider the Hudson Wight sailing suit (HW1s) as my first choice; indeed I feel strongly enough about the significant increase in effectiveness that I find myself regularly evangelising about this new brand and its future in the sailing marketplace." More products are being added to the range this year but for all the technical and fabric information and testimonials refer to the website: http://www.hudsonwight.com

SAILABILITY :- Grantham’s Val performs well at windy Rutland Water

Disabled sailor Val Millward took part in the prestigious John Merricks Tiger Trophy event at Rutland Sailing Club over the wekend. The conditions were extremely windy, particularly on Saturday when it was only possible to run one of the scheduled races. The Sunday pursuit race went ahead as planned but even then it was very windy. There were 165 boats entered but not all actually took to the water, such were the trying conditions. Val Millward finished 17th over the two-day event and was the first lady helm, receiving the Lady Tiger Trophy for the second time. She recorded a maximum speed of 12.6 knots on Sunday although she said she may have gone even faster on Saturday. Val said: “It was like being inside a washing machine during Saturday’s race at times. The waves were tossing the boat about that much that it made you feel quite seasick.” The John Merricks Tiger Trophy is part of the winter Sailjuice series of events. There are eight venues and sailors count their best four results. Val was only able to sail four of the events and her results from the other three were not good as there had been little to no wind, so last weekend’s 17th place has helped improve her overall result for the whole series.

Calling new British sailors: RYA Push the Boat Out begins May 17

Calling new British sailors: During the weekend of 17-18 May, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) will once again be running RYA Push the Boat Out (PTBO) with clubs, centres and marinas across the UK offering a range of ‘have a go’ and taster sessions for you to experience sailing and windsurfing. In 2013 thousands of people took to the water including newcomers, regular sailors as well as families. Over 100 sailing clubs opened their doors to host Push the Boat Out events. Clubs and centres can now register their 2014 PTBO open days and taster sessions. RYA Push the Boat Out is also part of National Watersports Month. May signifies a great time to kick start a summer of sport and National Watersports Month promises to provide an action packed schedule of activities across the country. 'Push the Boat Out is a fantastic opportunity for clubs to inspire those who live locally to get out on the water and find out just how easy it is to get involved in the sport' said RYA Club Support Advisor Jackie Bennetts. 'This year Push the Boat Out is going to be even bigger and better with more clubs signed up and even more people of all ages and abilities finding out why sailing is such a great sport'. If your club is holding an event for the public on RYA Push the Boat Out weekend, the RYA will provide promotional materials including postcards, badges and pens, coasters and key rings. Resources will also be available on the RYA website including advice on how to run an open day, promote your event and downloadable PTBO posters.

Monkey business on River Mersey

THE threatening winter conditions did not prevent Liverpool Yacht Club / Tranmere Sailing Club staging their latest Brass Monkey Series races on the River Mersey on Sunday. There was a seven-strong turnout in IRC Class One eventually headed by Greg Chiswell's Diva from Bada Bing (Andy Napper and Andrew Farrall) and Eazi Tiger (Adam Kyffin). The Warwick Telfer owned Clarevouyant took Class Two from Saphoenix (Ken Roberts). There were three starters here. The next competition is scheduled for February 16 at 10.30am.

West Mersea's Martin Evans prepares to sail for 145-mile sailing challenge

AN Olympic hopeful will sail from Mersea to the Netherlands on a boat about the size of a surfboard to raise money for charity. Martin Evans, 21, believes he will be the first person to take on the 145-mile challenge in a Laser dinghy, which is just 4.2m long and 1.4m wide. The former Colchester Royal Grammar School student, who is in the second year of a law degree at Exeter University, will take on the challenge in June to raise money for the RNLI.

Pascoe seals second consecutive Miami crown

THE cancellation of racing on the final day for the Paralympic classes saw Portland’s Megan Pascoe secure her second consecutive Miami World Cup title. The conditions also handed the island’s Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell victory in one of only two events that’s eluded them so far during their six-year SKUD partnership. The British Sonar trio of John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Steve Thomas claimed silver, having also seen no racing on Friday, while Paralympic champ-ion Helena Lucas joined Pascoe on the podium, winning 2.4mR bronze just three points behind her team-mate. “It’s a very, very good way to start off the year,” Pascoe admitted. “Last year here was a bit more tricky – I wasn’t quite leading going into the last day and I had to have a few things go my way – but last week has steadily gone my way. Everything’s been really fast and I’m really, really happy.” The 2.4mR fleet was sent out and even managed to start a race before any trace of wind finally disappeared from their course area. “We had quite nice wind to start with – it was about six knots, as the beat progressed it was going more and more left, the pressure was becoming incredibly patchy,” the 27-year-old Pascoe explained. “But going down the run it just went incredibly soggy – I was lucky enough to have had a good beat and was ahead of Helena and Allan, which is what I had to be, so even if the race had finished I was confident I’d still be in the position where I am, but the race wasn’t going to finish. “We were definitely going to be timed out on that one.” Pascoe, aiming to qualify for her first Paralympic Games at Rio 2016, admits that her Miami win is a timely confidence boost at the start of the season. “I think 2014 could be very important in terms of my Rio campaign. There are all sorts of rumours about when trials might start, but really it’s always nice to win and it would be nice to go to the IFDS Worlds in a really good place. “They’ve always kind of eluded me, so hopefully we’ll get one this time.” Meanwhile, Paralympic SKUD class gold is the thing left on Rickham and Birrell’s hit list after finally breaking their Miami World Cup duck. “We’ve been to the Miami World Cup five times – my first ever SKUD event was out here in 2008. We’ve done every year except one since then, and we’ve had every result from fifth to second I think. Finally, now we’ve got to the gold, so now we’ve got a 1,2,3,4,5 in our five attempts.”

Largs sailing event lands top award

The Royal Yachting Association Youth Championships has been voted Event of the Year by the UK sailing community and readers of the Yacht and Yachting Magazine. Held last April, it was the biggest ever UK Youth Championships to be held in Scotland. The 450 young athletes who sailed in 239 boats were from all over the UK, and even from as far away as Australia and Serbia. The championships were held at Largs Yacht Haven. David Kent of the Scottish Sailing Institute, based at Largs Yacht Haven, thanked the volunteers who made the competitors so welcome.

500 student sailors aim to qualify for British Uni Team Racing titles

2014 BUCS/BUSA Student Team Racing Championships.83 student teams, representing 36 British universities, are competing to qualify. Most will be racing at venues around the British Isles this coming weekend, with the Northern group of universities meeting the following weekend (to accommodate the tide timetable!). University sailing clubs (USCs) have been busy training, selecting and competing since the beginning of the current academic year, last October. Team racing is one of the disciplines of student sailing, together with fleet, match and keelboat yacht racing. Clubs also make an increasing contribution to bringing newcomers into sailing, organising learn-to-sail training and facilitating a variety of sailing-related training and qualifications. But Team Racing is particularly popular in universities because of its exciting and sociable sailing format, as a team of sailors work together to try and establish an overall winning combination for their team over their opposition. Team races are fast and furious and reward good starting, boat speed, boat handling, rules knowledge and team work skills. Most university sailing clubs organise sailing at least once a week at a local sailing club, often two or three times a week, arranging team race training and, in many cases, taking team racing skills to a high level of performance. University sailing clubs compete with each other throughout the academic year, organising events themselves across the British Isles. Many familiar names appear in the calendar year-by-year. The Leeds’ Halloween Howler, Sheffield Shuffle, Oxford Magnum, Brummy Bender, London 6-Pack, Cardiff’s Welsh Dragon, Bristol Brew, Loughborough Lemming and Warwick Turtle have already been held this year.

Seems a bit like too much hard work for me !!!!

Post by Waterlust.

Scottish Sailing club in line for national award

Loch Venachar Sailing Club has been shortlisted for the Royal Yachting Association Scotland club of the year. Club representatives will find out if they have won tomorrow (Saturday) at the RYA awards dinner at the Glasgow Science Centre. Loch Venachar Sailing Club is a friendly, family-focused club which has a core of enthusiastic and willing volunteers committed to making everything the club does a success. It has a growing reputation as the place to take children to learn to sail Optimists and progressing on to racing, initially at the club and then on the traveller circuit. It has increased the number of sailors competing away from the club and, as well as supporting these young racers, the club has been making an RIB available to support the regatta fleet where hosting clubs were struggling to provide resources. The club was recently awarded Charter Plus status by Active Stirling and its volunteer instructors ran a second successful year of SQA sailing for a local high school. It is up against Dalgety Bay SC and Clyde Cruising Club in the club of the year competition. RYA Scotland chief executive James Stuart said: “The nomination process has brought to light a host of truly outstanding activity and people. Consequently the short list is of a very high standard indeed. “Our awards dinner is a chance for us to draw attention to these remarkable people and clubs.” The club of the year award is sponsored by Clyde Challenger.

Andrew Simpson: Olympic sailor's 'Bart's Bash' logo chosen

The winning entry has been unveiled after a competition to create a logo for a race in memory of Olympic sailing champion Andrew "Bart" Simpson. More than 65 entries were received, including many by schoolchildren, but the organisers eventually chose a logo by a professional graphic designer. Polly Durrant, from Dorchester, said her logo reflected the "give it a try" ethos of the Bart's Bash dinghy race. It is being held simultaneously at UK sailing clubs in September. Simpson, from Sherborne in Dorset, was killed while training for the America's Cup in San Francisco Bay. Trustees of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation (ASSF) picked the winning logo from a shortlist of three compiled through a vote on Facebook. An ASSF spokesperson previously said entries had come from "a broad field, including professional graphic designers, adults and children as young as five". Nicknamed Bart, Simpson won Olympic gold at Beijing 2008 and silver at London 2012. He died after becoming trapped under an AC72 catamaran when it nosedived, capsized and broke into pieces while training with Artemis Racing. The foundation was set up in his name by his widow Leah, sister Amanda, and fellow sailors Sir Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy, with the aim of supporting youth sailing. More than 250 sailing clubs have so far entered Bart's Bash, which is expected to attract some 10,000 sailors to the water on 21 September.

Youngsters shown the sailing ropes

When the opportunity to practice and train ahead of the racing season is presented to the young sailors of Derbyshire, they certainly commit themselves with vigour. Despite the cold weather, there is no lack of enthusiasm for getting in their boats and working hard to develop and perfect their skills, at all levels and ages. The next training session is being held in the north of the county at Combs Sailing Club on Saturday, March 9 and will be led by coach Richard Rawson of Peak Dinghy Spares. He will be helping the sailors to work on key aspects of their chosen sport and leading them through a series of activities that will be challenging their fitness and capabilities. Rawson raced in several DYS series some years ago and is an RYA trained instructor, so he is well qualified and experienced to help teach today’s competitors. Carsington Sailing Club hosted the first training session of pre-season which was extremely well attended and well received by the sailors. The light wind conditions were perfect for helping the sailors to learn to extend their concentration, so that they can maximise their boat speed and make the most of what little wind there can often be. When the sailors are faced with weather conditions at the lower end of the thermometer, they put on insulating clothes under specialist sailing dry suits that keep them very cosy. They also pull on thick gloves and a variety of warm headwear. Often the sailors return to shore after hours afloat and report that they were too hot as they had to work so hard, but their beaming smiles show how much fun they still had. DYS Training Co-ordinator, volunteer Des Luxton, said: “ many of the sailors are eager to get out onto the racing circuit and start competing at events, their calendars and diaries for this year are already full of commitments for the season.”

Scottish-based sailing charity able2sail launches its 3 LightHouse Challenge

A team of challengers are gearing up for a 700-plus mile sail and cycle in aid of one of Scotland's charities for the disabled. The 3 LightHouse Challenge has been launched by able2sail. It will start from The Lighthouse in Glasgow on Friday 23 May 2014. Six volunteers will endeavour to cycle and sail more than 1,141km of Scotland's most dramatic landscapes and sailing waters. In six days the team aim to cycle to Oban, set sail on able2sail, the charity's own yacht for the sail and cycle round the Outer Hebrides, before returning to Oban and cycling back to Glasgow. The 3 Lighthouse Challenge is a key fundraiser for the charity, which last year took more than 130 clients, friends and carers out sailing on the Clyde and the waters of Argyll. All the opportunities able2sail provides to the disabled community are free of charge by a committed group of volunteers. Charity chairman Gerry Campbell said: 'Sailing truly enables people to be free of their disabilities. With us they are part of the team and the crew, irrespective of their disability or sailing experience.' How will the challenge work? For the sailing legs, the team of six will be joined by one of the charity's expert skippers and members of crew. Throughout the land parts of the challenge, a small support team will provide safety cover, help with punctures etc and of course provide the much needed snacks and warm cups of tea. A yacht delivery team will take able2sail from her home port at Kip Marina to Oban for the start of the sailing aspects of this fundraising adventure. Find out more about the 3 Lighthouse Challenge and how to sponsor the team at www.able2sail.org.uk

Harbour wheelyboat helps give disabled their sea legs

LIFE on the water is second nature to some. But for people living with disabilities, the practicalities of boat trips aren’t so easy – or so you might think. That all changed with the launch of a wheelchair-accessible boat, providing new opportunities for everyone to explore the rich and varied marine life in Chichester Harbour. The John Q Davis RM Wheelyboat launched in June last year, giving disabled people independent access to the water. “We have had a hugely encouraging first year,” said boat skipper Ian McCoy. “It has been better than I thought. We’ve taken out more than 500 people.” The project was a joint venture between Thorney Island’s Army Welfare Service, Thorney Island Sailing Club and the Wheelyboat Trust, a charity based in Petworth. Ian McCoy is a support officer at Thorney Island Army Welfare Service. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for army personnel and their families and others to get out on to Chichester Harbour,” he said. “The expression on their faces that they can do something is amazing. They really enjoy it. “The whole thing was devised to get families to experience the water.” Ian said some families who lived on 
Thorney Island weren’t aware Chichester Harbour was an area of outstanding natural beauty – until they saw it. “We take the groups out and do seal-spotting,” he said. “They are amazed when they see them. It’s just a different way for people to see the area.” The Wheelyboat benefits the island’s army families, injured and disabled service personnel, disabled schoolchildren and adults, and is supporting Thorney Island Sailing Club and the community. “We take out groups from Help For Heroes’ Tedworth House Recovery Centre,” said Ian. The centre helps servicemen and women who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses, running activities which help them to do what they enjoy most. Jack, one of the participants from the centre, said it was ‘the best activity’ they had ever done. “It’s great to drive the JQD,” he said. In June, 90 Scouts from Hayling Island were taken out on to the water and Thorney Island Sailing Club, which provides the boat’s mooring for free, used JQD as a support vessel for its junior sailing week when the boat was involved in two rescues. Ian said he was trying to encourage fishing trips, but day trips, harbour tours and nature excursions were also available. “We can finish off with a picnic at East Head, or go to the pub in Itchenor. That’s popular.” The boat was named by Valerie Davis, in memory of her late husband and former Chichester harbour master, Lt Col John Quintin Davis, Royal Marines, who died suddenly while out sailing with Valerie in August, 2010. “My husband’s vision was that the Chichester Harbour is for the enjoyment of everyone and this allows it to be enjoyed,” said Valerie, speaking at the launch of the new boat last year. Andy Beadsley, director of the Wheelyboat Trust, said: “The funding for the boat was kick-started by the John Davis memorial fund. “Valerie has been a keen supporter of the project. She knew it would’ve been a project John would have loved to support. “Ian contacted me in 2011 to see if we had a model for an accessible boat for use in 
Chichester Harbour. It’s really been one of our flagship projects.” The boat was the 150th Wheelyboat supplied by The Wheelyboat Trust since it began charity work in 1985. To help meet JQD’s running costs, the Wheelboat Trust is asking anyone who is passionate about Chichester Harbour to become a Friend of JQD. The annual membership fee will continue provision for disabled people, their families and friends with access to Chichester Harbour. For more information or to make a booking, visit www.jqdwheelyboat.co.uk

Dart Sailability reflects on a successful year

DART Sailability, the Dartmouth-based charity that helps disabled people take to the water, is reflecting on a successful year. Principal and senior instructor Mark Farries said: “We had some of our best weather for five years so everyone enjoyed good sailing. “I would like to thank all the volunteers on the shore, the pontoon and the water who have given up so much time and always done so with a smile.” Sailing takes place at Noss Marina twice a week between May and September and 101 disabled sailors took part last season. Two schools, Oakland Park in Dawlish and Bidwell Brook in Dartington, have continued to bring disabled students aged 14 to 18 years. The Dart Harbour Authority awarded Sailability the Dart Harbour Senior Award for exceptional and inspiring work with young people on the river, saying: “The organisation meets the needs of so many disadvantaged people in such a fun way.” Chairman Robert Boyd said: “We greatly appreciate their kind donation of £500.” Other activities during the year included racing the group’s 23ft yacht Sonar of Dart in the RDYC Wednesday evening series and the Dartmouth Regatta. Sailing with different, mixed-ability crews, they acquitted themselves very well, finishing fourth overall in the keelboat series in the regatta. During the regatta, the group hosted a visit from Geoff Holt and his catamaran which can carry disabled sailors including several in wheelchairs. A number of members went out for a high-speed trip in the bay which was much enjoyed. Barry Cooper and a team from Dart Sailability took part in the Eddystone charity race and raised £1,077 for the group. Another team provided safety boat cover for the Totnes Longbow canoe races and a generous donation was received from Totnes Rotary Club in gratitude. Mr Boyd said: “As a disabled sailor and the group’s chairman I would like to thank everyone for making Dart Sailability such a delightful organisation to be a member of. It provides support, friendship, recreational and competitive sailing which improves the condition of our lives. “We are indebted to all our volunteers, sponsors and fundraisers who make this possible.” All the boats are currently out of the water undergoing their annual refit, which is being undertaken by the group’s volunteers. The sailing season will start again in May.