Disabled Sailing At Carsington Gets Grant Boost

Disability sailing in Derbyshire has received a welcome boost after Carsington Sailability, based at Carsington Sailing Club at Carsington Water, received a £10,000 grant award from Sport England to invest in new equipment. The money will be used to purchase a hoist for transferring disabled sailors into and out of boats and a specially designed Access 303 dinghy, which will open up more opportunities for disabled people in Derbyshire to try sailing for the first time. Malcolm Torry BEM, of Carsington Sailability, said: "This award will support the club's push to get more disabled people taking part in sailing. There is a demand for sport amongst the disabled community in Derbyshire and the new equipment will enable us to make more sailing opportunities available through the season. "Having a second hoist will make transfers to and from wheelchairs quicker, enabling more sailors to get on the water. The new 303 Access Dinghy will provide two additional places per sailing session for people taking part in our programme, thereby increasing the opportunities for Sailability members to sail more often." Lisa O'Keefe, Sport England's Director of Insight, said: "We know many organisations and clubs delivering sport struggle to provide sporting opportunities for disabled people because of a lack of access to specialist equipment. We are delighted to award these vital funds to Carsington Sailability, which will play a transformative role in opening up sport to many people who previously found it inaccessible." Neil Wilkinson, RYA Sailability Regional Organiser for the East Midlands, added: "Sailing is all about what people can do not what they can't. It is a truly inclusive sport where people of all abilities can sail recreationally and compete on a level playing field. There is a freedom found on the water that people often can't find in their everyday lives and this new equipment will open up even more doors to sailing in the East Midlands for people with disabilities." To celebrate the grant, Carsington Sailability hosts its annual Open and Fun Day for families and children on Saturday 19 July (11am-4pm). The Pirate-themed day includes competitions and sideshows with proceeds going towards Sailability funds. Carsington Sailability is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. The award is part of Sport England's 'Get Equipped' fund, which was designed to build on the success of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. £1m of National Lottery funding is being distributed to organisations across England to allow them to provide specialist equipment which will help make sport a practical choice for many more disabled people inspired by the Games. In December, Sport England's Active People Survey - an annual, in-depth measure of the nation's sporting habits – revealed a record number of disabled people in England now play sport each week. The number of disabled people aged 16 and over playing sport once a week has increased by 62,000 over the last year, bringing the total number to its highest recorded figure of 1.67m, 351,000 more than in 2005 when London won the bid to host the Games. But, non-disabled people are still twice as likely to play sport as disabled people - 39.2% to 18.5% - which is why Sport England continues to focus attention and investment to address this imbalance. For more information on how you can get involved in sailing at Carsington Sailability this year visit www.carsingtonsailingclub.co.uk/sailing/sailability

Rum and chocolate ship heads for Falmouth under sail

The first of what may become a new breed of commercial sailing ships will blow into a Cornish port next month laden with rum and chocolate. Like the Packet post ships of old, Tres Hombres is due to tie up at Falmouth on April 15 as part of a mission to promote a greener form of transporting goods by sea. Tres Hombres is the world’s only transatlantic, engine-less cargo vessel and is currently making her fifth journey from Europe to the Caribbean and back. Owned and operated by Fair Transport Shipping, the schooner-brig is leading the way towards reviving an industry in shipping goods under sail. Crewman Biz Bliss said: “There is an enormous sense of achievement that we are doing something unique and special by sailing without an engine and proving that it is still possible. It feels amazing to sail into harbour, all hands on deck, as we drop the sails fast and drop the anchor. When arriving and leaving ports under sail, with everyone working smoothly as a team in a heightened and stressful situation, the incredible skill of the captain and mates becomes apparent. These moments are always followed by a celebratory shot of Tres Hombres rum.” Setting sail from Holland in October, the emission-free ship called at ports in Norway, France, Portugal and the Canaries on her way to Brazil and the Caribbean – returning via Bermuda, the Azores and Falmouth before heading to her home port in The Netherlands. Carrying rum, cocoa, coffee, molasses, wine and chocolate bars, the voyage will feature in a BBC documentary. Working with New Dawn Traders, a Bristol-based initiative aiming to revive the UK’s sail cargo industry, Fair Transport Shipping is researching new trade opportunities in a number of countries. On the current voyage Tres Hombres picked up Norwegian stockfisk, Portuguese olive oil and Amazonian nut oils and butters. A barrel of rum will be unloaded in Falmouth for bottling. In its continuing campaign to encourage exporters to consider shipping their goods by sail, New Dawn Traders have organised a programme of events on shore in Falmouth, including a civic reception with the town mayor, chocolate workshops at the Eden Project and a film screening at The Poly. Tres Hombres and New Dawn Traders’ shared mission is to gradually create an emission-free fleet of sailing cargo vessels as part of the global challenge of removing fossil fuels from international supply chains. Summing up the ethos of the venture, joint owner Arjen van der Veen said: “How sustainable is a product if it is not also transported in a sustainable emission-free way?” Depending on sea conditions, the ship will be berthed at Falmouth from April 15 to 21.

£8m National Sailing Centre Underway in Pwllheli, North Wales

The main contractor for the new £8.3m National Sailing Academy and Event Centre has been appointed in Pwllheli, North Wales. The substantial dredging works has already started and the new dedicated visitor and event pontoons will be completed by June and be available for the IRC Welsh Championships in August just after the Dun Laoghaire to Pwllheli ISORA feeder race. The organisers, including ISORA Champion, Stephen Tudor, is keen to attract as many boats across the Irish Sea as possible. The IRC National Championship is an open event and will use the facilities of the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Event Centre and will draw on the skill and experience of the Academy's event team who regularly run World and European Championships. This work says Tudor will enhance and extend the events capacity in Pwllheli and will improve access to the world renowned sailing waters of Cardigan Bay with the provision of new dedicated visitor and events berths with cranes located adjacent to the marina.

Truro estate agent sponsors local Olympic sailing hopefuls

Savills Truro office has stepped up to sponsorlocal Olympic Games sailing hopefuls Tom Phipps and Zennor Pascoe. Tom and Zennor, who are both from Falmouth, are on a campaign to represent the UK at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the mixed multihull sailing discipline. They will be sailing a boat called the Nacra 17 which will make its Olympic debut in the 2016 Games. Last week saw Team Phipps Pascoe complete their first training regatta in Palma where they finished a very promising seventh overall out of 30. The pair will have to compete in various regattas on the Olympic Classes Circuit over the next three years. In order to secure selection for 2016, Tom and Zennor need to perform consistently as the best British team, as only one team from each nation will ultimately go to the Games. Jonathan Cunliffe of Savills Truro office, a keen sailor, said: “Over the years I have seen Tom develop into a world class sailor, under the tutelage of his champion father and catamaran supremo Brian Phipps. I have also known Zennor for a long time and seen her amass an impressive sailing CV that, while very different, is complimentary to Tom's own sailing background. “Though Team Phipps Pascoe are a Cornish team, they are talented and driven athletes and have a really strong chance of being selected to represent Team GB at Rio 2016. This would be a fantastic achievement, and we are delighted to help make that ambition a reality.” Healey’s Cyder is also sponsoring Tom and Zennor’s 2014 campaign.

UK Disabled Sailor Keith White’s World Challenge 2014

The World Challenge is to sail single handed and non stop around the world. It sounds simple enough doesn’t it? The route itself is straightforward, Disabled sailor Keith White will sail around the world from west to east via the great capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and the Horn. Be in no doubt, this will be the biggest challenge of his life. With one working hand, for 10 months Keith will sail alone, heading south in the Atlantic, across the bay of Biscay, the Doldrums at the Equator and into the southern hemisphere. Keith will brace himself for the perilous voyage across the Southern OceansIndian and Pacific Oceans with its huge swells, savage storms and tumultuous seas. Keith will then take on the mighty Cape Horn before finally sailing north up the Atlantic back to Great Britain.

Farrow's flag bid

SAILOR Andrew Farrow is planning to fly the green and white of the Wiltshire flag at this summer’s international 2.4 metre class European Championships in the Netherlands this summer. The 48-year-old, from Devizes, tasted top class competition for the first time at last year’s World Championships and after being presented with a £1000 grant from Wiltshire Council at Trowbridge’s County Hall last week, Farrow is ready to book his place at July’s Europeans, which take place on the Sneekermeer lake. “Getting the grant from the council was fantastic because it shows that they’re not just interested in the younger athletes – it’s going to pay for me to go to the European championships and without it, I simply wouldn’t be able to go,” said Farrow, who has been wheelchair-bound since 2006. “Getting the chance to compete among the best sailors around is thrilling and I can’t wait to represent Team Wiltshire there. “I’m definitely taking a Wiltshire flag along with me to competitions this year. “I don’t think that I’ll be allowed to put it on the boat when I’m competing but definitely when I’m in the harbour – I can’t wait to show a few people the Great Bustard.”

Schools sailing regatta attracts record number of entries

Sailors from schools across the county made waves in this year’s Surrey Schools Regatta. Almost 100 students, aged eight to 18 and from more than 20 schools, competed at Papercourt Sailing Club in Ripley in the biggest meeting in the history of the regatta, which was set up 10 years ago. There were three races in the event, which featured a mixed fleet of one-man Laser, Topper and Optimist boats and two-man Feva, Firefly and RS200 craft. Individual medals were handed out for the best performing sailor or crew in each type of boat. However, the main focus was on the school trophies, awarded for the cumulative scores of the best four sailors representing each school. The winning team was from the Royal Grammar School in Guildford. The runner-up was Reeds School in Cobham, while third place went to Tormead School in Guildford. Jeremy Riley, head of youth development at Papercourt Sailing Club, said the record number of entries was due to a renewed publicity drive since he took over the running of the regatta two years ago. Mr Riley said there used to be several school regattas in Surrey but this is the only one remaining. The sport is enjoying a resurgence thanks to strong interest among members of Papercourt’s youth section, who made up half of the competitors in the regatta. “This is a friendly local regatta and a very enjoyable day for the sailors, who tell their friends to come,” Mr Riley said. “Sailing can appeal to students who are not interested in mainstream school sports like football or rugby.” He praised the efforts of the 30 parents who volunteered to help with the running of the regatta. “I hope we can keep building the popularity of this event,” he said. “It takes a lot of organisation, but it is great to give something back to the community and seeing the smiles of the sailors makes it all worthwhile.”

Hilary Lister hits the record books again,brave disabled sailor crosses ocean

Quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister today set a new trans-ocean record by becoming the first paralysed woman to complete the 850 NM sea voyage from Mumbai in India to Muscat, Oman. Her sailing partner, Omani yachtswoman Nashwa Al Kindi, also set a record of her own as the first Arab woman sailor to complete the trip. The pair sailed into port at the end of their voyage which started from the busy port on the western coast of India and crossed the Indian Ocean. Back on dry land, Hilary says the hardest part was getting off the boat: "I never wanted to get off!" She adds: "We had a few challenges, but for me it's all about pushing yourself to the limit. It's meeting those challenges that gives me so much pleasure. "We had some fun moments too. There were dolphins and whales along the way - and I even got slapped in the face by a flying fish. And at night, the sight of phosphorescence on the water and clear starry skies is absolutely beautiful." It was the latest in a series of challenges that Hilary has set herself. She first made it to the record books in 2005, when she sailed the English Channel, and again in 2009 when she sailed solo around Britain. Hilary and Nashwa's arrival in Muscat was well-timed, as the port is currently playing host to some of the elite of competitive sailing whilst it hosts the 2nd Act of the 2014 Extreme Sailing Series. The GAC Pindar team, skippered by Australian Seve Jarvin, is among the crews vying for a place on the leader board.

Brixham sailing charity to appear on Adrian Edmondson's TV show

A BRIXHAM-based charity is sailing to fame in the first episode of a new prime-time television show this week. Trinity Sailing Foundation is appearing on the ITV programme Ade at Sea on Thursday, March 20. Television presenter Adrian Edmondson spent a day filming on Trinity’s 1892-built vessel Leader last summer. The star of The Young Ones and Bottom sailed six miles out from the Torbay coastline with Trinity’s crew and operations manager Matt Gilchrist. Matt said: “It was a nice day for it and everyone seemed to have a good time at sea. Ade was a nice guy and took a real interest in the history of the vessels, as did his film crew.” Ade at Sea producer Simon Paintin said it was a pleasure to work with Trinity. He said: “We filmed our presenter learning the ropes at sea and experiencing the wonderful work Trinity are doing, supporting the development of young people and keeping the heritage of the old Brixham trawlers alive. “The whole Trinity team were so accommodating, organised and helpful. I don’t think you could find a more passionate, enthusiastic and friendly group of people.” Trinity aims to support the personal development of disadvantaged young people through off-shore sail training and to conserve the nationally important historic sailing vessels in its care. The organisation’s fleet of vessels, based in Brixham, also provides opportunities for traditional sailing holidays around the UK and Europe.

Massive congratulations to Hilary Lister & Nashwa al Kindi on their record breaking passage!!!

Sailing race boost for festival

ONE OF the world’s largest sailing events has now been teamed with the Isle of Wight Festival of the Sea as a combined out of peak season tourist attraction. The week-long Festival of the Sea was created by Visit Isle of Wight — the Island’s tourism organisation — and has been moved this year to start on June 16 to coincide with the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. Organised by the Island Sailing Club, the race features some of the country’s top sailors among the 17,000 participants, including Americas Cup winner and four time Olympic gold medallist, Sir Ben Ainslie. One of the weekend highlights will be the Race Village in Cowes Yacht Haven on June 21 and 22, featuring the Red Funnel Cowes Food Festival and Cookery Theatre. VIOW chief executive David Thornton said: "We are excited to be able to announce our second Festival of the Sea, an annual event which helps us promote the Island’s unique seafaring heritage to our visitor market and attract visitors outside the summer holiday period. "We are delighted that Cowes is getting behind this marketing initiative this year. We expect to announce additional events in Ventnor, Ryde and Yarmouth soon and hope that all the Island’s resorts will participate."

New event for Cowes 2014

A NEW sailing event is coming to Cowes this summer. The Etchells Invitational Cup will take place over four days from July 28, hosted jointly by the Royal Thames and the Royal London Yacht Clubs and attracting teams from around the world. Twenty identical boats will be supplied by the Cowes Etchells fleet so no competitor has an equipment advantage, as they try to win the 140-year-old Gertrude Cup. David Franks, Cowes Etchells fleet captain, said: "This event will be a showcase for yacht clubs from around the world to demonstrate the many talented sailors that they have in their ranks, without the need for a huge budget." Clubs from America, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and Malta have already registered their interest.

Rugby and Daventry Sailing Club awarded £10,000 from Sport England to buy four new boats

Even more local people will get the chance to get into and keep sailing this summer after Rugby and Daventry Sailing Club was awarded £10,000 from Sport England to buy four new boats. The club, based on Drayton Reservoir in Daventry, has invested in four Hartley 12 dinghies that can be sailed by one-person, as part of its RYA-endorsed ‘Get Into Sailing At RDSC’ activities programme. To celebrate the arrival of the new boats for the 2014 season, RDSC invites you and your family to enjoy a free taste of sailing on Saturday 17 May, as the club hosts an anyone-welcome Open Day as part of RYA Push the Boat Out weekend. Meanwhile, if you already know you want to learn to sail this year, and get involved in a fantastic, social outdoor sport where everyday life really does get left on the shore, the club’s adult RYA Start Sailing courses start on Saturday, April 12, with further courses scheduled for June and September. The club also runs junior Start Sailing courses. RYA Start Sailing introduces people to the basics and gives them the best first experience in the sport, while also providing opportunities for them to then stay involved and keep improving their skills at welcoming, inclusive sailing clubs. Sylvia Dawson, RDSC Club Commodore, said: “We regularly run successful training courses, however we have in the past found it difficult to keep people coming back regularly once they have initially learned to sail. “This isn’t because of a lack of enthusiasm but a shortage of one-person boats. “Our adult beginner courses take place in boats sailed by two people plus an instructor. This allows trainees to progress quickly from beginner to competent sailor. But with the time pressured lifestyles of today, it can be hard for improver sailors to coordinate sailing dates with regular partners and the upshot is they stop coming.” “Enabling improvers to sail one-person boats on their own, with an instructor on hand, builds confidence in their own ability and they are more likely to continue sailing. We also want to promote the fact boat ownership isn’t essential in the sport and having good quality, reliable boats available for people to sail supports this.” Rugby and Daventry SC is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. RYA Push the Boat Out weekend is a national event that will see hundreds of sailing clubs across the country opening their gates for local people to come and ‘have a go’ at sailing, and at some clubs windsurfing too, with an experienced hand. For full details of everything going on at RDSC this year, and how you can get involved, visit www.rdsc.org.uk

Teenager named sailor of the year

Kieran Graham, 16, picked up the Trident RYA North East Young Sailor of the Year Award. The youngster, of East Boldon, who attends Whitburn Church of England Academy, received the trophy from despatch manager Daniel Rooney during a surprise presentation at the RYA Instructors Conference, hosted by South Shields Sailing Club. Kieran said: “I’m really pleased to have received the Trident Trophy. I’ve been sailing about seven years now. “I had a great year last year and I hope 2014 will be even more exciting. I’ll be competing again at the Sea Scout National Sailing Regatta, which this year visits South Shields. “And in June, I’ll be representing the British Sea Scouts in the International Sea Scout Cup at Long Beach, California.” Kieran, a member of the South Shields Sea Scouts, had a successful year in 2013, winning the RYA NE Youth Travellers Series in July, and a first place in the under18 single handed class at the Sea Scout National Sailing Regatta in August. Managing director of Trident UK Jackie Gebhard said: “Kieran is a worthy winner of the Trident Trophy. “This is the 16th year of the Trident RYA North East Young Sailor Award and Kieran’s name will be added to the trophy, joining some excellent young sailors, many of whom have gone on to win National, European and World Championships in recent years.” Steve Gibbon, chairman of the RYA North East Region, added: “It was very appropriate to present Kieran with his award at the RYA Instructors conference. “Kieran already teaches younger members of the club to sail and race and he should make a great RYA Instructor in the near future.”

Trans-ocean voyage begins for Hilary Lister and Nashwa Al Kindi

British quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister and Oman’s Nashwa Al Kindi have set out today (Tuesday, March 11) from Mumbai to Muscat on an extraordinary trans-ocean crossing which will be the first to be completed by a severely paralysed woman and the first to be recorded by an Arab female sailor. Hilary, 42, suffers from degenerative disease called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy and is paralysed from the neck down. She became one of Britain’s best-known sailors in 2009 when she sailed solo around Britain to set a new disabled record. Nashwa, 32, is a sailing instructor at Oman Sail who started sailing in 2011 and has since won the 'Coach of the Year' award at Oman Sail’s Sailor of the Year Awards 2013 and the prestigious ISAF President Development Award 2013 for outstanding achievement in the field. Eight months ago, Hilary visited Oman to give a series of motivational talks at Oman Sail and the two women hit it off immediately and started to make plans. The trip was scheduled to start on March 10th, but was delayed by 24 hours to clear customs. The pair set sail from Mumbai on a stable 28-foot Dragonfly trimaran and are expected to return to Muscat on March 19th.. The boat has been specially adapted to take the sip and puff sailing technology that Hilary relies on to control the boat. The sip and puff technology is a method used to send signals to a device using air pressure by inhaling or exhaling into a straw. Hilary will use three straws to control steering, sails and navigation. During the 850 nautical mile voyage the two women will operate a watch system to ensure safe and steady progress. During the day, a watch will be six hours and at night three or four hours with breaks for drinks and meals. When Nashwa is on watch, she will switch off Hilary’s system and operate the boat manually. Speaking about the voyage, Nashwa Al Kindi said, 'I’m doing this to inspire the Omani people - if I can do this then there is no reason why anyone shouldn’t go after their dreams.' Hilary Lister added: 'If we get more than 10 to 15 knots it will be a fantastic ride – we will be strapping ourselves to the boat and loving every second of it.' 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.

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.