Round the Island Race - light winds and sunshine forecast

More than 1,570 boats have entered this Saturday's Round the Island Race and around 16,000 sailors are getting set to enjoy the world famous race. Dubbed the 'Race for All', the event creates the unique spectacle of thousands of boats of all shapes and sizes, racing 50-plus nautical miles around the Isle of Wight Race. The race starts and finishes in Cowes this Saturday, 21st June, with an early start for participants. Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Asset Management and organised by the Island Sailing Club, the annual race regularly attracts sailors of all ages and abilities from across Great Britain, mainland Europe and from as far away as the USA. It is one of the largest yacht races in the world and one of the largest participation sporting events in the UK, topped only by the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs. World renowned sailors taking part this year include Dame Ellen MacArthur, Sir Ben Ainslie and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Also attending is Beijing gold medallist Pippa Wilson, plus Rio Olympic hopefuls Luke Patience and Elliot Willis, who will be swapping their 470 dinghy for a Farr 65 that they will be sailing with Question Time presenter David Dimbleby. Where to watch This weekend's event is promised to provide a 'festival of sailing' with lots to do ashore. Spectators will be able to enjoy a variety of entertainment and superb vantage points on the mainland and around the Isle of Wight, such as the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, Hurst Castle and The Needles. Friends and family can also monitor the race progress on the event website via a live Race Blog and live GPS Race Tracker. Twitter users are encouraged to tweet using the hashtag #raceforall - for every tweet J.P Morgan will donate £1 to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. PBO racers PBO News Editor Laura is looking forward to joining the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust for the Round the Island Race. PBO Deputy Editor Ben will be racing his own boat Polly, an IRC class Impala 28. Good luck to everyone who is taking part. Forecast predicts light winds and sunshine. Find out more at www.roundtheisland.org.uk

One hull of an achievement as Bushey teen, Tom Collyer, selected for top sailing team

A seafaring teenager from Bushey is "ecstatic" to have been chosen to represent the UK a major sailing tournament. At 14 Tom Collyer is one of the youngest helms to have made the nation's team at the Cadet Class World Championships in Weymouth in August. The competition will see him compete against more than 250 other sailors from around the world. Tom trained throughout the winter and then took part in the selection series in April and May. This involved 18 races spread over three events at Datchet Water, Weymouth and Stone on the East Coast. Tom finished 8th and the top ten boats make up the team. Tom said: "I am ecstatic about having qualified to represent the country in the Cadet World Championships. "It's taken me years of training and a lot of hard work: five or six years of learning how to sail and two years of the campaign towards this goal. "I wasn't happy with my results at last year's National Championships and as a result of this I did not get in to the National Junior Squad which was hard to deal with. "I trained hard over the winter (with some very early starts and long car journeys) and sorted out the weak points of my racing. My dad taught me how to sail while my mum provided much support on land. "Some very inspiring figures have, of course, been Olympians Ben Ainsley and Andrew (Bart) Simpson along with some local role models including the Commodore of Aldenham Sailing Club Barry Steele - former Head of Art at Queens' School." The Cadet is the only double-handed racing dinghy that is sailed exclusively by junior sailors aged 17 and under. Pritam Vekariaat Queens’ School said: "We are all at Queens' very proud of Tom and his brilliance achievement and wish him the best of luck this August."

Portsmouth: Sailor Back On Water Thanks To Bionic Leg

Laurence Greenough, from Plymouth, who lost his leg in a sailing accident, has had his ability to get back on the water restored with the help of the world's most advanced bionic leg developed by mobility experts Ottobock. The Genium X3, originally designed for military personnel, is the only completely waterproof microprocessor prosthetic knee and has a Bluetooth remote control to switch between sailing, walking, jogging and cycling modes. Laurence was just 10 years old when he lost his leg in a tragic accident in the sea. Sailing with his family in Plymouth harbour, a routine capsize drill and subsequent incident with a safety boat went terribly wrong, the injuries Laurence sustained resulted in an above the knee amputation of his left leg. Only two months after the accident, Laurence was back on the water, choosing to use crutches to get around as there were no waterproof prosthetic legs on the market; using a normal prosthesis in the sea would cause it to corrode. Carrying on with his sailing dream, he was honoured with the prestigious Raymarine Young Sailor of the Year award in 2007, following in the footsteps of past winners including Olympic Gold medallist Ben Ainslie OBE and world class yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur. As time went on, Lawrence stopped sailing as the difficulties of sailing and doing other activities without a prosthetic leg became apparent. After two years on crutches he was referred to and fitted by Richard Nieveen of ProActive Prosthetics with a computer controlled prosthetic 'C/Leg' which provided him with improved mobility but could not be worn on deck due to the risk of water damage. When Ottobock's Genium X3 was released Lawrence was keen to find out more about the bionic leg which was designed for people who lead an adventurous lifestyle. He has just been fitted at the ProActive Prosthetics clinic in Surrey. Laurence went out sailing for the very first time on his new waterproof leg on Tuesday 17 June along the south coast from Portsmouth Harbour on a 37 foot cruiser racing yacht with a team from ProActive Prosthetics. Lawrence said: "The first thing I planned to do was to take it sailing! It also has a 'walk to run' feature and bespoke running mode; I had not run since 2008 and it was the most exciting thing to be able to do it again. It makes walking feel so natural - I trust it and don't have to use so much energy. I feel safe and can just relax and let the leg do all the work." The Genium X3 is the world's most technologically advanced prosthetic leg and features activity modes that will allow Laurence to take part in everything his friends do: sailing, grass boarding, running and football in the park. The bionic technology can be programmed from a laptop and can be switched manually between different modes using bluetooth. Sensors, a gyroscope and in-built computer mean the Genium X3 can be programmed to perfectly match Laurence's lifestyle. Richard Nieveen, Laurence's prosthetist at ProActive Prosthetics, explained: "The set up and fitting of Laurence's new leg is tailored to get him back doing all of the things he enjoyed before his accident. We've also programmed a special sailing mode in the knee to allow him to move around the boat with ease - and of course he'll be safe in the knowledge that he can get it wet without any problem."

On standby: Solo transatlantic record

Armel Le Cléac’h and the 105ft maxi-trimaran Banque Populaire VII, the former Groupama 3, is now in New York and on standby to set a new singlehanded transatlantic record between Ambrose Light (USA) and Lizard Point (UK). The current record for the 2880 mile route held by Francis Joyon onboard the 118ft maxi-trimaran IDEC of 05:02:56:10 was set June 2013.

Gibbi wins race hat-trick

Morecambe Sailing Club commodore John ‘Gibbi’ Gibbison was on top form for the club’s evening meeting on Sunday winning all three races. Sailing his Laser, Gibbi beat David Edwards and Dyane Silvester’s Vago in the first race with Phil Chandler in another Laser second for the two following races on June 8. Phil was also third in the first race, David and Dyane in the second race with Dave Baron, also in a Laser, coming in third in the third race. Fine weather, light winds and a small tide made for a pleasant evening’s sailing. Phil Shelling and Neil Ryder teamed up for rescue boat and officer of the day duties. Morecambe Sailing Club is offering free sailing taster sessions as part of Morecambe Bay Water Fest on the weekend of 28 and 29 June 2014. Full details and booking information at www.mhyc.co.uk.

Busy yacht season ahead for Shetland

LERWICK Harbour is gearing up for a busy summer of sailing with a series of local and international events expected to attract several hundred crew, beginning with the arrival of entrants in the Round Britain & Ireland Yacht Race this week. The race, held every four years, began in Plymouth on 1 June and the 13 remaining entries are en route clockwise around Britain and Ireland. The race is open to all yachts and multihulls between 30 and 50 feet in length, crewed by two people. Lerwick is again one of the 48-hour compulsory stops and entrants are expected at various times from Wednesday onwards. All told, more than 500 yachts are expected in the harbour during the summer season. Later this month competitors in the annual Bergen-Shetland Race are due to arrive. Around 40 yachts, in either fully crewed or double-handed classes, are expected to participate in the race first held in 1987, with competitors expected in Lerwick on 26 June before departing on the return leg on 29 June. Another major date on the sailing calendar is the European Fireball Sailing Championships, last held in Lerwick in 2003, with high-performance dinghy crews competing in up to 10 races in Breiwick and the port’s south harbor. The European competition will be held in the week following the Shetland National Fireball Championships. The latter event’s six races will take place on 24-25 July. Lerwick Port Authority chief executive Sandra Laurenson said: “The harbour will again be playing host to a number of sailing enthusiasts, many of them repeat visitors, meeting and competing in the established races and underlining the popularity of the port and Shetland with yachting crews. “The return of competitions, whether annually or years apart, is always special – including, for example, the European Fireball Championships, back for the first time in more than a decade.” • For more information on events in Lerwick Harbour, including local regattas, you can visit the LPA’s website at www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk/events .

Disabled sailing school receives £50,000 donation

A disabled sailing school in Cornwall has received a £50,000 donation from Age UK to help fund its training programme. The Mylor Sailing School is the first centre of its kind in the area and aims to make sailing accessible for people of all ages with disabilities. Age UK have put the money towards a two-year programme that will teach disabled people over 50 how to sail. The generous donation will help fund instruction, powerboat costs and marketing, as well as training for volunteers who will help with the project. Mylor Sailing School owner Tracey Boyne told the West Briton: "We are all a bit blown away. I'm a bit anxious because it's a very large amount of money and we want to spend it well. "This is something I've been working towards for a long time." Ms Boyne is hoping to "get some of the less able and lonely people out of their houses". "If they don't have much mental or physical ability it will just be a nice experience for them," she added. The funds from Age UK come after a number of smaller donations by local businesses, charities and a marathon runner. The centre, which opened earlier this year, had previously bid for a £120,000 grant from Sport England but was sadly rejected. Mylor Sailing School is holding an open day on 2 July for the Age UK project, which will include one-hour sailing taster sessions. Contact 01872 266388 or sailability@ageukcornwall.org.uk for bookings.

Yacht will race in tribute to crew of lost Cheeki Rafiki

A yacht crew are to compete in this year’s Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race in tribute to the four crew lost from the Cheeki Rafiki while raising money for the RNLI. The men – experienced captain Andrew Bridge, 22, from Farnham, Surrey, and crew members James Male, 23, from Southampton, Steve Warren, 52, from Bridgwater, Somerset, and Paul Goslin, 56, from West Camel, Somerset – got into trouble on May 15 as they sailed back to the UK from a regatta in Antigua. Overwhelming public support saw the US Coast Guard resume its search for the missing men, who had raised the alarm while some 620 miles east of Cape Cod, having previously suspended it. But hopes that the missing men might have survived were dashed on May 23 when the 40ft (12m) yacht’s life raft was found still stowed in place, indicating it had not been deployed in an emergency. A fundraising campaign has now been launched at www.justgiving.com/Cheekirafiki It said: “Members of last year’s Cheeki Rafiki Fastnet crew were due to take part in this year’s Round Britain and Ireland race with Andy, and were looking forward to sailing with him again. “In tribute to Andy, and the other members of the Cheeki Rafiki crew – James, Steve and Paul – who were sadly lost, sailing from Antigua, back to the UK, we will now be racing to raise money for the RNLI. “The RNLI are an amazing UK based charity who save hundreds of lives at sea every year around Britain, and are dependent on donations from people like you. Please give anything you can.” It has already smashed its initial target of £5,000 with more than 2,000 donations now totalling £19,500. Mr Goslin, a dental surgeon, grew up in South East Cornwall where he first learned to sail. His family said he had been “a passionate sailor” and had “loved everything to do with the water”. “He’d been talking about sailing across the Atlantic for many years,” they said. “We are, therefore, trying to take some comfort in the knowledge that he was fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams.”

Tenby Sailing Club

Club Sailing A lightly attended race on Wednesday resulted in a one, two, three of Osprey, Mike and Deanna; Osprey, Paul and Anthea and Redwing, Bill and Tom. Sunday’s two races took place in a force three southerly run by Danny Owens. In both races, the Osprey of Ted and Matt reached the windward mark first and they sailed on to take the wins. In both races, Mike and Deanna in their Osprey were second and Bill and Tom in the Redwing third. It was good to see young Ieuan James competing in a club Laser (until he dropped his camera overboard!) and Richards Johns competing in Danny’s Streaker until he pulled the strings too hard and broke it! Cruiser racing Last Friday evening’s race took place in very light winds, so a short course was set by PRO Blake Shaw. There being no racing marks in the bay yet, it was decided to make use of fishermen’s marker buoys, gambling that they would not be lifted during the race! A short beat and two offwind legs meant there was lots of practice in use of spinnakers during the three laps. There was quite a lot of change of positions during the race, but John Griffiths in Tejeda finally pulled away, with Blake in Slipstream second. Denny Young in Heather was third and Steve Lewis in Aries fourth on handicap. Next race on Sunday at 2 pm, with the round Caldey race the following Sunday, June 15. CLUB REGATTA The club regatta weekend on June 14 and 15. Three races round the cans on the Saturday and the Round Caldey race on the Sunday. Individual prizes and a team event open to teams of five boats with a cash prize available of £500 to the winning team. Event kindly sponsored by Lewis Lewis and Co Ltd, Solicitors, 01994 231044. Coppet Week Last week, our neighbours, Saundersfoot Sailing Club ran their annual Coppet Week regatta in their customary friendly and welcoming manner. Two RS200s and an Osprey attended and enjoyed racing every day, although not the results achieved! Top Tenby boat was Dan Jackson with Ruby/Emily; none of us was close enough to see, let alone be on, the podium! Saturday Sailing Saturday sailing for adults commenced on Saturday and will now continue every week. Turn up at 3 pm; beginners should pre-arrange with their instructor if coaching is required. For further details, contact Mark Dashfield on 07971474517. Junior Sailing With wind blowing on to the launching slipway, some boats had to be towed out, but once out in the bay everyone experienced some heavier weather sailing. Juniors are reminded that on Saturday, June 21, the club is staging a CYRC which is a competition for local youngsters with a programme of short races. Anyone with Stage 2 or above is invited to take part. Prizes for all classes and also a great opportunity to improve your sailing. Sad News The club was saddened this week to hear of the passing of life member Mary Simmonds. Mary had been a member for 55 years or more; the club extends its sympathies to all in their sad loss. Mary’s funeral is to take place in St. Julians Church on Monday, June 9, at noon, and afterwards in the Sailing Club. Forthcoming Events Greek flotilla holiday September 2014: Still a few places left - book early to avoid disappointment! Please contact Paul Evenden. Saturday Suppers Deanna’s Diner is still operating in the club on a Friday and Saturday evening. Food varies weekly, and all is home made. Come and give it a try. If possible, give Deanna a ring to let her know you are coming on 07897220377; this will help planning and efficiency on the night. Subscriptions Subscriptions for 2014 became due on January 1, so please complete the form and renew now. The forms are available in the clubhouse or can be downloaded from the website. This year we accept on-line payments, as well as in cash or by cheque. Please follow the instructions on the website. For all queries, please contact Julia Dashfield, membership secretary, on the helpline (01834)844918. Opening Hours The club is open Wednesday evenings, Friday and Saturday nights from 7 pm, and Sunday lunchtime after sailing. Website The club’s website can be found at www.tenbysailingclub.org.uk which includes a Facebook link and details of activities and sponsors. We are a friendly and welcoming members club and try to involve all members in a variety of activities, both sailing and social. To enquire about joining, call at the clubhouse, contact any member who will be pleased to help, or contact us on line.

Exmouth Sailing Club latest - blustery conditions for latest races

In the handicap fleet, in the only race sailed, Iain Horlock was chasing Chris Rhodes and Les Arscott and failed to catch them. The Trios also only managed one race and Peter Labdon, turning out for a rare Saturday race managed a third. The bank holiday Monday saw 13 boats on the water for a series of fun races, organised for crew who normally do not helm. The rules were; small single handers and no hotshot helms! The conditions were ideal with only five-to-eight knots of breeze and almost no tide, so going in the right direction was the only challenge. The first race was a steep learning curve for many, but some coaching from the safety boats was allowed and the qubas and fevas kept up with the lasers fairly well. George Crundwell was awarded the yellow jersey. The second race saw Hazel Lawson in front of elder son Dale for some time, to great applause, with Marion Geare receiving some coaching from daughter Ellie to try and stay level with husband Richard. Some chaos ensued as the sailability hawk attempted to join in, but after several close encounters it was persuaded to leave well alone. Annabel James was awarded the second yellow jersey to the acclaim of husband Chris and sons, manning the safety boat. For the third race the tide was running down one side of the course and those unaware of this, suffered setbacks. Sue Davis got her Buzz going better and pulled up to the front, avoiding the pitfalls of those behind, especially some (who should have known better) who were swept sideways onto moorings on the downwind leg. Sue Davis took the final yellow jersey and all adjourned ashore for tea and cake. Cruisers on Tuesday had a lovely evening with a good 12-15kts of breeze and good conditions with no waves. The fast fleet all got away at their appointed times and chased away after Maybee (Martin Minter) with the two laser 28s neck and neck the whole time. The 31.7s slowly separated as Electra had a succession of minor snarl-ups and Exehibitionist (Rick Newcombe) even though lightly crewed slowly closed the gap on Red Fox. The big boats, Footloose and Jenesis appeared together, to round the safe water mark at full speed with Electra, providing some exciting moments for all, especially any slow fleet boats in the vicinity. Stuart Hills had kite problems after that, allowing Rex Frost to briefly overtake, but soon the big boys took off leaving Jammin trailing behind. The slow fleet got their excitement meeting the fast boats rounding mark two and safe water, sometimes at very close quarters. In the first Two Rivers Junior series races in Teignmouth, Charlie King and Rory Gladstone were second and third in the fast group, with Sandy Bailey third in the slow fleet. Thursday night races, predominantly with juniors, are at present dominated by Charlie King and Josh Geare with 25 points between them and the rest of the field. Nice to see George Crundwell and Harriet Melbourne, also getting good results. Other members please note that any crew, relatively new to racing, are welcome. Several adults take part at times and we shouldn’t let the kids have all the fun. For full results see; http://www.exe-sailing-club.org/

Wiltshire young carers take to the seas for six-day sailing challenge

Seven young carers from Devizes, Warminster, Trowbridge and Salisbury took to the high seas recently to develop their leadership skills, improve their qualifications and raise money to support other young carers. The young people completed a six-day sponsored sailing challenge over the Easter school holidays, successfully navigating over 100 nautical miles. They were on a sailing boat the Moosk, owned by the Island Trust. The trust, based in Devon, aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people through the confidence building and traditional adventure of sailing. The young carers, who are supported by the Wiltshire Young Carers Service at Youth Action Wiltshire, learned about life skills, personal safety, how to sail and how to cook for each other. They all gained ASDAN Leadership and Royal Yachting Association Competent Crew awards. They are aiming to raise £500 for the Wiltshire Young Carers Service via the Just Giving site at www.justgiving.com/wyc-sailing-resi. So far £380 has so far been raised. Wiltshire Young Carers Service provides support to young people who have to care for a family member, as well as opportunities for them to spend time away from their caring roles. Feedback from the young carers showed that they enjoyed the trip immensely and that it has helped them to become more confident. “I really enjoyed the sailing residential; it was a great experience,” said Dan Strawson, 16, from Devizes. Lynn Gibson, assistant chief executive at Community First Wiltshire, said young carers often take on huge responsibilities at home and need time to enjoy outside challenges and opportunities. She said: “The young carers would like to thank Youth Action Wiltshire, The Island Trust, Bradford on Avon Rotary Club and everyone who has sponsored them in their efforts to raise funds for other young carers’ respite sessions through their Just Giving website. “It was a wonderful experience that has not only benefited the young carers themselves but will also help other young carers in future.” Youth Action Wiltshire is a service provided by Community First in Wiltshire which has been supporting young people and volunteers in Wiltshire and Swindon for more than 60 years. It supports over 750 young carers, works with over 70 youth clubs and runs training and activities for hundreds of vulnerable young people.

Olympic Sailing: How the Brits do it

When measuring the success of an Olympic sailing program, it is often the British Sailing Team to which the comparison is made. So it is notable that when a top sailor on the British team decides to hang up his hiking boots, it becomes the type of news that is shared with calculated and comprehensive detail. Here is their latest bulletin… British Finn sailor Andrew Mills has made the ‘tricky decision’ to hang up his sailing boots and end his quest for Olympic gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The Ashford-born sailor has decided to call time on his eight-year journey in the heavyweight dinghy class, having been offered a career opportunity outside of the sport that he couldn’t refuse. Mills, 28, has been a central figure in the British Sailing Team’s successful Finn squad in recent years, having aided Sir Ben Ainslie as a training partner during the 2008 and 2012 Olympic cycles and with his own career highlights coming at the 2011 European Championships where he won bronze, and with regatta victory at last year’s ISAF Sailing World Cup Hyeres. He also achieved five top-ten finishes at the Finn Gold Cup (the class’s World Championship), claimed a sixth place at the recent European Championship at La Rochelle last week, and outside of the Olympic Classes, is a Round the Island Race record holder with Ben Ainslie’s JPMorgan BAR. “It has been a really tricky decision – much as it would be great to keep sailing, do what I love to do among some great friends, the time comes where you have to look at your own interests and your own future,” Mills explained. “I feel I’ve made great progress with my sailing this cycle and think I have more to come, but when I look at the competition I am up against for the one British spot for Rio and the form Giles [Scott] is in, I don’t think I’m quite fast enough. “Sailing for me was always going to be a first career with the intention of moving into something more permanent afterwards, and I’ve been given a really great opportunity to make one of the smoothest transitions from sport into business that you can get. It’s a one-time offer and although I’ll be sorry to be leaving the team, it’s an offer that I feel I need to take in the best interests of my longer-term career.” Mills will continue sailing in the Finn until mid-July, aiding the British Sailing Team’s Finn squad in their preparations towards the Rio Test Event in August and September’s Santander 2014 World Championships before starting his new role in the financial services sector in late August. “There are so many people to thank within the team for their contributions, support and expertise over the years which have been paramount to my achievements,” Mills added. “However, I would like to say a special thanks to my family for all their support, to the RYA and UK Sport for backing and investing in me, and also to my coach Matt Howard and training partners Mark Andrews and Giles Scott.” RYA Olympic Manager Stephen Park commented: “Andrew has been a stalwart in the Finn class for many years, and although he never achieved his dream of competing at an Olympic Games, there should be no doubt of the part he’s played in the huge successes the British Finn squad has enjoyed over recent years and for that, and his commitment and dedication, we thank him. “I know this has been a difficult decision for Andrew, and everyone at the British Sailing Team wishes him all the very best with his future career.”

Sailing school working with disadvantaged children in need of funds

A HARD-up not-for-profit sailing school says it needs extra support to continue helping Plymouth’s youth get involved with the sport. Plymouth and Devon Schools Sailing Association, based in Commercial Wharf on the Barbican, has been going since the 1950’s. It takes children of all ages, as well as adults, out onto the Sound in the spirit of making sailing accessible to everyone in the newly-termed “Britain’s Ocean City”. One 17-year-old volunteer instructor, Charlie Burton, who started with the club aged only 11, has been awarded a scholarship to Plymouth University next September thanks to his sailing prowess. But the club admits it is in desperate need of funding if it is to continue its good work. “We are struggling financially, I must admit,” said Ade Beaven-Smith, the centre manager. “The finances for us are not particularly pretty. We rely on people paying subs as we are totally self-financing. We’re hoping we can secure some sponsorship in the future. “We are open to all schools in Devon and Cornwall and run weekly Saturday sessions taking people out on the water,” he added. “We also work with Alternative Complimentary Education (ACE) children, pupils for who traditional education has not worked. “Some of them have behavioural difficulties, attention-deficit disorder or autism. “They can be a real handful but as soon as you get them on the water, they change. They are out of their comfort zone and they start listening to you because they know their life could depend on it. “Sailing gives them a sense of achievement. They have to work as a team. They are in control of the boat in their very first session and helping to work it. “It gives them that freedom of going out - there are no white or yellow lines telling them where to go out there on the sea.” The school works on getting people equipped quickly with the skills they need on the water. And progression can be swift. The club offers two and five-day courses in which people can finish-up with a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualification. “The first experience they get is what we call a ‘joy-ride’,” explained the Derriford resident, who also runs his own IT business. “It is a short and sweet trip out on the water in one of the boats. They have all their wet gear on and it’s just a fun session. “After that, on Saturday mornings they will be given the chance to do some helming and steering in one of our dinghies. “You do not need a huge amount of experience and knowledge of the sea to get going. We try and introduce things such as safety, understanding of tides and wind awareness over time.” People like instructor Charlie Burton, a sixth-former at Coombe Dean school in Plymstock, is one of the club’s success stories. After joining at only 11, he started assisting the teaching by the time he was 13 and is now a fully-qualified RYA instructor. He has been granted a scholarship to Plymouth University to study Navigational and Maritime Science and has already begun racing with the university’s yachting team. “My dad was in the Royal Navy for countless years so I thought I would like to get onto the water,” said the teenager. “I came down with my school and have been hooked ever since. “I did think about looking elsewhere for university, but Plymouth is just ideal for sailing.” - Plymouth and Devon Schools Sailing Association runs sessions on Saturdays from 10am-1pm in Commercial Wharf, situated off Madeira Road. - Small boat racing takes place on Thursday evenings from 6-8pm in Plymouth Sound. Also setting off from Commercial Wharf, dinghies are priced at £5 per person.

Tall ship to give bird's eye view of waterway

A TALL ship dedicated to helping to improve the lives of its voyagers will be making its first appearance in Milford Haven next month. The Tall Ship Pelican, a beautiful square rigged sailing ship, is due to arrive at Milford Haven on Sunday, June 8, to take part in the Seafair Haven. The ship will then be offering day sails to the public on June 9 and 10. Tall Ship Pelican is operated by a charity, Adventure Under Sail, whose mission is to help young people to become more employable and learn life skills by taking them on sailing adventures. This year Adventure Under Sail and the Tall Ships (Wales) Trust are working together to get young people from west Wales onboard this year and in future. “We are really excited about attending Seafair Haven for the first time this year,” said Lou Keeling, marketing manager. “We hope that lots of people take up the opportunity of coming onboard for a day’s sailing with us. “Passengers will have the chance to steer the ship, help to set the sails and enjoy some lovely food including a bacon roll for breakfast, a heart lunch and afternoon tea and cake. “It really is an opportunity not to be missed. What’s more, day sails and the adult voyages we offer all help to fund our charity – and no previous sailing experience is necessary”. For more information on the Tall Ship Pelican’s programme for 2014, or to find out more about the charity, visit www.adventureundersail.com. To book a day sail, visit www.seafairhaven.org.uk and register your details, email seafairhaven@gmail.com or call 01348 840420. Tickets are £100 for a full day including mornings snacks, lunch and tea. All full programme will be provided on booking.

Bright future at new £1million club-house

WORTHING can look forward to a bright future as a centre for watersports, thanks to the completion of the town’s new £1million sailing club headquarters. That is the view of Worthing mayor, Bob Smytherman, who was at the official handover of the keys for the new building in Sea Place, Goring. The keys for the state-of-the-art club-house were handed to Commodore John Cooper by builders Kier Homes. Mr Cooper said: “Kier Homes really has gone above and beyond our expectations with the provision of this tremendous new club-house – thank you to all those who made it possible. This facility will not only put Worthing at the forefront of British sailing but will be an asset to the whole town.” The mayor added: “This building represents a great opportunity for the whole town which can now look forward to a bright future as a centre for watersports.” The state-of-the-art clubhouse replaces the 1970s building on land acquired by Kier Homes from Worthing Borough Council for the development of new beachfront apartments at The Waterfront, Sea Place. The apartments, pictured below from the sky, are due for completion next year. The clubhouse was designed to echo the coastal style of the apartments. It includes a new entertaining area with balconies, while boats can be securely stored beneath the building. The new location will eliminate the hauling of equipment between sites on a daily basis – meaning more time on the water for all. The building will also allow the club to apply for accredited trainer status from the Royal Yachting Association, considered the gold standard in sailing across the globe. Nick Moore, deputy managing director of Kier Homes, said: “Having been years in the planning, it is a great pleasure to provide Worthing Sailing Club with a new, purpose-built facility next to our fabulous residential scheme. “We are very proud to hand over the keys to the new club which we hope will inspire the next generation to take up sailing, enjoy the coast and really make the most of Worthing. I wish the club every success in their new HQ.”

Fundraisers aim to purchase safety boats for disabled

FUNDRAISERS are hoping to buy new equipment for disabled sailors. Project Zöe is aiming to provide Chesil Sailability, based in Portland, with its own safety boats. The Castle Cove Sailing Club Ladies Sailing Group took on the challenge of raising £6,000 in six months from March. Through fundraising and donations, they’ve raised over £6,380 to buy a Hansa 303 boat called Spirit of Zöe. Diana Gill, who is overseeing the project, said they were still keen to add to this total and raise money for a new Rib. She said: “Project Zöe was initiated because Chesil Sailability was working with borrowed boats last year and needed a fleet of boats. “We have been working on borrowed Ribs so Chesil Sailability is in desperate need of its own Rib for safety purposes.” Chesil Sailability is based at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. It provides disabled people with the opportunity to sail. Project Zöe is inspired by the memory of Zöe Wright, a skilled sailor who grew up in Weymouth and fought cancer for most of her adult life. She died on New Year’s Eve last year, aged 38, after an eight-month battle with a metastatic high grade endometrial sarcoma, a rare incurable form of cancer. Zöe had already beaten leukaemia twice as a teenager. In her early 30s, she beat cancer yet again after having thyroid cancer. She was a member of Castle Cove and in recent years was a keen runner, taking part in Parkruns all over the country. In July 2012, she was an Olympic torchbearer, carrying the torch through Canterbury. Sara Lloyd, Zöe’s mother said: “It was just the way she used to go for life. She was a sailor and did lots of outdoor sports. She looked on the bright side of everything. “The generosity and donations we’ve had have been amazing.” Project Zöe is organising two events this month in the hope to raise more money. An Auction of Promises will be held on Saturday, May 17, at Frampton Village Hall, whilst Smallmouth Cove Fete will take place on the Rodwell Trail on Saturday, May 24. For more details, visit chesil sailability.org.uk/project-Zöe.

ISLANDER HAYDN TO SAIL FOR TEAM GBR

Over the May bank holiday weekend, 11-year-old Isle of Wight Optimist sailor, Haydn Sewell, competed in the Optimist selection trials and secured himself a place in the British Team that will compete in the European Championships in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, this summer. The selection trials were held at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy over four days, where Haydn was racing against the top 82 optimist sailors in the country, aged up to 15-years-old, battling it out for places in the British Worlds, European and Development Teams. Over the four days, 13 races were sailed with sailors spending up to 9 hours a day on the water. A mix of very light to winds up to 16kts meant sailors were tested and had to be able to race well in all conditions. Having set his sights on a Europeans Team place going in to the event things didn’t go quite according to plan for Haydn at the start when in the third race he was over the line too early and was disqualified, taking maximum points. Despite this set back, Haydn showed a tremendous level of calm and maturity taking a cautious approach to starting and using his boat speed and tactics to score a series of good results and climb the leader board. Going into the final day, Haydn was lying in 13th, occupying the last Europeans Team spot. In a determined and controlled day of sailing, Haydn scored his best results of the selection trials regatta with a 13th, 8th, 7th and a 3rd to finish in 8th place overall, the highest ranked for his age group, securing him an automatic spot in the British Team. Commenting on his success Haydn said: “I’m so excited to be part of Team GBR and going to the European Championships. As I was part of the Development Team that went to the Bodrum International Regatta in Turkey last year, moving up a team was what I wanted to do this year. “The last day of the selection trials was probably the best days sailing I’ve ever had. I’m very lucky to be supported by the Royal London Yacht Club Youth Trust, Isle of Wight Talented Athlete programme, Wightlink, Crewsaver and North Sails who have helped me with all my sailing. My school, Christ the King, have been really supportive too. “I can’t wait for the European Championships and to race against so many top sailors from around the World.” Along with the Championships themselves, Haydn will travel over to Dun Laoghaire with the Team at half term for a week of training and take part in a number of weekend training sessions.

Calling British sailors: Get your landlubber friends sailing!

Calling all British sailors who would like to see their friends enjoying the sport as well. There’s just one week until Britain gets ready to Push the Boat Out as part of a national festival of sailing and windsurfing offering free and discounted taster opportunities for all to ‘have a go’ on 17-18 May. Over 250 sailing clubs from Stromness to Torpoint, will be offering everyone, regardless of age, experience or ability, the chance to get out on the water to sample sailing at low or no cost and get a taste for a fantastic social outdoor sport where everyday life really does get left on the shore. 'The weekend provides a fantastic opportunity to show people just how easy it is to get involved in sailing locally so please do encourage any non-sailing friends and family to get down to their local club and have a go!' said Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Club Support Advisor Jackie Bennetts. 'Many clubs will have refreshments available and a warm welcome is guaranteed with BBQs and other social activities taking place to give newcomers a real sense of each club. All you need for any of the Open Days or ‘have a go’ sessions are a change of clothes, soft soled shoes and a towel and the clubs will provide everything else you need'. RYA Push the Boat Out is part of National Watersports Month this month. If you have friends that you think might enjoy sailing but haven't yet had the experience, find your nearest RYA Push the Boat Out event, and what activities are on offer at www.rya.org.uk/go/PTBO

PUSH THE BOAT OUT...

SAILING is one of Britain's most successful Olympic sports and one of the most accessible for people with a disability. The sport has seen huge investment by the RYA and Sport England in the last four years and many clubs have comfortable lounges, dedicated training rooms and up-to-date changing rooms, plus there are hundreds of boats available in clubs across the region for children and adults to learn to sail. May is also National Watersports month and Carsington Sport and Leisure has a variety of events on offer, including three have-a-go activities on May 18 as part of the RYA's Push the Boat Out weekend. Each session lasts an hour and costs £10. All that is needed is a change of clothes, soft-soled shoes and a towel – the centre will provide everything else. To find out more, go to www.carsingtonwater.com.

South Yorkshire sailing club to hold open day

Pennine Sailing Club will host the event on Sunday, May 18, between noon and 4pm at Winscar Reservoir, Dunford Bridge. For more information, visit www.pennine-sc.co.uk.

Bolton Sailing Club opens its doors to people who want to try sailing

BOLTON Sailing Club in Belmont is set to open its doors for anyone to try this exciting sport. Reporter Elaine O’Flynn went along to learn the ropes. AFTER spending the day fielding calls from prospective councillors, poring over planning documents and attending briefings with town hall officials, I was thoroughly looking forward to a blitz of country air and a spot of peaceful sailing. But driving up to the Belmont Reservoir, tucked away in the valley, my images of lazily floating with beer in hand were quickly put to bed. It was race night at Bolton Sailing Club, and dozens of industrious sailors were working away at their boats, preparing them for the timed contest ahead. I met Rob Paul, the vice commodore of the club, and his wife Jill who quickly handed me a life jacket and got my boat ready for our expedition. The club, founded in 1952, runs sessions four times a week, with about 400 members regularly getting their feet wet and taking to the water. I’ll be honest: sailing, at first, seemed extremely technical. As Rob and Jill worked intuitively together to attach the pulleys, hook the ropes and lift the sails, I felt a little bit out of my depth. They looked like they had been doing it for decades, but actually their passion for the hobby only started about 10 years ago, when Jill was stuck for a birthday present and bought Rob a sailing lesson. After that, the whole family became hooked, and they and their two children are now regular sailors. As Jill steadied the boat to let me in and — literally — show me the ropes, the boat’s mechanisms began to make sense. I was given control of the jib, the sail at the front, which you manoeuvre by pulling one of two ropes at the front to keep it taut. Being able to read the wind is a big part of the sport, as are quick reaction times — both in terms of making the most of any sudden changes in wind direction, and dashing across the boat to balance it off. Adjusting the sails — don’t forget to duck — we picked up the wind and headed towards the island at the far end of the reservoir, where thousands of black-headed gulls reside in one of the UK’s largest colonies. While practising steering with the tiller — a stick at the back of the boat — Jill told me how a recent £50,000 boost means the club will be able to extend its building in a bid to attract more members. Sailing is often associated as a middle class sport for older men, a stereotype Bolton’s sailors are already challenging. As well as having numerous female members, the club has a thriving junior section and owns a number of special, “unsinkable boats” kitted out so that disabled youngsters and adults can enjoy them. As we chatted, disaster struck. The wind, already lacklustre, completely died, and Jill and I were left floating towards the birds’ colony in a scene that would vie for a spot in an Alfred Hitchcock movie. I shouldn’t have worried, though. Thanks to Jill’s skillful direction and pumping — rocking the boat to make it move — we soon arrived safely back to shore. It is safe to say I won’t be travelling around the world like Ellen MacArthur any time soon. But my short look into the world of sailing revealed a challenging, fun sport that will definitely blow away the cobwebs of anyone’s working week. A big thank you to Jill, Rob and Bolton Sailing Club for their hospitality — I’ll see you soon. • Free sailing taster sessions will take place on Saturday, May 17, between 10am and 4pm. Visit www.sail.org.uk for more information about the open day, membership and training.

Sailing a lifesaver for record-breaking quadriplegic yachtswoman Hilary Lister

Hilary Lister had had the difficult conversation with her husband -- a few times in fact. The quadriplegic had finally made the decision to end her life, had prepared to say goodbyes to Clifford and the rest of her family. "It got to a point where I evaluated my life," Lister told CNN. "I had to decide whether the space that I take up on the sofa [which unable to move she had done for hours and days on end] was still worth inhabiting. "I came to the conclusion it wasn't. I was at a very, very low point. "I knew if and when my condition got any worse I would end my life. That was a decision myself and my husband were both aware of. You don't make that decision on your own, you have to prepare yourself." It was to be a pre-ordained death with rules. "Basically, I wouldn't allow myself to take my tablets any more if I got much worse or got depressed or whatever," Lister added. "But I also set parameters to make sure that it wasn't a spur of the moment thing. I have wonderful friends and family, who made sure they did everything to make sure my life was worth living." For all their collective positivity, though, nothing worked, until a friend lured Lister to an outing on the water at Westbere Sailing Club, her local club in southern England. "It wouldn't overstate it to say that sailing saved my life," said Lister. "It just gave me a little glimmer of thinking that space I was taking up on the sofa was worth inhabiting after all, particularly as someone had managed to get me off it to get on the water. "It was like 'gosh, I've found a reason to live.'" That was 11 years ago. Since that Damascene conversion she has sailed single handed across the English Channel, circumnavigated Great Britain and most recently sailed the 1,500 kilometers across the Arabian Sea from Mumbai to Muscat, her first proper offshore expedition. It made her the first paralyzed women to complete the voyage while also on board was Omani yachtswoman Nashwa Al Kindi, the first Arab woman to complete the trip. Muscle waiting disease Lister suffers from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a muscle wasting disease caused by a genetic blip that now prevents her from using her arms and legs. With her sole movement in her head, Lister's boat for that voyage -- a 28-ft Dragonfly trimaran -- was rigged up for her to sail it using innovative methods originally designed in the United States. "I have three straws with which you register positive or negative pressure - so puff or suck," she explains. "That turns the winch one way or the other. The magic thing on the latest trip is that I was able to turn port and starboard in opposite directions at the same time thanks to reversible winches and thus fully tack the boat rather than doing it slowly, slowly bit by bit." The 41-year-old hasn't always lacked mobility and it wasn't until the age of 11 that she noticed there might be something awry. "I came off the hockey pitch with really sore knees," she recalls. "I thought it was growing pains and would go away. By 13, it was hurting walking up and down stairs but again I thought it would go away." It didn't. By the age of 17, she had lost the use of her legs, though she refused to give up on her ambition to become a biochemist -- an ambition she says she had from the age of three, which she achieved with a university degree followed by a PhD. Working in a lab on her PhD she had to concentrate on not dropping things. One day, though, three months of work and £12,000 worth of samples slipped out of her hands. She never returned to the lab and a complex operation, which involved blood drained from her arms with an injection to stun painful nerve ends, did not work. "Life isn't always straightforward," reflects Lister. "You just have to be grateful for what you have when you have it." "It's such a liberating place, it's where you feel free. Once on the boat I can sail it as well as anyone really. I can forget about work or home life, anything in fact. "You just think about the next wave and the next puff of wind coming. The wheelchair's not there, I'm a sailor and it's a huge feeling of freedom. "But it's more than that. It's there that the pain dissipates. It doesn't entirely go away, when you smack a wave, wow, I feel it. But it's like an itch, if there's something else, you forget about it." Despite her lack of movement, Lister still suffers from crippling pain thought to be caused by one particular fully functioning problematic nerve that sends a feeling of immense pain, heat or cold coursing through her veins. It's something that has to be treated with a daily diet of opiates and morphine, though the pain never properly vanishes. It does not, however, stop her from planning new expeditions. There is one dream trip for Lister, who is sponsored by GAC Pindar, that hangs above all others. "I want a longer crossing and I'm looking at something for next year. "The dream would be to sail across the Atlantic -- it's something I've been thinking about and looking into for a long time. But we're quite a way off from getting to that point. "People talk about the dangers but I have a safety boat with me in case I capsize. There are dangers certainly but it's about risk management. There are more people hurt riding horses each year than sailing." It is such dreams that give Lister hope as she sits back on her sofa thinking of a myriad of oceans still to explore.

We are getting Annan Harbour back into use

The job is to clear the Harbour of silt accumulated over the last 50 years, to make the harbour a focal point in the town. Our small but active local group has achieved core money from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF). We are asking for your help with the matched funding that will release the money from the EFF. Annan Harbour had become just a dumping ground for old mattresses and bikes. An eyesore. We decided to take action! So we launched a Harbour Festival, inviting local choirs and bands to do the entertainment, local craftworkers and food producers to set up stall, and for the first time in 40 years, got boats to sail in from the Solway. And with community support we have completed a number of projects. This is the slipway we built! And these are some of the members of Annan Harbour Action Group. We are all volunteers. We also got funding to improve the quayside. We have installed 2 noticeboards explaining the fabulous birdwatching in the area, and something about our history. Locally you can see knot, egret, barnacle geese, snipe, redwing, curlew, woodpeckers. We will be installing a birdwatching scope later this year and a seating area. We have another noticeboard planned. The new C2C, Coast to Coast, long distance cycleway will be starting from Annan Harbour. Taking you from the Forth to the Firth. So the new noticeboard will show all the cycleways and paths, including the Annandale Way, which converge on the town. Clearing the harbour The work itself must be done by a specialist contractor as we are close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the Solway, just a mile downriver, is a Special Area of Conservation. So we are currently applying for a licence to do this work. Marine Scotland will give the contractor a detailed specification to follow. We have been going since 2011. All volunteers, including a fireman, a bricklayer, some fishermen, a lab technician, a coachbuilder, a mechanical engineer and an office manager. We are enthusiastic and hardworking. Why bother? Annan is an ancient town. Robert the Bruce's ancestors were kings here! Robert Burns worked here! Thomas Carlyle taught here! The town has a great past, and we want to work to get a great future, showing off our history, the beautiful landscape, the fabulous birdwatching, the cycling, the walking. As well as the Annan Harbour Festival that we run in May each year (17 May 2014), there is a traditional Riding of the Marches festival on the 1st Saturday in July. Watch the Pipe Bands Parade in 2013 The major employer has closed. So we want to get some new life in the town by getting the harbour open again. We have a great history. Annan Harbour Action Group believe that opening the harbour will give us a great future. Thank you for your time reading this, and look forward to your support.

Northamptonshire’s sailing clubs hold free open days in May for people to try out sailing

Seven of Northamptonshire’s sailing clubs are holding free open days for people to try out the sport next month. Northampton Sailing Club, based at Pitsford Reservoir, and Banbury SC, based at Boddington Reservoir in Byfield, will open their gates on Sunday May 4. Middle Nene SC, near Thrapston, follows on Bank Holiday Monday. The following Saturday, May 10, it is the turn of Hollowell SC - the 2012 RYA Club of the Year - to welcome all-comers to their open day. Saturday May 17 will then see Cransley SC, Rugby and Daventry SC and Northampton Sailability, which runs sailing for the disabled, all offering free ‘have a go’ sessions as part of national RYA Push the Boat Out weekend. Some of the clubs will also be providing free windsurfing and powerboating taster sessions. Jon Sweet, RYA sailing development officer for Northampton, said: “All of our clubs in Northamptonshire run accessible, affordable and inclusive activities for all, regardless of age, gender, background or experience. “These events are an incredible opportunity for local people in Northamptonshire to discover what sailing and sailing clubs are really like, and enjoy a fantastic, social outdoor sport where everyday life really does get left on the shore.” For details, visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo

Alastair set to sail around the country

He has battled adversity for his entire adult life, and now Alastair Carr is preparing for a challenge of his own - sailing round the United Kingdom. 24-year-old Alastair Carr from Wood Enderby was diagnosed in 1998 with a brain tumour which has left him with limited mobility in the right-hand side of his body. After a chance invitation to the Isle of Wight to take part in a sailing weekend with The Ellen MacArthur Trust Alastair has now turned to sailing. Now the Sheffield Hallam University student is preparing to sail single-handedly, quite literally, around the country. Alastair is planning on following Dame Ellen’s footsteps as he sails round the UK, beginning his journey in Hull at the end of May after he has finished his final year of University studies. The ex-Banovallum School pupil told the News that he first became involved in sailing through the Ellen MacArthur Trust after finding out information about the organisation at University. “I thought it sounded like a great charity because they take young people sailing, and I thought that would be brilliant. “I really wanted to meet other people who had been through the same experiences as I had. “I ended up speaking to the CEO of the Trust as I could only find his contact details and he asked me if I could go to Cowes on the Isle of Wight. “So I went down there and had a beautiful four days of sailing and fell in love with the sport. “I only really went on the trip to see how other people had coped with brain tumours and different cancers and I ended up loving sailing.” In preparation for his round-the-UK trip, Alastair has been practicing by sailing up and down the River Witham most weekends. “I’ve also completed a skippers course with the Royal Yachting Association,” Alastair continued. “That gave me the confidence and let me know that I can go out and sail on my own.” Alastair will be setting off from Hull as Dame Ellen did in 1995 as she began her first solo UK trip. He will then travel north towards Scarborough, Whitby and Middlesbrough before sailing round Scotland then making his way back down the coast of Wales and round Land’s End. After coming round the West coast of England Alastair’s last stops before returning to Hull will be Gibraltar Point and Grimsby. He has named his boat The Flying Scotsman as he is studying Railway Engineering at University. “I want to do this to prove to myself that I can do it. I’ve spent my whole life overcoming adversity and this is an opportunity to show people what I can do. “It’s so inspirational having someone like Dame Ellen to look up to, and I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to meet her too. “She found strength in adversity when she set her world records and I’m hoping the thought of that helps me overcome barriers like these. “I think I’m fully prepared for the trip, but I know that I need to expect the unexpected while I’m out there.” Alastair has also been talent spotted by Matt Grier who is the RYA’s Disability Racing Development Coach. When asked if he could see himself crossing the Atlantic some day Alastair replied: “Who knows? Let’s see what happens.”

My trip aboard historic sailing vessel

By Andrew Wakefield :- With a majesty and grace acquired over decades, a stately old lady continues to ride the waves along Devon’s Jurassic coast. Provident, an historic fishing ketch, is now a training ground for young people, with repairs and upkeep funded by private trips for tourists. Manned by an experienced crew of four, up to 12 passengers can embark on a journey which not only offers the chance to experience the true adventure of life on the open wave, but also preserves the heritage of this amazing boat. One of just 200 vessels on a protected heritage list alongside iconic ships such as HMS Victory and Cutty Sark, Provident is part of the Trinity Sailing family - a charity which preserves historic boats while running training actvities for younger people. Travelling from Derbyshire to Devon to embark on a short break aboard Provident, I little knew what to expect. I could not have predicted the impact sailing on the open sea would have on me - nor would I have thought I could so comfortably spend several nights in a narrow bunk in a shared room. I was in no way prepared for life aboard and while I had hired oilskins to keep me dry at sea I was a little concerned about the fact my previous experience on the open waves amounted to a hop across the Channel to Calais on a commercial ferry. However, the many years of experience, the tales of a nautical life long past and the prestigious heritage which imbue the very timber of Provident served to quickly put my trivial worries into perspective. Every moment on board Provident is a privilege, offering a tiny glimpse into the wealth of sea-faring history which, as an island people, we were once so proud of. Head of Operations and Skipper of Provident, Nick Legg, said: “The Trinity Sailing Foundation was launched in 1999 with Provident, Leader and Golden Vanity. I joined in 2011. “We’ll be sailing all three this year around France, Scotland, the Scillies, the South West of England, the Channel Islands, Holland, Denmark, and Norway.” Nick, who started training at the age of just 16 as a bosun with a youth charity, has since seen many young people coming through the ranks as life on the sea ignites the flame of adventure in their hearts. He added: “We have people who come back year after year. There are eight members of staff at Trinity, but we also have a pool of dedicated volunteers. “Our trips are guided by the conditions at sea - we can’t make any firm plans, so when we organise a trip for individuals to join, we sketch out a rough itinerary but keep things as flexible as we can. “Vessels such as Provident are important threads in the rich tapestry of nautical history and if they were to fall out of use they would simply rot away. “The only way to preserve them is to keep them at sea and that is why our ships offer a range of activities from chartered trips and youth acitvities to organised breaks for individuals and couples to join in with. “There are some amazing sights at sea. Viewing the coastline from the water is both beautiful and special, but we have also seen some of the wonders of nature from the boats including phosphorescence in the water at night and dolphins swimming alongside us.” Life on Provident is a happy marriage of old and new, with the latest navigation technology, modern equipment and state-of-the-art life belts used alongside nautical charts, the ship’s compass and a wooden helm. And life aboard is a heady mix of learning new skills and working as a team to reach your destination. Passengers are encouraged to take the helm, work the ropes and hoist the sails as Provident travels from place to place. The fresh sea air and energetic days are tempered by stunningly prepared meals which are both comforting and sociable. In just a few hours, a group of disparate strangers can become a well-oiled team, taking directions from the crew and working together to guide the boat to harbours new. From a confirmed land-lubber with no particular desire to experience life at sea, a few days aboard Provident changed my perspective completely. With her wooden helm beneath my hand and the light sparkling off the waves as we nosed into the historic Brixham harbour at the end of our journey together, I knew that this particular lady had inspired in me a love for sailing, for the sea and a longing to preserve this little slice of a time long past, but not forgotten. For more information phone 01803 883355, email team@trinitysailing.org or log-on to trinitysailing.org

Irene sailing ship berthed in Penzance.

A VISITOR to Penzance harbour last week and likely to become a familiar sight in Mount's Bay over the course of the summer, the Irene is a West Country trading ketch, built in 1907 by FJ Carver and Sons. Owned by the same family since 1965, Irene has sailed extensively around the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and UK waters and now, following a complete rebuild lasting six years, she is earning her keep as both a sail training vessel and a sustainable cargo business. The Irene spent the early part of this week in Falmouth, joining in a gathering of historic wooden vessels, but is due to return to Newlyn today, staying for a few days. At the end of the month she will sail back to Falmouth and pick up passengers for a trip to the World Gig Championships on the Isles of Scilly. After that the Irene will return to Penzance to do some training in Mount's Bay with the RNLI and the Coastguard.

Eilidh McIntyre and Sophie Weguelin steal the show

SOPHIE Weguelin and Portland’s Eilidh McIntyre stole the show on day three of the ISAF World Cup Hyeres, taking a clean sweep of race wins in the 470 women’s event as competition stepped up a gear. This first day of the finals series saw mixed fortunes for the British Sailing Team’s medal contenders in France, but the European bronze medallists took it all in their stride to take the gun in both of their two races, and move into overall second place. The duo are in competition for the first time since their gold medal-winning outing at the Miami World Cup in January, with McIntyre having been sidelined from the Palma World Cup earlier this month after breaking a finger in training. The Paralympic Sonar trio of John Robertson, Hannah Stodel and Steve Thomas have nudged ahead of their main French rivals, with a four and two on the board from their two races yesterday. Meanwhile, overnight leaders Charlotte Dobson, from Weymouth and Sophie Ainsworth are remaining positive after a less than ideal start to their first day of final series racing in the 49erFX class. The duo picked up a false start penalty in the first race of three, which Dobson admits affected their subsequent two races. They pulled back to post a ninth and a fifth in the second and third races to see them in overall second place, just two points behind the Braziian pairing of Martine Soffiatti Grael and Kahena Kunze. Portland’s Megan Pascoe is edging closer to the podium in the Paralympic 2.4mR fleet, for whom there are two more racing days left. Pascoe was quick out of the blocks on Wednesday, picking up a race win and a second to consolidate her third place and extend the gap to fourth place – occupied by team-mate Helena Lucas – to 10 points. Weymouth’s world champion windsurfer Nick Dempsey gained ground on the series leaders in the RS:X event, and ended the day in fourth just two points from the bronze medal position. Portland-based Luke Patience and Elliot Willis had a good start to their finals series after a tough qualification round – they’re eighth overall with a fourth and a seventh yesterday in the 470 men’s event.

Sailing classes for disabled extended

Sailors with disabilities will be able to enjoy their hobby more often thanks to Otley Sailing Club and a Lancashire company. Dozens of severely disabled residents from the Hollybank Trust have been enjoying regular Wednesday sessions at Otley Sailing Club since 1994. Now adult enthusiasts will be able to attend sailing sessions on Mondays, too, after club member Mark Stephens volunteered to cover the Trust's fuel costs for two days a week over the next 12 months. Mark, the son of the club’s senior instructor Norman Stephens, is a co-founder and director of Preston-based firm Freightlink – and, through the business, is also funding Hollybank’s corporate membership fee for the year. Mr Stephens said: “We’ve had a relationship with Hollybank Trust now for some time and it’s one we want to continue because we see the value in education. “The positive impact Hollybank has on the lives of many children and adults is something that should continue.” Hollybank's enrichment project manager Stewart Geddes said: “This is just fantastic news for us and will help to meet the high demand for sailing places. “We can increase our numbers from 14 to 24 each week. We are so grateful to Mark for his donation and to all the club and volunteers for their support over the years.” In preparation for the additional sessions Hollybank staff have been receiving training, free of charge, from the club – with Andy Powell, Farrah Roberts, and Stewart and Mick Jackson all recently passing their Royal Yachting Association Safety Boat Training certificates. The Trust's driver, Frank Hemingway, and volunteer Fred Yarwood have also been trained to use the safety boat. Mr Geddes added: “We can now be more self-sufficient at the club because we have qualified staff trained to a very high standard to be able to support people. “The training included diving in and out of the freezing water rescuing boats, which shows our fantastic dedication. “We had a wonderful season last year with lots of people trying the sport for the first time as well as established sailors. We also had visitors from parents, companies via fundraising, independent advocates and social workers, as well as managers. “We have sailed, eaten and laughed together and all had a great time. We are very excited that the new season has now started again.” The Hollybank Trust cares for and educates children and adults with complex needs. It says its residents, who are nearly all wheelchair dependent, enjoy a great feeling of independence, freedom and self-esteem when they are out on the water.

Windermere to host sailing regatta

Windermere is once again to play host to the increasingly popular Windermere Marina Village sailing regatta series of races – with the competition getting under way on Saturday, April 26. The event is expected to attract around 25 boats and members of the public can enjoy the action from various points around the lake shoreline. Competitions continue on: May 24, June 21, July 5, August 23 and September 27. To participate in the series visit www.windermeremarina.co.uk

All welcome to sailing club's annual Winsford open day

WITH Winsford Flash Sailing Club’s new season now well under way, residents are being invited to experience the thrill of being out on the water at their popular Family Open Day. The event between 11am-4pm on Saturday, April 26 will allow members of the public to experience the fun of sailing first hand. The club’s extensive range of boats and facilities will be available to tour, while experienced helms will be on hand throughout the day to take visitors onto the famous Flash for a sail. Club Commodore, Sheila Sowley, said: “As always we’re extending a warm invite for the public to come along and join in the fun on what promises to be another great open-day at the club. “Everyone is welcome, from those who have never sailed before right across the board to more experienced sailors looking for a new club. “We are very lucky to have such great facilities, a fantastic group of friendly members and an action packed sailing programme right through the year.” People will be able to find out how to take their first steps into sailing and find out about the club’s popular 'learn to sail' courses, races, RYA qualifications and other social activities. For more information contact club secretary Helen Walsh via winsfordflash@gmail.com or call 01606 592726 The clubs website is winsfordflashsailing.com

Totnes brothers are picked for UK junior Feva squad

TWO brothers from Totnes have been picked for the UK National Junior squad in the Feva dinghy class. Dan and Finley Armstrong – aged 14 and 12 respectively – train up to three times a week out of Royal Torbay Yacht Club in Torbay, and are among nine boats selected for the squad, which aims to find future Olympians. Dan has been sailing Fevas for the past 18 months, and competed in the 2013 World Championships in Italy, coming 12th overall. He is now sailing with his brother Finley, and together they have gained some excellent results. Part of their squad selection will be undergoing a challenging fitness programme, and Dan and Fin are fortunate to be offered free membership by Tone Leisure in Totnes to help them meet their targets. This year they will be competing nationally in the Grand Prix circuit and National championships, and also at the World Championships in Carnac, France, in July 2014. The Armstrong brothers were among three Feva crews from RTYC who travelled to Grafham Water Sailing Club at the weekend for the first Feva Grand Prix of 2014. The club was also represented by William and James Cunliffe (Torquay Boys Grammar) and the all-girl team of Jess Jobson and Grace Gadd (Churston Ferrers Grammar). The weather was bright but breezy with the wind gusting up to 25 knots which caused some crews to capsize. In some tough conditions, James and William Cunliffe managed a fifth in one race, and were 11th overall, while the Armstrong brothers clocked up one eighth. Race training begins at the club again on Saturday, April 5, and will continue until the autumn. The club are inviting potential sailors to the club on May 10 for Push the Boat Out day when the club's current crop of ace sailors will be ready to take out all new sailors for a trial sail. THE first meeting of the season has been held at Paignton Sailing Club, with 13 boats entering the action for two races. The first race started in light winds which increased throughout the day. The line was port end biased and Nigel Williams (Fireball) shot off from the pin end and continued left, while Arthur Phillips (Solo) went right and came out smelling of roses, beating Bob Cudmore (Laser) into second place on handicap by 24 seconds. Race two, which was also port biased, started in about eight knots of wind. The boats approaching the pin were early but, with a bit of back-pedalling, managed a clean start. Well up and approaching the windward mark, Chris Tillbrook (49er) was on starboard when Elaine Slater (Fireball), on port, bore off to go behind. Unfortunately, the Slaters earned themselves a 720 degree penalty turn when they cleared the boat but rode over the protruding four-foot 49er tiller extension! The Slater's lost valuable distance allowing Nigel Williams to overtake and a close battle ensued. Williams took the fast handicap honours, while Hal Sanderson won the medium handicap. Racing at Paignton will now continue on Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm and Sunday mornings at 10.30am. The club welcomes all comers but boasts classes of Fireballs, Albacores, Lasers, RS600s and Laser 2000's. Sailing courses are also planning to start on Friday evenings and club boats are available for hire to members.

Newlyn man to sail to America in transatlantic challenge

A PHYSICIST from Newlyn is about to take on a charity challenge of sailing solo across the Atlantic and back in a 21ft boat – despite only having taken up the sport a year ago. Dr Steve Hickey, 63, who will be raising funds for the Fishermen's Mission, only decided to take up sailing when he read about the Jester Challenge, a transatlantic race from Plymouth to Newport, Rhode Island in America, which takes place every four years. He said: "I've always been keen on boats but never had the opportunity to do anything about it. "But when I read about the Jester Challenge, it seemed so anarchic and silly that I thought I just had to take part." About a year after discovering the race, Steve went about the task of buying a boat. A 21-foot Newbridge Coromandel became available in Falmouth and, renamed Newlyn Maid, Steve took his first sailing lessons up and down the Fal Estuary. Since then, in between the task of making his 30-year-old vessel as safe as possible for the trip, he has brought the Newlyn Maid round the Lizard to Newlyn and also sailed round Land's End to Hayle. Before the race starts on May 11, he plans several more trips. "When I set out to take part in the Jester I looked at all the risks and thought that it was not that dangerous," he said. "I have done all I can to make the boat ready for the challenge and have fitted her with multiple GPS emergency locators and I will be in contact with the shore throughout the trip." Steve also insists that his experience of sailing in Cornish waters will stand him in good stead. He said: "Some of the most dangerous waters you can sail in are just off the coast. I think the main problem will be dealing with the psychological problem of being out in a huge ocean by yourself. "My wife is a bit nervous but fairly confident about the venture – it is the people who don't know what is involved who think it is dangerous." Around 20 to 30 vessels are likely to line up at the start on May 11 and Steve hopes to not only sail out to Newport, a voyage which he expects will take around six weeks, but turn round and come back again in time for the Newlyn Fish Festival at the end of August. To find out more about how Steve has gone about preparing for the Jester Challenge, read his blog at www.newlyn maid.wordpress.com/2014/01/ If you would like to sponsor Steve, visit www.fishermens mission.org.uk/donate.html

Docklands Sailing and watersports centre

Today we see the start of the twilight evening sailing season. Our great Summer Social Sailing Event including BBQ starts on Wednesday 16th April and then every Wednesday through to October. Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 8.30pm Members : £15.00 Non Members : £25.00 A great introduction to sailing, bring your colleagues, friends or come along and make new ones. A BBQ well be served after the event and our licensed bar will be open. Bookings are advisable to guarantee your place. Helms will be required for bookings of 3 persons or more with no experienced.

Attenborough SC Lands Inspired Facilities Award

Attenborough Sailing Club has discovered it has been awarded £49,409 in the latest Sport England Inspired Facilities funding round announced yesterday (Monday 14 April). The Nottingham club has received the award to contribute towards the costs of a new £99,000 clubhouse, which will help the club attract, and retain, more people in sailing. Attenborough SC is among 324 local sports projects to secure a share of £17 million of National Lottery funding from Sport England's Inspired Facilities fund. Since 2011, Inspired Facilities has been helping breathe new life into tired community sports facilities and converting existing buildings into venues suitable for grassroots sport. The award will allow enlargement of the current facilities to include a general purpose seating area, kitchen and changing facilities. This opportunity will also enable the club to improve access for disabled members and encourage greater participation in the sport. Sport England Property Director, Charles Johnston, said: "The Inspired Facilities fund has had a huge impact on grassroots sport across the country. Since 2011, we've invested £88 million into more than 1,600 projects to improve and refurbish sports clubs and transform non-sporting venues into vibrantcommunity sports clubs. "It's great to see Attenborough Sailing Club join the long list of successful clubs to benefit from this fund." Roger Day, Attenborough SC club commodore, said: "We are delighted to have secured this investment, which means we can upgrade the quality of our premises and provide access for disabled members. "People will only stay in any sport if they enjoy it, and having comfortable, pleasant facilities is a major part of that enjoyment. Not only will the new clubhouse give us extra capacity but it enhances the likelihood of people wanting to come back and sail regularly with us because they know we're committed to investing in the club. "The club has always had a policy of making sailing an affordable sport to local people and without this grant we would not be able to undertake such a major improvement plan" Gareth Brookes, RYA Regional Development Officer for the Midlands, said: "There is no doubt having a modern, comfortable clubhouse will play a significant part in Attenborough SC being able to attract, and retain, more sailors in the sport and we are delighted that the club has been successful in its application." Attenborough SC is a recognised RYA Training Centre meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. If you already know you want to learn to sail this year, and get involved in a exhilarating outdoor sport where life really does get left on the shore, Attenborough SC will be running its next adult RYA Start Sailing course in September. The club's next Youth learn to sail course starts on Friday 9 May. 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 friendly, welcoming sailing clubs. For full details on how you can get involved at Attenborough SC this year visit www.attenboroughsc.org.uk

Plain sailing for Bourne End club

A BOURNE End sailing club are holding an open day for all the family to get a taste for sailing. The Upper Thames Sailing Club is inviting people of all ages to visit the club on Sunday, April 27. Alan Markham, Commodore, said: “It’s our aim for absolutely anyone to be able to learn to sail and regularly go sailing if they want to. This year we have a short temporary membership available, and members are able to use club dinghies to start with to try out different boats.” The Open Day, along the river Thames is on from 10.30am and refreshments will be served on the day. Funds raised on the day will be donated to Sail4Cancer.