Weymouth and Portland named as sailing cup venue

Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has been named as one of two European venues for the 2015 sailing world cup series. The racing will be held in the same waters as the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic waters. ISAF Sailing World Cup will see the fourth stage of the six-leg series taking part between 8-19th June 2015. Weymouth and Portland will join Hyeres in France as the two venues of the sailing cup that will kick off in Melbourne this December before stopping off in Miami, USA. It’s great news that Weymouth and Portland has been confirmed as one of two European venues for theISAF Sailing World Cup series. Not only a great boost for the sport of sailing in the UK, the Weymouth and Portland venue and area, but it is a fantastic opportunity for the country’s race officials, volunteers who have a real passion for the sport of sailing, as well as British Sailing Team members, to be involved in a World Class sailing event on home waters. “Some of the world’s best sailors will be competing at this event, and it will provide a seriously competitive environment for our top British athletes as they prepare for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” – JOHN DERBYSHIRE, RYA RACING MANAGER AND PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR

Sailing race raises £23,000 cash

A ROUND-THE-WORLD yacht race has raised thousands for charity. The Gosport-based Clipper Ventures’ race saw sailors spend 11 months at sea crossing the globe. Now the firm has revealed the Clipper Round the World Race 2013-14 has raised £23,000 for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. The trust works with every young person’s primary cancer care unit in the UK, and offers people aged between eight and 24 a chance to sail. The cash has come from supporters, individual crew members, teams, skippers and sponsors, including Fareham-based PSP Logistics. It means the trust can take an extra 43 people recovering from cancer on a four-day sailing trip. The 44,000-mile race finished in London this month .

The Fishwives - 'A Sailor's Lot'

Great Sailing in Scotland

Brightlingsea Sailing Club to host Solo National Championship 2014

The 2014 Solo National Championship will be hosted by Brightlingsea Sailing Club, Essex, from 26 July to 1 August, with some sixty-six helms travelling from across the UK to compete. The regatta opens with registration and inspection on Saturday 26 July and championship racing will run from Sunday 27 July to Friday 1 August, with up to two races per day planned. Brightlingsea Sailing Club has a world-renowned reputation for its regatta management and runs several major championships each year. Racing will take place on windward leeward courses on the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries which offer sheltered open sea sailing at all states of the tide. As well as the main championship prizes, there will also be a number of special trophies including the first wooden boat, the leading Veteran, Grand Master, Septimus, Junior and Lady sailors and a Top Club Trophy. There is also a full social programme starting with a Commodore's Welcome Reception on Saturday 26 July and including a Curry and Quiz Night on Tuesday 29 July, a BBQ on Wednesday 30 July and a Prize Giving and Buffet on Friday 1 August. The British National Solo Class Association will host its AGM on the evening of Monday 28 July and the Solo Fleet is invited to join in the Club's very popular Thursday Night Pursuit race, just for fun. Designed by Jack Holt in 1956, the Solo is a classic one-design, single-handed dinghy sailed at many clubs in the UK, Holland and Australia. The entry list for the event includes defending champion Charlie Cumbly and last year's runner up Andy Tunnicliffe, as well as many of the top names in the class, so competition is expected to be fierce. Further information about the regatta is available at the event website or from David Charlton, Vice Commodore Sailing, Brightlingsea Sailing Club, Email vcsailing@sailbrightlingsea.com, Tel 01206 302206.

Disabled teen to embark on extraordinary sailing attempt

Inspirational sailing teenager Natasha Lambert is scheduled to embark on her latest challenge today. The 17-year-old was born with athertoid cerebral palsy, which affects her limbs and speech and confines her to a wheelchair. She sails using ‘sip and puff' - using her breathing alone to control her sailing boat. Last July Natasha, then aged 16, sailed across the English Channel from Boulogne, France to Dover, Kent in four and a half hours in her Artemis 20 boat Miss Isle. The previous year she sailed around the Isle of Wight, about 60 miles, which is the longest she has ever sailed. This afternoon, between 1pm and 4pm, Natasha is scheduled to set off from Cowes Yacht Haven on the Isle of Wight on her biggest challenge yet. 'Sea and Summit' is a month-long challenge sailing her 21ft Mini Transat, Miss Isle Too, single-handed around the South West coast of England to Wales - some 430 miles. She will then swap her boat for a special walking aid to climb Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons, the highest peak in Southern Britain. Natasha, who lives on the Isle of Wight, aims to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Foundation, and to encourage others with disabilities to get on the water. The teenager will be supported during the challenge by her sailing coach, Phil Devereux, who is managing the event, plus powerboating champion Shelley Jory-Leigh who will be leading Natasha's safety boat team. Find out more at www.missisle.com

Grant lands Sidmouth Sailing Club new dinghy

SIDMOUTH Sailing Club can splash out on a new vessel and will be given a storage boost thanks to a £2,950 grant. The match-funded amount, from the Sid Vale Association’s (SVA) Keith Owen Fund, will be spent on an adult training dinghy. SVA chairman Alan Darrant congratulated the club on the development of its facilities when he handed over a cheque on Sunday. The sailing club’s commodore, Steve Smith, expressed his gratitude and said: “Three years ago, the Keith Owen Fund was able to make a grant to purchase four RS Feva dinghies for youth training. This latest award will now enable the club to purchase an RS Vision Adult training dinghy, which will be ideal for training adult members. “We will also now be able to provide much needed improved storage facilities for the care and protection of our sailing craft, as the grant will be used for improved racking. This grant will be used to purchase the necessary materials, from which the voluntary help of our members will complete the work.” Mr Darrant said this was a good example of how the club and the SVA has worked together to improve a local facility. He invited any voluntary organisation seeking help with projects within the Sid Valley to apply for funding. More information can be found at www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk.

Sailing Scotland, Hebrides and Orkney

Sailing Scotland - Hebrides, The Minch & Orkney

MS sailing challenge comes to UK

A yacht crewed by entirely people with multiple sclerosis (MS) made a stop off in Portsmouth, UK, last week as part of 17-month voyage around the world. Oceans of Hope, which is supported by pharma company Biogen Idec, is the first global circumnavigation by a yacht crewed by people with MS and is intended to inspire people with MS to follow their goals. The project is the idea of the Sailing Sclerosis Foundation which was set up by Danish doctor and psychotherapist, Mikkel Anthonisen. The yacht set sail from Copenhagen on June 15, spent four days in Portsmouth last week, developing networks between the MS and sailing communities by organising sailing taster sessions. Last Friday more than 20 people with MS sailed on the Thames barge Alice and on a wheelchair-accessible motor boat, Wet Wheels, before the yacht headed off to France as part of a journey that will also take in North America, South America and Australia. One crewmember with MS commented that it was the first time since he had been diagnosed that he had been able to talk with others about their experiences of the disease, while a former professional sailor found he still had what it takes. Oceans of Hope crew Speaking at the campaign's launch in May, Biogen Idec senior vice president, Europe and Canada David Allsop said: “Treatment of MS needs to be holistic, incorporating the right therapies with community programmes and resources. “Through its message of empowerment, we believe that Oceans of Hope can benefit thousands of patients around the world.”

Sail the Hebrides

New boat for Sailability

Local disabled sailing charity Poole Sailability have added another new boat to their fleet and are now able to offer affordable active sailing to even more people with disabilities. The Hawk 20 keelboat which can take up to six sailors was purchased with grants from Sport England, the Valentine Trust, and RYA Sailability. The boat has been named Nadia in memory of the guide dog of the same name that belonged to recently deceased member Steve Ward. At a recent ceremony club mascot Nadia assisted Steve's widow Ann by pulling the cord to unveil the name of the boat following a dedication prayer from sailing volunteer The Rev Clifford Curry. Anyone with a disability who would like to sail should call Poole Sailability on 01202 632096 for further details. No previous sailing experience is necessary.

Try Sailing For Free At Carsington Sailability!

Whatever your ability come and try a fantastic, social outdoor sport, where everyday life really does get left on the shore as Carsington Sailability invites you and your family to try sailing for FREE at its 2014 Open Day on Saturday 19 July. Carsington Sailability is part of the RYA's national Sailability programme providing opportunities for people with disabilities to go sailing and sail regularly. So don't think you couldn't enjoy sailing as a sport, this is your chance to discover you can! The fun starts at 11am on Carsington Water near Ashbourne and is guaranteed to offer something for everyone, regardless of age, gender, experience. One of the best things about sailing is its totally inclusive - once you're on the water whatever difficulties you may experience on the shore are left there. Carsington Sailability has an excellent selection of specialised boats and other equipment designed to get anyone who wants to sail out on the water. The group also offers fantastic social opportunities as a part of Carsington Sailing Club. Refreshments will be available and a warm welcome is guaranteed as Carsington Sailability aims to give newcomers a real sense of the club and what sailing is really all about. Carsington Sailing Club is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of quality and safety. For full details on everything going on at Carsington Sailability this year and how you can get involved visit www.carsingtonsailingclub.co.uk/sailing/sailability

Gloucestershire sailors Jeremy Warren and Phil Kirk smash UK coast record

Two weather-beaten West Country adventurers are celebrating after they set a new record for sailing around the UK. Jeremy Warren and Phil Kirk, of Gloucestershire, set sail from Weymouth in a Wayfarer dinghy, a small open boat less than 5m long, aiming to complete their journey in 60 days but returned yesterday, having taken 33, breaking the record of 76 days. Mr Warren, a 56-year-old technology entrepreneur, and Mr Kirk, 40, a naval architecht are members of the Thornbury Sailing Club on the River Severn and have decades of sailing experience between them. The voyage was raising money for lifeboat charity, the RNLI, and the Pappa Fund, which supports health and education projects in India.

Soaking the baton at Montrose Sailing Club

Hot on the heels of the Montrose Sailing Club’s 50th Anniversary, the club played its part in the celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Baton Relay coming to the town on Saturday. Not only do the club have a member who helped to design the Baton, and another who proudly carried it in Kirriemuir, but it held its first ever dry-land taster session, at the Sports Centre games field, on Saturday. A club spokesman said: “Judging by the number of people who came along to the sailing club open day on Sunday, a good number of people spotted our two bright yellow and blue Laser Picos (courtesy of the Angus Council Community Fund) and were not put off by Saturday’s rain. “All the same, it was with some trepidation that we opened the curtains on Sunday morning, but fortunately we were given a near-perfect day for folk to try sailing - bright, warm and with a steady breeze - and they certainly did come and try!” More than 30 new sailors attended the open day, keeping the club’s volunteers busy kitting out the visitors for a safe sail, getting them on the water and preparing them tea and cake to warm-up afterwards. The spokesperson continued: “All who came had a great time sailing on our “unusual” patch of water, and with the club’s own sail training programme and links with Monikie Country Park RYA sail training centre, we hope that we will have some budding Sir Ben Ainsleys or Shirley Robertsons joining the club, and a few more who will come to enjoy messing around in boats and 
seeing the seals. “The Club would also like to thank Montrose Community Sports Hub for the opportunity to take part on Saturday and to send our best wishes with the baton and its bearers to all of the athletes and volunteers who will be taking part in Scotland’s Games next month.” Meanwhile, if you missed the open day and are interested in trying a new sport, see www.montrosesailingclub.co.uk for details of the sailing programme and get along to Esk Road any weekend when the tide’s in.

Brtish government discussing eight million pound "investment" in Ben Ainslie America's Cup campaign

MINISTERS are preparing to invest up to £8m to boost Britain’s attempt to win the America’s Cup for the first time, and bring the prestigious sailing competition back to the UK after more than 150 years. The government is to give financial backing to Sir Ben Ainslie, the Olympic gold medallist who was part of America’s winning team last year, to build a state-of-the-art boat and set up a permanent racing headquarters in Portsmouth. But last night the move was criticised by Labour MPs, who said the money would be better spent on supporting sports open to everybody rather than on an “elite”. Ainslie hopes to enter a team in the America’s Cup in 2017 and, by winning the cup, bring the competition back to the UK for the first time since 1851 when it was launched off the Isle of Wight.

Crew sought for round-Britain sailing adventure

Tim Gardner is looking forward to swapping the London commuter train from Alton for a sailing voyage of a lifetime. After 18 months of planning, Tim, 46, from Medstead will be setting sail from Gosport on a circumnavigation of the United Kingdom. He will depart on Saturday, 5 July, and is hoping for calm seas for the following eight weeks as he voyages around the UK, raising money for the RNLI along the way. Despite being in the 'final countdown phase' and undertaking last minute jobs such as fitting a fridge, Tim is still seeking additional crew, especially for the return leg from Inverness to Harwich in mid-August. Tim said: 'I think we can accept additional crew with only 48 hours notice.' The route The 2,500-mile journey will take in the Scilly Isles, the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, through the Caledonian Canal and then down the East Coast to Newcastle Upon Tyne. Moonstone, Tim's 29ft sailing boat will then rest in Newcastle before completing the journey back to Gosport next Easter. Tim caught the sailing bug just over four years ago when he proposed to his wife that they could 'pick a hobby that we can do together'. A sail to Guernsey, followed by another trip to Dartmouth, identified the flaw in the plan. Jo, Tim's wife suffers from awful sea sickness. Moonstone held her own in last year's race around the Isle of Wight with a valiant crew that included Phil Miles and Esther Silver from Alton; they narrowly missed a collision with many but not all of the 1,900 other sailing boats as they made their way out of Cowes. For the last nine months, the boat has been out of the water being refitted so that she is ready for the journey around the UK. Last weekend, Tim, Phil and Esther, along with crewmates Bradley and Mark Gardner, took part in the light-wind edition Round the Island Race. Pre-voyage jitters 'There are bits of this trip that are beginning to give me sleepless nights', says Tim. 'In the Mennai Straight for example there are whirlpools that will spin a boat. But there are other parts of the journey that should feel truly magical.' The last time Tim and Jo sailed to Dartmouth, there were 10 porpoises swimming with the boat. Jo will join the trip at various points. She will fly to Isles of Scilly, covering the same distance that will take Tim a week in only 30 minutes. But Tim will not be on his own for all of the journey. He is looking for additional crew to take part in this exciting journey. To contact Tim, email Makingway@btinternet.com Follow's his progress via the Making Way page on Facebook. Tim says: 'I would not be able to make this journey without the support of friends and colleagues.' Fundraising Tim's biggest thank you goes to the RNLI after he called them out last year, when one of his crew hit her head in rough weather. He said: 'The support provided by the RNLI to amateur sailors is truly amazing. They were on the scene within minutes and took the casualty to the hospital as a precautionary measure.' Tim is hoping to raise £5,000 for the RNLI during this trip and will be participating in fundraising events at RNLI stations as he travels around the UK.

Young cancer survivor makes sailing racing debut through Dame Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust

A brave cancer survivor from Royston saw her dreams come true when she followed in the footsteps of Dame Ellen MacArthur during a 50-mile sailing race last weekend. Charlotte Butterworth, 17, had the wind in her sails as she raced around the Isle of Wight on Saturday after being given the opportunity by the retired sailor’s charity, the Dame Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. The sixth-former from Steeple Morden was diagnosed with a sarcoma in her cheek when she was just 6-years-old. Having beaten the disease, she joined 16,000 competitors for her racing debut in the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. Speaking to the Weekly News, she said: “I really enjoyed it and I would definitely want to do it again.” Charlotte, a pupil at Hills Road Sixth Form college, had sailed with the Trust before but never in the race and after finally making her debut – albeit in weather conditions which made sailing difficult due to lack of wind. She said: “I was really excited before the race. I’ve done five trips with them before and I’d always wanted to do this race but it clashed with my GCSEs last year.” “There were so many people at the start line, lots of boats racing competitively and it was really fun. “We were quite competitive as a trust with our different boats and all wanted to beat each other.” “My dad used to have a small boat but I hadn’t really been on a bit boat before all this so it’s really fun. “With the trust, everyone has been through a serious situation but they are able to support each other.” She added: “Dame Ellen is lovely. “She’s just so ordinary. You can really easily talk to her and just chat about normal things. “I’ve made some great friends doing the trips and it does help having so many people who have been in the same situation as you.” A sarcoma is a rare cancer that builds up in the muscle, bone and nerves. They make up 15 per cent of all childhood cancers. Though Charlotte does not remember much of the experience as a child, she has said she wants to continue helping others as a volunteer for the Trust. She said: “Next year I will turn 18 and will not be able to go back as a young person, but it would be great to go an help as a volunteer.” In the meantime though, she will be concentrating on passing her A-levels next summer in the hope of studying science at university. The J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race (Saturday 21st June) is one of the largest participation sporting events in the UK and the largest yacht race of its kind in the world. Organised by the Island Sailing Club in Cowes, it is dubbed ‘Britain’s favourite yacht race’, regularly attracting around 1,500 boats and 16,000 competitors.

Hartlepool Marina goes Dutch as 60 yachts sail in from the Netherlands

MORE than 60 private racing yachts sailed into Hartlepool with around 150 crew members from all over the Netherlands. The yachts – which average about 36ft in length – are members of a Dutch coastal sailing association, the Nederlandsche Vereeniging Van Kustzeilers. The huge fleet sailed its way to Hartlepool Marina as part of a friendly race between various North Sea ports which the association holds each year. They arrived at the marina throughout Monday and yesterday, and were due to leave today, heading off to race to Newcastle and then on to Scotland. The visit to Hartlepool was hosted by Hartlepool Marina, which provided the berths, and Hartlepool Borough Council, which was to welcome the skippers and crew at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience at an event last night. Allan Henderson, Hartlepool Marina director, added: “It was such a pleasure to welcome the yachts to Hartlepool – I’m sure the crews will have been impressed. “Our town has one of the largest marinas in the UK and the fact that we can accommodate over 60 visiting ships further enhances our reputation as a ‘can do’ town which we established when we hosted the Tall Ships in 2010.” Hartlepool’s Mayor Councillor Stephen Akers-Belcher said: “I’m delighted that the crews have chosen to visit Hartlepool this year. “It was a great opportunity for the crews to see the many opportunities our town offers in terms of tourism and business and to hear about the work we are doing to lay the foundation of our future prosperity through the Hartlepool Vision. “I’m sure they will spread the word when they return home.” Members of the public were expected to be able to wave off the visiting ships as they leave through the marina lock gates between 11am and 12.30pm today.

Celtic sailing & exploration - West coast of Scotland

Scotland - Islands and Highlands

scotland west coast sailing trip

Co-op’s gift puts wind in club’s sails

It was with great pleasure that Rutland Sailability members welcomed three representatives of the Anglia Co-operative Community Fund to their regular sailing day at the Rutland Sailing Club on Rutland Water. Doug Boyall and Bev Middleton from the ACCF in Peterborough, were joined by Paul Brown, manager of the Oakham Co-operative Superstore, at Rutland Sailability to present 2 new sails for the club’s multi-hull Challenger boats funded by ACCF. In thanking ACCF for their generosity in funding the new sails, David Walker, Deputy Chairman of Rutland Sailability’s Marketing and Promotions Team, recalled the very valued support the Fund had given the club over many years. In recognition of their long established commitment to the club and to mark this very special occasion, the visitors were presented with the club’s traditional gift of a “Gone Sailing” photograph. As sailing got underway, disabled sailors took the Challengers, with their new sails, out onto the water where they were joined by the Black Kinsman boat sporting its previously funded ACCF sails - much to the delight of the visitors. Rutland Sailability is a registered charity based at the Rutland Sailing Club, Edith Weston, providing sailing opportunities for those with disabilities of all kinds. Funding from sources such as ACCF enables the club to continue to provide the very best facilities for its members. Sadly, this will be the last time funding will be awarded to Rutland Sailability by the Anglia Co-operative Community Fund, as the fund will soon be closed following the merger of local Co-operative Societies into the larger Central England Co-operative based in Lichfield.

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