Teenager to help other young cancer survivors take sailing trips

A teenager from Rayne who beat a rare form of cancer has completed yacht sailing training so he can help other young survivors. Sam Dore, 18, spent March with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, learning how to take young people sailing. The former Notley High School pupil benefited from the trips himself when he was diagnosed with Nasophyaryngeal Carcinoma aged 13. He beat the cancer- in the cavity behind his nose and throat - with a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. During his recovery the Trust took him sailing around the Solent with 20 other children. He said: "I first came on a trip in 2011 and have sailed with the Trust for four years since then. “I wanted to be able to give back to the Trust, and show the young people coming on trips for the first time how much fun sailing is." The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was launched in 2003 to give young people in recovery from cancer the chance to rebuild their confidence through sailing.

Lifeboat tows grounded yacht from Oban Bay

Oban Lifeboat launched last night to a yacht aground on the Corran Ledge in Oban Bay. The lifeboat was requested by Stornoway Coastguard at 8.20pm after the 40ft vessel that had experienced engine problems entering Oban Bay. With a dying wind, the vessel was unable to make way under sail and drifted onto the Corran Ledge. The volunteer crew arrived quickly on scene and attached a tow line. Once it was established that there was no damage, the yacht was pulled clear to the safety of Oban Marina. Fortunately the yacht had drifted aground slowly, so the grounding of the vessel was minimal, making for a relatively easy recovery on a dropping tide.

More Scots taking to the water

Scotland's love affair with messing about in boats continues with more of us than ever casting off on waterways across the land, according to authoritative new research welcomed by tourism bosses. They predict big things for aquatic activity this summer. The Watersports Participation Survey has found that some 287,000 adults in Scotland or 6.9 per cent of the population, took to the water by way of one or more of 12 mainstream boating activities including sailing in dinghies and yachts, water skiing and canal boating. Meanwhile those involved in other watersports activity last year, from surfing to angling and leisure sub-aqua diving, stands at over one million or 24.5 per cent of local adults. These figures reflect a considerable rise in participation in Scotland, an increase of 2.4 per cent and 7.1 per cent from 2013 respectively, according to the consortium of leading marine bodies who conduct the survey.Some pursuits are more popular than others. With 152,000 people in Scotland taking to the water in a canoe the participation rate in canoeing north of the border at 3.6 per cent has risen above the UK average (3.1 per cent) for 2014. Other boating activities to see a rise in local popularity are canal boating and power boating with increases of 0.6 per cent and 0.3 per cent from 2013 respectively. More than 1.2 million boats are owned by households in the UK, an increase to 1,214,154 in 2012-14, from 1,163,726 in 2011-13. In Scotland 49,872 households owned one or more boats in 2014, of which at least 23,564 canoes/kayaks were owned by local residents. Meanwhile across the UK there are also significant increases with female participation in 'any boating activity' continues a steady increase since 2010 and is now at 6.2 per cent, the joint top highest with 2007 since the study began in 2002. Amongst those over 55 participation has been steadily increasing since 2011 and it is now at its highest volume since the survey began; the volume increase since 2002 stands at 66 per cent. For the 16-34 and 35-54 age groups, participation rates have remained fairly stable over the past six years. There is also a breakdown of figures for the casual participants who go out on the water fewer than six times a year and the committed enthusiast who is out more often. There has been a shift with a slight fall in 'casuals' and a corresponding rise in the proportion of 'enthusiasts' returning closer to previously seen levels at 77%. Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: "With thousands of miles of stunning coastline, beautiful canals, rivers and lochs and hundreds of islands ready to be explored, Scotland really is the perfect destination for watersports. "It's great to see that more people are taking to the water, especially as Scotland's sailing industry is worth an estimated £101 million a year and supports 2700 jobs across the country. In October, our VisitScotland Growth Fund supported Sail Scotland's Sailing to Success campaign with a £22,500 grant and we're hoping this will inspire even more people to get outdoors and get involved in all the many exciting and interesting water activities across every single beautiful region of Scotland. It certainly looks as though watersports are set to make a big splash in the tourism industry this summer!" Howard Pridding, Chief Executive of British Marine Federation said: "The figures for the number of people participating in boating and watersports are encouraging but there's also plenty of room for growth. Getting out on the water is a hugely enjoyable pastime whether you're a casual participant or much more of an enthusiast, and the marine industry is in great shape to provide plenty of opportunities to enable this." The Watersports Participation Survey is conducted annually by a consortium of leading marine bodies including British Marine Federation (BMF), RYA (Royal Yachting Association), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), British Canoeing (BC) and Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

Sailing Club looking for new members

Loch Ard Sailing Club is situated in a delightful quiet loch on the south edge of the Trossachs. It is a friendly club, offering relaxed weekend racing, social sailing, and a number of social activities throughout the season, which begins 
on April 12. The club’s aim is for 
members to enjoy the location, relax, and ‘mess about in boats’. There are club boats available to borrow for those who don’t own a boat. New members are always welcome. For more information go to www.lochardsc.org.uk/contacts

Potters Bar's Kristina Cartwight-Riley completes Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust Graduate Volunteer Training

An 18-year-old braved the elements to spend three weeks sailing with a charity. Kristina Cartwright-Riley, from Potters Bar, took part in the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust graduate volunteer training last month. Along with 13 others, she braved the weather on the Solent to complete the RYA Competent Crew Course and find out what it takes to be a volunteer with the charity. She will return to volunteer on trips over the summer. Kristina first sailed with the Trust after she finished treatment at the University College London Hospital in April 2009 for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. She said: "The Trust has given me so much confidence, I want to be able to help give other young people that opportunity to make new friends and rebuild their confidence." To find out more about the charity, visit http://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org

Summer long race brings sailing boost to West Highlands

A huge boost to the west coast ports is on the horizon from a new summer long series of yacht races. A group of sailing clubs have pooled resourses to organise this bunite for a big event. The West Highland Offshore Series is Scotland’s only season-long passage race sailing championship. The new event for Scottish keelboat racing sailors gets underway in June and spans across the summer into September. It will call in at some of the most idyllic west coast ports including Oban, Gairloch, Kyle of Lochalsh, Plockton and Portree. The series will collect results from nine races and use the five best results for each boat to derive a winning yacht for the season. The event, in its first year, has been planned for a number of years and is being administered by Skye Sailing Club with support from Oban Sailing Club, Glencoe Boat Club, Plockton Small Boat Club and Gairloch Boat Club. The top three boats will receive prizes sponsored by the award-winning Duisdale House Hotel in Sleat, Isle of Skye. These include a weekend break with dinner and meals for runners-up. Series co-ordinator Ian McKay said: “We are fortunate that the owners of the Duisdale are keen sailors themselves, and when they heard about the concept of the West Highland Offshore Series they instantly jumped onboard to help. “When you remember that there is no fee to enter this championship, it’s a fantastic return to competitors for just taking part.” The first race in the series is the Oban to Glencoe passage race on June 5. The event will be an annual feeder race to the Glencoe Regatta which is held on Saturday June 6. On June 19 the race is titled Midsummer in the Minch, an overnight race from Portree to Gairloch via the Shiant Isles. Gairloch Boat Club Big Boat Race takes place on June 27 and will involve racing around buoys and islands from Gairloch. The Round Mull Race from Oban takes place on July 3, 4, and 5. It will be Over the Sea to Skye on July 11 with boats racing from Kyle of Lochalsh to Portree. The following day the fleet will race from Portree to Kyleakin. On July 25 the Round Raasay Pursuit starts and finishes in Portree. The Frithard Trophy will be competed for on August 1. The event is Plockton’s keelboat race and part of the village’s regatta fortnight. The final event will take place at a date to be confirmed in September. The last Gasp Trophy will involve a day of round the cans racing in Churchton Bay, Raasay, in front of Raasay House.

Plaid sailing in Scotland

With spectacular scenery and great facilities, it's understandable why some boat owners spend their entire boating lifetime without leaving the cool waters Scotland's west coast. There are three distinct cruising areas when sailing Scotland's west coast: the sheltered deep waters of The Firth of Clyde, the Sound of Islay and Point of Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point of mainland United Kingdom. SAILING THE FIRTH OF CLYDE Encompasses about 600 square miles of navigable water, the Firth of Clyde is the one closest to major population centres and is a sailor's dream with numerous anchorages, harbours and marinas. There are several charter companies operating in the area. Our trip started in the Kyles of Bute, where we made use of the free moorings provided by local hotels. To the north lies the entrance to the Crinan Canal at Ardrishaig. The canal was built more than 100 years ago and featured in the humorous Para Handy novels; it is used almost exclusively by pleasure craft. Being more adventurous, we made the passage around the Mull, which gave us spectacular views of the rugged landscape. We stopped in sheltered Campbeltown to enjoy a meal ashore with friends in the Ardsheil Hotel: good food and a whisky bar with an eye-watering choice of single malts. SOUND OF ISLAY A passage of 40 miles took us to the Sound of Islay and the option of a stop on the Isle of Jura where wildlife lovers can watch dolphins, sharks and gannets diving for fish. Our route took us to Oban, locally called the gateway to the Highlands. Marina facilities, swing moorings for visitors and a major bustling town offer shopping, hotels, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets. Oban Distillery in the town centre produces some fine malt whiskies, and there are tours of how their liquor is made. Twenty miles away at the outer end of the Sound of Mull lies Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, a real yachting centre and a site for watching white-tailed sea eagles. POINT OF ARDNAMURCHAN The most westerly point of mainland United Kingdom, the sailing in this area tends to be more rugged. Whales and dolphins are regular visitors, and seabirds are abundant. Loch Torridon was a standout - a place with few facilities but spectacular beauty. A few miles further north is Loch Gairloch with its well-loved Badachro Inn. Good food, drinks and banter aplenty are all on offer. The evenings are light in summer, so this can be a pleasant way of rounding off a good day's sail. Loch Ewe offers a choice of anchorages and access to the Inverewe Gardens – a stunning 20-hectare subtropical estate set on the peninsula - well worth a visit. Decent shelter on the mainland lies at Lochinver, a major fishing port, with a small pontoon facility for yachts. On a clear day the hills behind Stornoway, 35 miles away, are visible from Lochinver and certainly makes for easy navigation if making your way to the Isle of Harris and Lewis. We spent several days here enjoying the slower pace of life. Stornoway is the main port for air and sea connections to the Lewis region. A tour of the island gives a fascinating insight into the region's history. The standing stones at Callanish, reputed to be more than 5000 years old, and a traditional stone black house we visit, reflects its days as a Viking settlement. There are many ways of enjoying the delights of Scotland's sailing paradise, including the numerous bare boat charter companies vying with fully crewed cruise boats, often of exceptionally high quality. Skippers of bare boat charters have access to excellent local cruising guides and pilots to help plan a trip– whether that means ending every day with a trip ashore to vibrant nightlife, or enjoying the sunset from the cockpit of your boat, perhaps with a glass of something local to hand. SAILING IN SCOTLAND The west coast of Scotland's sailing area lies between 54 and 60 degrees north. Warmed by the Atlantic Gulf Stream, temperatures during the sailing season of May to September are in the range of 15 to 25°C. Weather can be quite varied with the occasional gale blowing through, but the prevailing westerly winds are of a more usable strength. The sailing day can be as long as you like by midsummer it is dark for only three or four hours and in the extreme north it is often light enough to read a book in the cockpit at 2am. Although many places offer visitors moorings at a modest fee, anchoring is necessary for some of the more isolated spots

Sail the Wight and help Age UK

SAILORS have been invited to help make this year’s Sail the Wight, in aid of Age UK Isle of Wight, the biggest ever. East Cowes Sailing Club, in conjunction with the Westerly Owners’ Association, has extended an invitation to join the sponsored charity race and cruise around the Island on Saturday, June 6. Sail the Wight has so far raised over £30,000 for deserving local charities, and organisers hope this year’s event will be one of the biggest yet. Two classes start from the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron line and the third from the line off East Cowes Sailing Club. The full Sail the Wight "east-about" circumnavigation race and cruise for two classes of yacht is roughly 55 nautical miles. The shorter course takes in roughly 12 nautical miles of the Solent. Following on from a good day’s sailing all skippers, crews, family and friends are invited to East Cowes Sailing Club for an evening celebration and awards presentation with bar, barbecue and music. East Cowes Sailing Club commodore Dave Casson said: "While I anticipate a great day on the water, whether racing or cruising in company, the main objective of Sail the Wight is to raise as much money as possible for Age UK Isle of Wight through entry fees and by individual boats and crews obtaining sponsorship." Entry, and sponsorship forms are available to download from www.sailthewight.org.uk or on (01983) 525282. Entry is £20 per boat.

Free Sailing As Northants & Banbury Get Set To Push The Boat Out!

No fewer than six sailing clubs and watersports centres in Northamptonshire and Banbury will be offering locals FREE and low cost opportunities to get out on the water and to try a new sport this May. Cransley SC, Hollowell SC, Northampton Watersports Centre/Northampton SC and Rugby and Daventry SC will all be opening their doors for 'have-a-go' sessions between 9-17 May as part of national RYA Push The Boat Out 2015. RYA Push the Boat Out is a nationwide festival of sailing and windsurfing introducing newcomers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to the sports. And for the first time ever this year Push The Boat Out will run over nine days - two weekends and five weekdays - to give people even more chance to have a go! Last year 260 clubs and centres in Britain hosted Push the Boat Out events with 17,000 people trying sailing or windsurfing for the first time over one weekend. Cransley SC was one of the big success stories taking over 200 visitors sailing. Meanwhile Banbury SC, on Boddington Reservoir, and Middle Nene SC near Thrapston will be hosting their traditional annual Open Days over the Bank Holiday weekend, on Sunday 3 May and Monday 4 May respectively. Each Open Day and taster session will be different depending on what activities each club or centre offers, but all events are geared to appeal to the widest possible range of people, showcasing what the sports are really all about, from the freedom of being on the water to the social buzz of club life, and highlighting just how accessible sailing actually is to everyone. All you need for any of the Open Days or 'have a go' sessions are warm clothes, soft soled shoes and a waterproof and the clubs/centres will provide what else you need. Booking is essential for some of the activities. Refreshments will be available and a friendly smile guaranteed as BBQs and other social activities also take place to give newcomers a warm welcome. Some 27 clubs and centres across the East Midlands have signed up in total for RYA Push The Boat Out 2015. In 2014, the nation's sailing clubs gained more than 1,000 personal memberships through Push The Boat Out with more than 500 families also becoming members of the clubs they visited. For full details on RYA Push The Boat Out 2015 and what's going on in your area visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo

New Community Boat Boost As Sailing Season Starts At Sutton

People learning the ropes at Sutton Sailing Club this year will have a shiny, new 'plaything' to enjoy after the club was awarded £5,000 from the Sport England Small Grants programme to invest in a new boat. The club are buying a GP14 sailing dinghy, which can be sailed by up to six people but more commonly with two or three, to add to its expanding fleet of at least 15 club boats to provide even more opportunities for local people to sail at low cost. The good news gets Sutton's 2015 season off to a flying start as the club's first RYA learn to sail course of this year gets underway on Saturday 11 April. Sutton wanted a new boat to not only help attract more newcomers into the sport but to help build on the 2014 success of their 'improvers group' where people who are doing or have completed their first RYA certificates can get together more informally to hone their skills while enjoying the social buzz of club life. Chris Hale, Sutton SC Commodore, explains: "People can be put off trying sailing because they think they need to own or buy a boat, but the reality is they don't! "We've had a real focus on building and maintaining our fleet of club boats over the past few years so our members can really decide if they like sailing and try lots of different types of dinghies before even thinking about buying a boat. "We want to make it as easy and cheap as possible for people to regularly come sailing with us. Having good quality equipment they can use and fostering a friendly, welcoming club atmosphere is key to that. "As well as being able to borrow club boats for as little as £2 a session, we also run a successful 'buddy' system where improvers get paired with club instructors to build their confidence and introduce them to different aspects of the sport, like racing." Family membership including partners and any children under 18 can sail for as little as £14 a month at Sutton SC this year, while kids and students in full time education can be individual members for just £3 a month! Sutton SC is a recognised RYA Training Centre meaning it conforms to the highest standards of safety and quality. Chris added: "We had two RYA inspectors observe our course last autumn and they commented on the exceptionally welcoming and friendly nature of the club, the experience and knowledge of our own instructors and their excellent use of resources to support the learning experience. This was great feedback for us!" There are still places available for Sutton SC's RYA Level 1 and 2 Start Sailing course beginning on 11 April. Running for four consecutive Saturdays, you will be taken from absolute beginner to being able to take control in fair conditions. If you cant make these dates, the second course starts on 26 September. Meanwhile if you aren't ready to commit to a course and would just like to find out more about sailing and what Sutton SC can offer, the club's annual Open Day takes place on Saturday 11 July, coinciding with Sutton Community Games Day. Want to know more about life at Sutton SC and how you could get involved this year visit www.suttonsc.org.uk

Girl Guides’ leader taking on big sailing challenge

A Guide leader from Mansfield is getting ready for the adventure of a lifetime as she embarks on training to take part in the 2015 Fastnet sailing race. April Ulyatt, 23, joined Girlguiding Nottinghamshire as a Rainbow at the age of four, and now helps run three local units—the 14th Mansfield Rainbows, 19th Mansfield Guides and 1st Mansfield Powell Rangers. As she prepares to take part in the grueling ocean challenge, our landlocked location is not the only obstacle she plans to overcome. “I decided to take part in the Fastnet Race both as a personal challenge and to help show the world that girls are capable of doing everything that boys do,” says April. The Fastnet is the oldest regular ocean-racing event in European waters and is infamous for its choppy weather conditions. April will join six colleagues from the South East region to form Girlguiding UK’s first ever team in the event crewing a 72-foot Challenger yacht. “Guiding opens up so many possibilities to girls and young women like me,” says April. “I’m very excited about the prospect of doing something different, learning new skills and making new friends. “Plus, while I get travel sick on trains, cars, and even planes, I’m fine on boats!” Training begins in Southampton next month with the Tall Ships Youth Trust, and there will be several more sessions and cross-channel sea trials scheduled in the run-up to the race itself. In the meantime, April is focused on building fitness and fundraising for her travel, equipment and accommodation. Anyone interested in supporting April on their Fastnet adventure can contact her via aprilfastnet2015@outlook.com, or visit her fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/Girlguiding-Fastnet-Devas/. April will also be blogging the adventure at http://ggukfastnet2015.blogspot.co.uk/ First held in 1925 and run every two years since, the 90th Rolex Fastnet Race starts in Cowes on August 16. It takes in landmarks like The Needles, Portland Bill, and Land’s End and before finishing in Plymouth.

Oban calls on council to back yachting venture

Oban businesses are imploring Argyll and Bute Council to act immediately to bring step-ashore leisure boat pontoons to the bay. In a public notice backed by 50 local firms, community company Oban Bay Marine (OBM) states: “Unless Argyll and Bute Council has the vision and courage to move forward now, Oban will continue to lose out and will endure yet more discussion, more consultants, more delay and more stagnation of its economy.” The group wants the council to release £2million previously allocated for Oban pontoons in its CHORD (Campbeltwon Helensburgh Oban Rothesay and Dunoon) waterfronts project budget. Calum Ross, chairman of Oban and Lorn Tourism Association, which has put its name to the plea said: “It is beyond all comprehension that Oban hasn’t got a pontoon development for visiting yachts by now. From a tourism perspective it is absolutely vital that Oban has these facilities.” OBM claims the town is losing £1million of generated income every year the transit marina is delayed. One of its directors said: “We want the permanent facility in for 2016 and there is no reason why they can’t manage that if they make a start now. We have a business plan which shows exactly that. The business plan was worked out with the help of council officers last November. “A pontoon development would do rather more for the town than some of the public realm works that they are currently working on, which is basically titivating pavements. “It could be counter-productive if they put in a temporary pontoon arrangement that isn’t sustainable. “We want the pontoons between the North Pier and the Railway Pier, we want a floating breakwater to be installed in order that the pontoons are protected. “The business reaction shows the depth of feeling and the frustration within Oban.” A council spokesman said: “We would like to reassure people of our commitment to having a temporary facility in place for summer 2016. “We have ambitious plans to grow Oban’s already strong economy and are making huge, evidence-based investments which we know are matched to the aspirations of our communities and will create jobs. “We are looking into a range of options and will be applying rigorous checks to ensure that any final proposal meets the needs of the whole community. A paper is going to the area committee in April which will give more detail and councillors will then decide the way forward.”

Sailing & walking round Skye, Scotland

Scottish sailor chosen as skipper for famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

A SCOTTISH sailor has been chosen as skipper for world’s longest ocean race. Daniel Smith, 31, from West Kilbride in North Ayrshire has been named among the twelve professionals who will each lead a team in the tenth edition of the famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Daniel, a Senior Yachting and Watersports Instructor, will lead a crew of amateur sailors through Mother Nature’s toughest environments in the 40,000 nautical mile challenge which starts from the UK on August 30, 2015. The Scotsman, who began sailing in the Scottish Islands with his family when he was five years old, is relishing the huge physical and mental challenge. He said: “Skippering an ocean racing yacht in the Clipper Race is a dream of mine. I feel the challenge of building a team, taking on ‘Mother Nature’ and conquering the oceans is a challenge with massive rewards. “I have had loads of sailing, kayaking and diving adventures in different parts of the world in the past but nothing quite like this. I don’t think there are any challenges quite like skippering a Clipper 70 around the world. I have a background in teaching and sailing instruction so I’m sure these skills will be invaluable in the race to get my team working together and well on their way to becoming great sailors and racers.” The Clipper Race is one of the world’s toughest challenges. Taking almost a year to complete, this is the only event which gives amateur sailors the chance to sail round the world, taking on Mother Nature’s most remote conditions. Fewer people have completed the Clipper Race than have climbed Mount Everest. Twelve teams compete against each other on the world’s largest matched fleet of 70-ft ocean racing yachts, designed for speed not comfort. Crew represent over 40 different countries and can choose to compete in either the full circumnavigation or one or more of its eight individual legs. The only professionals on board are the skippers who safely lead each team. Speaking about the selection process, Race founder and Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said: “Our Race Skippers are put through rigorous trials before we appoint the successful candidates. “Nothing can fully prepare you for the challenge of sailing round the world with a crew of amateur sailors. We have to be sure we choose skippers, who not only possess the best sailing skills, but also have the right temperament and are good with people in highly stressful environments. “It’s a race so of course everyone wants to win. However the most important characteristics for a Clipper Race Skipper are a true sense of seamanship and to be safety conscious. I am sure Daniel will relish the adventure that lies ahead.” Daniel, a former Scottish Schools National Champion, also trained with the Scotland Sailing squad, while studying for his degree in Computer Science at Glasgow University. After graduation, Daniel qualified as a Yachtmaster Instructor in 2005, and RYA Dinghy Coach Assessor in 2010. The 2015-16 Race departs from the UK on August 30, 2015 and will return almost a year later. The fleet will visit six different continents in up to 15 individually scored races. The team with the highest total points at the finish wins the Clipper Race Trophy.

New boats launched in Whitstable to get more local families sailing

Seasalter Sailing Club is looking forward to getting more people afloat in Whitstable Bay this year after being awarded a £10,000 grant from Sport England to purchase two new boats. The boats were needed to meet increased demand for regular sailing at the club, particularly with the difference the club's Inspired Facilities-funded seawall ramp has made to the number of visitors since the ramp was opened in 2013. Last year, Seasalter saw its membership rise by 15 per cent, with increases in the numbers of families taking part in sailing. More club members also took advantage of the low charge to borrow a club boat for a session. The two new boats – a GRP Miracle and a Laser Pico – are especially suitable for family, intermediate and improving sailors as well as youth sailors and encouraging people to take the next steps into racing and staying in the sport long-term. Ian Mills, Seasalter Sailing Club vice commodore, said: "The arrival of the new boats in the next month is great news for Seasalter and demonstrates we are a club 'on the up'. "It is also a great testament to all the volunteers who make Seasalter the friendly sailing club that it is and builds on the success of our Inspired Facilities Ramp project giving us a great platform to attract more people to sailing. "Increasing participation amongst local people of all ages, in addition to the new boats, is one cornerstone of our development plan and provides another terrific reason to join us." Anyone, regardless of age, experience or ability, has the chance to try sailing for free at Seasalter Sailing Club when it its RYA Push The Boat Out Open Day on Saturday, May 16. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. For more details on how you can get involved, visit www.seasaltersc.org.uk

Weymouth war amputee sailors appeal for World Cup boat name

Two amputee soldiers have invited the public to name a yacht they are using to take part in the Sailing World Cup. Craig Wood and Steven Palmer lost limbs during explosions in Afghanistan and want to repay public support in financing their vessel. The keelboat for the Weymouth-based pair has been funded by donations to the Help For Heroes military charity. Mr Palmer said the specially adapted boat has meant "that our dream can become a reality". 'Push the boundaries' Sailing has formed part of their recovery after both being hit by an explosive device while on routine foot patrols in Helmand, Afghanistan. Mr Wood, originally from Doncaster, is a triple amputee who also suffered severe shrapnel wounds to his face. Double amputee Mr Palmer, originally from Newcastle, said the funding means "we can continue training and competing internationally and to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible post injury." He added they have invited the public to think of a boat name via Facebook "as a way of showing how grateful we are for the public's support". The duo are training at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy ahead of the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Hyeres, France in April. A boat naming ceremony will take place later in the year.

Former McLaren chief Whitmarsh sets sail with Ainslie

Former McLaren Formula One chief Martin Whitmarsh has joined Britain's bid to return the America's Cup to its shores for the first time after being named as CEO of Ben Ainslie Racing on Thursday. Whitmarsh will work alongside Britain's most successful Olympic sailor whose team is attempting to earn the right to challenge holders Oracle Team USA at the 35th America's Cup in 2017. Team principle Ainslie said Whitmarsh's expertise from a career spent in the high-tech world of car racing makes him the perfect fit for the world's most famous sailing race, often described as F1 on water. "I'm delighted that Martin is joining us," four-times Olympic gold medallist Ainslie said in a statement. "When we first started to put together the plan for BAR, McLaren were one of the aspirations. "So it's particularly appropriate to have one of the original architects of that model as our new CEO." Whitmarsh, who spent 25 years at McLaren and succeeded Ron Dennis as team principal in 2009, will move to BAR's purpose-built base in Portsmouth in April. "After 25 years at McLaren it's great to be able to turn my energies and experience to such an exciting sporting and technical challenge," he said. "I hope my experience will help BAR in its aspiration for a sustainable business model, along with the clear goal of winning the America's Cup and bringing it back to British waters." Adrian Newey, who worked as a designer with Whitmarsh at McLaren and is still with the Red Bull team, is also part of Ainslie's team. Britain has never won the America's Cup since the inaugural race was held in 1851 off the Isle of Wight.

Olympic aim of Warrington boy, 15, named one of UK's most promising young sailors

A young sailor from Warrington has been named one of the UK’s most promising sailors and a potential future Olympian. Bobby Hewitt, 15, has been sailing since he was seven and has won numerous competitions - including the World Championship in 2013 and 2014. He was named Royal Yachting Association's North West Youth Champion, along with his sailing partner, Harvey Martin, from Derbyshire, who he won his second world title with. The RYA awards were presented at a show at London’s Alexandra Palace by four-time Laser World Championship medallist Nick Thomson. Bobby is sailing at a level recognised for developing potential competitors for future Olympic events. He has ambitions of representing Team GB at the Olympics and said: “I will be 21 by the time of the games in Tokyo and I hope to be sailing in the 49er class dinghy by then, which is the Olympic standard sailing boat. “I am aiming to be part of that Olympics for the 2020 games.” This year he takes his GCSE exams, but says those will mostly be finished by the time the competition season really gets into gear, so he can focus on sailing. His dad, Chris, provides safety cover and support for Bobby and Harvey when they are training together of a weekend. He said: “I am extremely proud of Bobby. “Considering that most of their experience has been sailing on small inland lakes, their success has been phenomenal.” The RYA's sport development manager, Duncan Truswell, said: “ Our congratulations go to all the worthy Regional Youth Champion winners. “Some of them are undoubtedly the rising stars of the future and I’m sure many may indeed follow in the footsteps of our successful Olympians, world champions and record breakers.”

Growing fleets buck the trend at Hayling Island Sailing Club

Hayling Island Sailing Club is one of the few sailing clubs to defy current trends by creating significant growth in its Fireball and RS Elite fleets. Leadership, strategic plans and the strength of the class captains are being cited as some of the reasons behind the recent unprecedented growth of these fleets at the club. The HISC Fireball fleet is currently the fastest growing Fireball fleet in the UK having virtually trebled in size in one year with over 20 boats now registered at the club. The HISC RS Elite fleet has exceeded its goal of establishing a ten strong fleet with 12 boats already committed to racing at the club for the 2015 season. Strategic growth plans were drawn up by both fleets and include activities such as special racing weekends, training weekends, crew swaps, youth recruitment, crew databases, social events and specific marketing and communications to target used recruits from both members and non-members. In addition a number of ‘Elite Ambassadors’ have been created who will be available to answer questions, assist usedcomers and champion the fleet throughout the season. Another reason being cited for resurgence in the RS Elite fleet is the naturally sociable nature of day keelboat racing which enables participants to enjoy competitive sailing whilst remaining dry and upright! The fleet at HISC is attracting strong interest from couples, and is seeing many women returning to competitive sailing after moving on from dinghies. The modern performance design of the RS Elite lends itself to exciting and competitive day racing with the additional benefit of minimal maintenance. Paul Fisk, one of the RS Elite Class Captains noted, 'The HISC RS Elite fleet includes novice sailors through to Olympic medalists as well as a good number in between. We welcome usedcomers, can support less experienced sailors by offering training and advice and encourage family members to sail together and get involved. We have a busy racing schedule planned for 2015 as well as a friendly social scene. We look forward to welcoming sailors to this vibrant and growing fleet.' HISC recently heard that the club will be hosting the Fireball Nationals in 2016 which will be a tremendous boost to the home fleet. The last time the Nationals were held at the club was in 1993 although the class was a regular visitor to HISC in the 1960s and 1970s for National, European and World events. Chris Turner, Fireball Class Captain commented, 'HISC was one of the first clubs to adopt the Fireball after its launch in 1962 and played a leading role in the early development of the class. It’s greatly satisfying therefore to see a strong resurgence of interest in Fireballs and the tremendous growth in numbers we’ve achieved over the past twelve months. I’m particularly delighted that HISC will be hosting the Fireball National Championship in 2016 exactly 50 years after the club hosted the inaugural World Championship.' Commenting on the growth of both fleets, HISC Rear Commodore Racing Andy Partington said, 'Both the Fireball and RS Elite fleets have put a lot of hard work and effort into building their fleets and it’s really encouraging to see those efforts rewarded with such excellent growth in numbers. Both classes are looking forward to an excellent season of competitive racing on the water matched by lively and sociable events off the water.' RS Elite

Sponsorship boost for rising star Matson

RISING sailing star Sam Matson has received a welcome boost to his 2015 campaign after signing a lucrative sponsorship deal ahead of his first solo race of the year. Matson, 24, has teamed up with top deck shoe brand Chatham for his forthcoming campaign in the singlehanded Figaro class. Matson, a graduate of the Cowes-based Artemis Offshore Academy, the UK’s only offshore sailing school, will take on a number of solo races around France in the run-up to the season finale, the gruelling Solitaire du Figaro. Matson came second in the ‘rookie’ division for first-timers in last year’s event – and with the backing of Chatham he’s hoping to repeat his success this year. “I’m ecstatic to have Chatham aboard for my 2015 Figaro season. “Like Artemis, Chatham is a truly great British company and I look forward to promoting their brand on the world’s stage for premier solo offshore racing.” Philip Marsh, managing director at Chatham, added: “This is an exciting partnership for the Chatham brand. “Sam had a knockout first year on the Figaro circuit and we wish him all the best in his 2015 solo offshore racing campaign. “With a Chatham branded boat, team clothing and Sam racing in our sailing boots, it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise Chatham’s awareness in the marine market in the UK and France.” The first race of the season, the 196-mile Solo Basse Normandie, will commence on March 27.

Wheelchair users get access at Otley Sailing Club

NEWLY-installed wheelchair-friendly facilities will be unveiled at Otley Sailing Club this month. The club has used a £50,000 Sport England grant to create a wheelchair accessible wet room in its clubhouse, at Weston Water. The money has also allowed it to install a new, slope-free access path and anti-slip floor, along with new doors and changing room benches. A ceremony to declare the changes complete will be held at 2pm on Sunday, March 22. Otley Sailing Club won a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2013 for its groundbreaking Sailability work, which involves training people with disabilities and enabling them to sail each week.

Callum sails off with local Sailing award

A teenager has sailed off with a top regional award. Callum Doyle, from Wallsend, has won the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) North East Young Club Sailor of the Year Award 2014. The 16-year-old was presented with the Trident Trophy by Grace Metcalfe, skipper of the Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) North vessel James Cook at a surprise school assembly. Callum, who attends Burnside Business and Enterprise College in Wallsend, began sailing at Tynemouth Sailing Club in 2010. He and a group of school friends joined the James Cook in 2013 for a voyage from Newcastle to Inverness and The Orkneys. Grace said: “Callum was an asset on the voyage right from the start. Always cheerful, never daunted by seasickness, he was quick to learn and 100 per cent reliable even in the most challenging situations.” Callum has since sailed nine times with OYT North and already has his RYA Powerboat level 1 qualification and has his sights set for his Safety Boat and his Day Skipper qualifications next year.

Brightlingsea Sailing Club crowned RYA Club of the Year 2015

Brightlingsea Sailing Club have been crowned RYA Club of the Year 2015. Watch a video here http://youtu.be/FFspCc4QpXo​ Situated on the Colne estuary in Essex, the club which was also a finalist in 2014, received their award from British Sailing Team’s Nick Thompson and RYA CEO, Sarah Treseder at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show today (Saturday 28 February). At the eagerly awaited awards ceremony, Brightlingsea were selected as the overall winner from five strong finalists including Bury Lake Young Mariners, Himley Hall Sailing Club, Horning Sailing Club and Llangorse Sailing Club. These clubs were selected by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel who judged them on the range of quality and safe activities they provide, how they encourage people to get out on the water and good governance and club management. In 2011, Brightlingsea began their transformation from a ‘racing only’ club to an organisation that offers a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities with introductory courses, racing, cruising and family sailing. Last season their participation rose by 20% reaching an all-time high. The club has also worked hard to welcome used members by creating used branding and refreshing their website whilst maintaining a strong online presence through Facebook and Twitter. Alice Davies, Brightlingsea Sailing Club said: “To be named RYA Club of the Year 2015 means so much to us and all our members. Everybody has helped so much to increase our activities behind the scenes and this is a fantastic recognition of everyone’s hard work.” Nick Thompson said: “Really for me the biggest thing was hearing the achievements and hard work the finalists are doing to get used people into the sport and keep people who are already in the sport interested. I certainly felt pretty inspired!” Special thanks go to Arthur J. Gallagher who support the RYA Club of the Year Award and to Sailing Awards who donated the perpetual RYA Club of the Year trophy when the award was first introduced in 2008. For more information on the awards visit www.rya.org.uk/go/cluboftheyear Susie Nation-Grainger RYA Press Office

FATHER SAILS AROUND THE UK FOR SON WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Michael Goodwin from Stone, a recently retired Staffordshire University professor, will take to the water in his yacht the ‘Blue Star’ for a two year sailing challenge around the UK to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Michael, whose son Daniel has cystic fibrosis, will set out on his challenge in May with his friend Roger from Lymington and they hope to recruit as many people as possible to join them at various stages of the journey, the first leg in 2015 travelling from Southampton to North Scotland and the second in 2016 from Orkney south through the Irish Sea and back to Southampton. Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic condition, which causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation of the lungs. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust provides support to those with cystic fibrosis and their families and helps to drive up standards in medical care. Michael says that although his son has a positive attitude to his condition he battles continuously against ill health, and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to show his support for Daniel as well as raise all important funds. “I am really looking forward to a fantastic sailing adventure circumnavigating the UK coastline whilst raising funds to help conquer cystic fibrosis.” Community Development & Fundraising Manager, Serena Wilson says “We wish Michael, Roger and whoever else who may be joining them on this sailing challenge the best of luck. We are incredibly grateful to Michael for his fundraising efforts and it is a fantastic challenge that he has taken on. With the help from challenges like this one we are able to fund research into better treatment for those with the condition. We are committed to improving the lives of those with cystic fibrosis.” Anyone wanting to help Michael to raise his £6000 target by doing this two year sailing challenge can do so by visiting http://bit.ly/1zb2I9D. The team’s progress and details to join them can also be followed through this blog http://michaelgoodwinsailing.blogspot.co.uk/. Michael is particularly keen to hear from businesses who would like to advertise on his yacht in return for a donation to the CF Trust, and from anyone who would like to sail with him – Michael hopes that his crew members will make a generous donation to the CF Trust too.

All aboard sail campaign

The only female sailing school in the UK has backed a “ground-breaking” national campaign to get more girls aboard boats. The Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) Girls for Sail programme is hoping Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign can inspire women to take on the challenge of sailing. The RYA, which has centres in Shoreham and Rye, has set up its programme under the watch of Girls For Sail principal Annie O’Sullivan who said the campaign was vital in attracting women to the possibilities sport can offer beyond simply keeping fit. She added: “This campaign puts women at the heart of decision-making for how they exercise and it’s trying to break down the barriers that stop women from taking that first step to getting active.” She continued: “I set up Girls For Sail for the same reason. I’m passionate about encouraging women to try a sport that isn’t always perceived as being female-friendly. But it is and we’ve proved it. We’ve taught thousands of women that sailing can be one of the most fun, liberating and confidence-building sports that they could try.” The Sport England campaign, which has already been described as ground-breaking, is also backed by sporting greats and celebrities including Clare Balding, Dame Kelly Holmes and Sussex’s own Sally Gunnell. Girls For Sail founder Annie, whose firm is based at Shepard’s Wharf Marina in Cowes and in St Lucia in the Caribbean, added: “We already do whatever we can to encourage women to participate in sport but this campaign will be an enormous help in making sure that this is a national call to arms. “We will be hosting a Ladies Who Launch evening to introduce anyone who might be interested in dipping their toe in the water with us in February and we’d love to see as many people as possible come along.” Visit www.girlsforsail.com or call 01983 282867.

Free sailing day at Brancaster Staithe

For people keen to give sailing a try, there’s a chance to do it for free at an open day being held at Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club. This is the third year the club has taken part in the Royal Yachting Association’s Push the Boat Out initiative, when clubs, centres and marinas around the country invite people to give the sport a go. And if anyone is interested in pursuing it further after the BSSC event on Sunday, May 10, the club has teamed up with Morston-based sailing school Norfolketc, which is offering discounts on some of its courses for those who attended. Mark Foley, in charge of sailing development at BSSC, said; ““Why do people take up sailing? If they get a chance to go for a sail, most people find they love it. To learn to sail and pursue it, they need to join a club. “Norfolk is a fantastic place for sailing; there are 60 miles of coast plus the Broads and the Rivers and the county is full of great sailing clubs and excellent sailing schools. “Sailing is a sport you can do for all of your life and you’ll have lots of fun and meet many new friends along the way. Brancaster Harbour is a safe and beautiful place to start.” Sailing on the open day starts from 10am, and people are advised to be there before high tide, forecast at 11.15am. Last year more than 80 people went along to the sailing day and cruisers, day boats and dinghies were out in force. No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. To book a place, contact Mark Foley on 078 3333 2055 or email m-foley@btinternet.com

Top sailing facility Lymington Yacht Haven awarded major accolade

ONE of the south’s premier sailing facilities has won a top accolade for the second time. Lymington Yacht Haven has again been awarded five gold anchors by the Yacht Harbour Association (YHA) after spending more than £1m on improvements. The prestigious prize, widely regarded as the highest award available to marinas, salutes the quality of service provided to sailors. Judges involved in the awards scheme – the equivalent of the star system used to rate hotels – examine marina facilities and analyse levels of customer satisfaction. Lymington Yacht Haven boasts a 100 per cent success rate, having also been awarded top marks following a previous inspection carried out by the YHA in 2010. Facilities include The Haven restaurant, run by Lymington businessman Rob Smith and awardwinning DJ Chris Evans. Marina director Rupert Wagstaff said: “This award marks our continued efforts to exceed customers’ expectations and provide the best marina experience on the south coast. “We have invested more than £1m in the past year, improving our shoreside facilities and refurbishing the hugely popular Haven bar and restaurant. “The award is especially satisfying for our staff, who continue to provide an outstanding service. We’re delighted that the YHA has recognised this.” Lymington Yacht Haven has 500 berths, all fully serviced with water, electricity and free Wi-Fi. Facilities include new, state-of-the-art washrooms and laundry facilities, a well-stocked chandlery and a small convenience store. The huge site in King’s Saltern Road also boasts a 24-hour manned security system, a specialist waste disposal service and extensive car parking. Experts based at the marina include engineers and specialists in a wide range of subjects including marine electronics, yacht maintenance and rigging. This year’s calendar of events at the marina includes the Lymington Classic Regatta, which is due to take place in September.

Rossendale Valley Sailing Club celebrates 50 years

Sailors, skippers and seamen will take to the waters at Rossendale Valley Sailing Club to celebrate 50 years. The club was founded in 1965 by a group of sailing enthusiasts from the Valley, including the a former journalist at the Rossendale Free Press. It now has more than 250 members, ranging from dedicated members in their eighties to young children just getting into the sport. Club bosses are planning a series of events to celebrate the anniversary over the summer, including an open day on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Membership secretary Andrew Ratcliffe, 46, said he hopes the events will encourage new members. He said: “When it was founded a group of men from the Valley said ‘let’s have a sailing club’ and Clowbridge was the nearest place with water. “It has attracted a lot of people from both Rossendale and Burnley over the years. “Our oldest member is still windsurfing in his eighties and we have a number of people in their seventies who sail and race dinghies. It’s a great little club to be honest.” Over five decades the club has attracted all sorts of members including members competing at a national level and several who compete in regional competitions. Dad-of-two Andrew has passed on the sailing bug to his children, who are also members of the club, which offers everything from windsurfing and sea sailing courses to instructor and skipper qualifications. During this anniversary year, Andrew hopes to see new faces who are both experienced in the sport and total novices. Club bosses also hope to gather boats of all classes, sizes and ages onto the lake for a special event this summer to commemorate the occasion. Andrew said: “We want to appeal to anyone who wants to get out on the water. It’s a great way of keeping fit and we have a lot of equipment members can hire. “People can get into the sport for a low price. Our members go out in all seasons and they love it. “Our ‘jewel in the crown’ is the weekend sessions run for children. It gets them out on the water and having fun. “It’s an unusual sport in that it’s about using your brain and strategy but is still quite physical. “I think this year is a great opportunity to encourage new people to get on the water. “I think people don’t know how accessible it is and quite cheap to get involved in."

Three Peaks Yacht Race preview

The Barmouth to Fort William Three Peaks Yacht Race, to take place this year from June 27th, combines yachting, mountain running and cycling into one of the greatest adventure challenges in British sport. Teams consist of three sailors and two runners, who set sail from Barmouth on the Welsh coast to Fort William in Scotland, via Caernarfon and Whitehaven, racing to the summits of Snowdon (3560ft) Scafell Pike (3208ft) and Ben Nevis (4408ft) on the way. The race now in its 38th year is one of the oldest adventure challenge races in the world. The first event in June 1977 featured just seven yachts, with only four able to complete the course and over the years a total of 500 teams have competed in the event, amongst them some famous faces including renowned sailors Robin Knox Johnston, Bob Fisher and Skip Novak, and the legendary fell runner Joss Naylor. The race has an international reputation and the sailing/mountain running idea has been copied in various locations around the world, but it is the original event that most aspire to, and those who do enter often return time and again. The course consists of 389 miles of testing coastal sailing, 24 miles of cycling and 60 miles of mountain running, with a total ascent of 14,000ft to the highest points in Wales, England and Scotland However, there have been some changes over the years as the race adapts to the times, and this year there are significant new rules in the Lake District section of the race. The cycle into Ennerdale from Whitehaven has been lengthened and racers will now leave their bikes at Black Sail Youth Hostel, running from there to the summit of Scafell Pike and back. Sailing times in Whitehaven will now also be taken once yachts are underway in the outer harbour, so that any waiting time caused by the tidal lock gate to the marina is not included in race time. All entries this year must have an IRC handicap certificate (these can be a bought just for the race if required). The race attracts competitive sailors and past winners who are aiming to win, and those more used to coastal cruising, who are in new and unfamiliar territory and just hope to finish, avoiding sand banks, inshore rocks and whirlpools along the way! The old hands know rowing the yachts will be critical at some point, and the new comers will not quite believe it, until the moment comes! The athletes include triathletes, marathon, mountain and ultra runners, adventure racers and those who just plan to walk up the mountains. The 2015 race begins from Barmouth on Saturday June 27th, and you can find out more on the new race website. This now includes race videos, a notice board for putting teams together and a complete historical results archive. You can also download the race entry form there and entry costs £850 per team for the week long adventure of a lifetime.

Trip of a life time sailing the Caribbean for disabled man from Seaford, UK

A disabled man who has no control of his arms, hands or legs has sailed around the Caribbean with the help of the Jubilee Sailing Trust. Sam Taylor, 27, from Seaford, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, was diagnosed aged three months after catching a chest infection which led to complications and brain damage. The Jubilee Sailing Trust is a not-for-profit organisation which brings together the able-bodied and disabled on holidays which require team work. The ex Seaford Head student graduated last summer from the University of Brighton with a degree in Digital Media and was determined to travel independently. Sam said:“Being hoisted 50ft in the air in my wheelchair in a harness up to the crow’s nest as my crew were on deck heaving me up by ropes, was an experience that I will never forget. “I was constantly learning new things. One of my main tasks on board was to lead my team, giving them instructions to keep a steady rhythm going to successfully hoist the sails up. “Since leaving university I wanted to go travelling. This was an opportunity to see the Caribbean. I have always wanted to see this part of the world. The trust allowed me to do this. “Normally I feel nervous and apprehensive doing something out of the ordinary. However I didn’t get this feeling when joining the ship.”

Burgh sailors claim top spot at awards

The event, held at the Glasgow Science Centre, was to recognise the achievements of Scotland’s volunteers, coaches, instructors, officials, clubs and performance sailors. The Helensburgh winners were: Nikki Stewart (Elizabeth Mackay award for female endeavours in sailing), Arlene McNeilage (Instructor of the Year), Laurie MacDonald (Coach of the Year) and Calum Rosie won Youth Sailor of the Year. Nikki Stewart, 28, from Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club said of her award: “I am really pleased to win the award tonight. I wasn’t expecting it at all but I am very proud to win it. Awards like these are very important and it is nice to be recognised for the work that you do. “Everyone puts in a lot of time and the sport wouldn’t be what it is if it wasn’t for volunteers”. Laurie MacDonald wasn’t there to collect her award on the night as she was down in Weymouth coaching more of the UK’s best young sailors in the optimist class. On hearing the news Laurie said: “I’m so delighted to be receiving this award and thank you very much to those who nominated and awarded this to me” Competition for the RYA Scotland Youth Sailor of the Year sponsored was extremely tough with outstanding results coming from a number of Scotland’s young sailors in 2014. Calum Rosie clinched the award after claiming wins at the Inland, National and World Championships in the Topper Class. Again Calum was training down south over the weekend but his dad, Neil Rosie, was there to collect his trophy from Guy Dale Smith, Head of Marine for Caledonian MacBrayne. The final celebration of the night was for news received all the way from Miami. Luke Patience originally from Rhu but now based down in Weymouth with the GB Sailing Team won gold in the 470 class with Elliot Willis at the World Cup Regatta in Miami. Their gold medal was one of the eight medals won at the regatta from the GB Team.

Charity which takes disabled children sailing near Plymouth receives £600

A CHARITY which takes disabled children sailing in Plymouth has been given £600 by a city centre store. The Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Trust takes disabled children sailing in the waters near Plymouth, giving them self reliance, confidence and knowledge of the marine environment. Tesco Metro has chosen the charity to receive £600 from their Tesco Charity Trust Scheme. Charity organiser Tony Winter said: “We take about 100 disabled children sailing every year and all our volunteer crews are very pleased that Tesco have decided to support our efforts. Store Manager Simon Harding said: “We are delighted to be able to support The Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Trust charity as it does some fantastic work with the children in the Plymouth community. “I was lucky enough to see first hand how much benefit the children get from this charity and the invaluable experience it provides.”

World Cup: GB finish with eight medals in Miami

Britain won four medals on the final day of racing to finish with eight from the World Cup Regatta in Miami. Luke Patience and two-time world champion Elliot Willis were victorious in the men's 470 class. A broken kicker for Nick Thompson saw him miss out on gold in the laser class and slip down to silver. There were also silvers for Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark (women's 470) and Ben Saxton and Nicola Groves in the Nacra 17 event. Giles Scott and Bryony Shaw had unassailable leads going into Saturday's final day of their competitions, having both secured their gold medals on Friday. World and European champion Scott, unbeaten since returning to Finn class sailing 15 months ago, finished second in his final race to beat nearest rival Ivan Kljakovic Gaspic of Croatia by 25 points. Shaw was 10th in the final race of the RS:X women's windsurfing class to successfully defend her title. There were also two silvers in the Paralympic classes on Friday. Alexandra Rickham and Niki Birrell finished second in the Skud, while Megan Pascoe was runner-up in the 2.4mR class.

Wimbleball sailing club to host the 'Exmoor Beastie' race

WIMBLEBALL Sailing Club in Exmoor is to host the final races in a new competition to find the best sailors in the South West. Roadford, Starcross and Wimbleball Clubs are holding races on consecutive Sundays in March to find out just how good the sailors are in the South-West. The first race, the Roadford Rocket, is a new event and will be hosted by the Roadford Lake Sailing Club and is due to take place on March 8. The second race will be the 23rd annual Starcross Steamer Pursuit race, sponsored by Exe Sails, to be held on March 15 on the River Exe. The third race in the series, the Exmoor Beastie, will be hosted by Wimbleball Sailing Club on March 22 at Wimbleball Reservoir in Exmoor National Park. The race is a three-hour pursuit and prizes will be awarded at Wimbleball after the Beastie to the first three competitors who complete all the events. All the events will be using the Sailjuice handicap numbers and will be open to all monohull dinghies with a handicap from Cadets to Foiling Moths (1350 to 500). For more information on the Roadford Rocket, contact rickwillows@ gmail.com;

Win a life changing sailing experience

The Town Council, in association with the Tall Ships Trust, have launched the Barry Marine Youth Award for 2015 which awards an all-expenses paid voyage, in UK waters, sailing as a member of the crew aboard the tall ship Stavros S Niarchos (or its successor), or aboard a 72ft ocean going Challenger yacht. The award, available to Barry residents aged from 12 to 25 years, will offer the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy new and unique challenges. Applicants need to complete an application form and submit a short written statement of up to 500 words about “What winning the competition would mean to me and how it would develop my skills and abilities.” Applications are welcome in English or Welsh. Deadline for applications is Sunday, March 15 and winners will be selected by March 31. Further details and application forms can be obtained from Barry Town Council on 01446 738663 or by emailing info@barrytowncouncil.gov.uk Applications should be sent to Barry Town Council/Tall Ships Competition, Council Offices, 7 Gladstone Road, Barry, CF62 8NA.

World class sailors to arrive in Cardiff as the city prepares to host the Extreme Sailing Series for a fourth time

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Sailing success

OLYMPIC sailing star Sir Ben Ainslie accepted an official Guinness World Record Certificate for Bart’s Bash, the charity event which set a new record for largest sailing race in 24 hours. An incredible 9,484 boats took to the water to race at 237 locations worldwide for the race in September, with the first-time event raising £366,391.95 for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. The charity was founded in memory of Olympic gold medallist Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson, who had spent time training in Gosport, who died aged 36 in a sailing accident. Bart’s Bash was created to remember the sailor and to raise funds for the charity’s work in sailing. Sir Ben, who is one of the founding trustees of the foundation, received the Guinness World Record Certificate for Bart’s Bash at the CWM FX London Boat Show 2015. Sir Ben, who is building his America’s Cup sailing team base in Old Portsmouth, said: ‘It’s a real pleasure to accept this certificate. No-one could have imagined how big the event would become. ‘It is a reflection of how much Bart meant to people across the world, and how sailing can unite people.’

Sonning schoolboy sails for Great Britain at Mirror World Championships

Fourteen-year-old Henry Heath competed for Great Britain this month at the Mirror World Championships in South Africa, and at the African Championships the week before. Joined by his team mate James Dickinson, the pair made the most of the two weeks bagging second place in the African Championships Under 16 boat, and fourth place in the World Championships Under 16 boat. Henry said: “I was very proud to represent my country. It was a real honour – and it gave me a great feeling.” Henry, from Henley, has been sailing with James who attends Royal Grammar School, in Guildford, for the past year and a half after they met at the Itchenor Sailing Club on Chichester Harbour. They qualified to sail for Britain after their success last summer when they finished first Junior boat and third overall at the General Mirror European Championships. Both the African and World Championships took place on the huge Theewater Dam in the heart of the Cape wine and fruit growing-region of South Africa. With Cape sunshine and plenty of wind, the conditions were perfect for the gathering of 60 boats from the Mirror fleets of the UK, Australia, South Africa, Japan and France. The wind blew hard for the first two days of the African championships, conditions in which Henry and James thrive, and the boys achieved a first, second and fourth. Lack of wind caused the last day to be cut short, and Henry and James finished the regatta fourth overall and second Under 16 boat. After two rest days for the sailors, the World Championships began. Despite testing conditions Henry and James finished fourth Under 16 boat and 15th overall. Henry’s personal highlights of the trip were “the chance to meet a lot of people from other countries and winning one of the races at the African Championships”. The events provided the Sonning schoolboy with a number of memorable moments, the most bizarre of which was having to abandon a race because there was a Cobra in the lake. Henry and James will continue competing next year but are upgrading to a “bigger, faster and more complicated” boat - 420s.

Hayling Island Sailing Club won ‘Club of the Year’ award for 2014

Hayling Island Sailing Club has won the coveted Yachts and Yachting ‘Club of the Year’ award for 2014 and will receive its prize at a prestigious awards ceremony to be held at the London Boat Show on 15th January 2015. The Yachts and Yachting awards aim to highlight the best performances, products, clubs and events of the last 12 months and to be named ‘Club of the Year’ is a tremendous accolade for the committee, staff and members of HISC who hosted an action-packed year in 2014. Consistently good weather, record levels of sailing activity as well as the highest ever membership levels meant that 2014 was a hugely successful year for the club. 2014 was the year HISC hosted the Moth National and World Championships; possibly the most high profile event the club has ever organized, and a record turnout for the class. The two years of meticulous planning ensured an extremely well run event both on and off the water and the huge level of media interest that the event secured was testament to its worldwide success. HISC also hosted a number of other extremely successful events in 2014 including the RS200 and 420 National Championships, The RS Classes Southern Championships with over 200 boats as well as a busy programme of open and grand prix events for a wide selection of dinghy classes. All this on top of the normal 6 series Open Pursuit races, Saturday and Sunday club racing series, Family Fun Week, the largest ever Youth Race Week, and a busy schedule of training and youth events held throughout the year! Another highlight of 2014 was the launch of the hugely successful Get Racing Club; an initiative which saw a large number of newcomers get on the water to learn key racing techniques, build confidence and gain valuable racing skills in a relaxed and informal format from experienced volunteer racing ‘mentors’. Commenting on the award, HISC Commodore Greg Lamb said, 'This is a fantastic and well deserved achievement for everyone involved with Hayling Island Sailing Club. From the committee members who give their valuable time and experience to assist in the running of the club, to the dedicated and hard-working team of permanent staff and of course the enthusiastic members who get such enjoyment from the varied racing schedule and many social events held at the club. 2014 was a memorable year for all sorts of reasons and to win the Yachts and Yachting ‘Club of the Year’ Award is the icing on the cake for us!'

Disabled sailors need volunteer helpers

A PORTLAND sailing scheme supporting sailors with disabilities is encouraging more people to volunteer as their New Year’s resolution. Chesil Sailability, based at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, is looking for people to assist in a variety of roles. Volunteers will have an opportunity to work by the sea during the summer whilst making a difference. The group is currently reflecting on their first full summer season. Weekly sessions ran from April to September with almost 50 sailors taking to the water. This included people who had never been sailing before. Some sailors have since made their own personal debut on the racing scene. A special ceremony was also held in July where £12,000 worth of new sailing dinghies were launched. Money from the Rod Shipley Memorial Fund, formed by Elma Shipley and the Chesil Trust, helped pay for two Hansa 303 boats. Hugh de Iongh, chairman of Chesil Sailability, said: “Looking ahead to 2015, we want to build on the success of this year, sharing the amazing experience of being afloat with more and more local people with disabilities. We want to support our sailors to have fantastic exp-eriences, whether pottering about in boats, or racing. “Our Race Team is competing in the Europeans and we are hosting the Nationals in 2015, so there is plenty to look forward to and get training for. “But Chesil Sailability really is for anyone with any kind of disability who wants to sail at any level.” The group is entirely run by volunteers. Over the winter, training is planned to ensure all volunteers feel confident in their roles and organisers stress a knowledge of how to sail is not essential for taking part. Roles up for grabs can range from reception, administration, looking after the boats, to hoisting sailors in and out of boats on the pontoon. Other roles could include coaching and safety cover on the water. If you would like to find out more information or would like to try sailing, please get in touch with Chesil Sailability by calling 07543 656390 or emailing info@chesilsailability.org.uk.

2015 Fireball World Championship

2015 Fireball World Championship - The Notice of Race and entry forms for the UK Fireball Worlds have just been released. The event offers two weeks of unrivalled sailing in the beautiful waters of North Wales. Situated on the Llyn peninsular, just 10 miles from the Snowdonia National Park, racing will take place in Cardigan Bay within easy reach of the sandy beach from where the fleet will launch. The event is expected to attract some of the best sailors in the world, and participants from as far afield as Australia, Japan, Namibia and Canada to name but a few. The last time the event was held in UK waters, 170 boats from 15 countries made the start line. Bob Fisher, the first ever Fireball World Champion and renown sailing journalist, is guest speaker at the Black Tie dinner event on the Tuesday evening of the Worlds. Full details and the entry form are available on the event website. For further details please email worlds2015@fireballsailing.org.uk.

Sailing from Tobermory to Canna 2014

Sailing 2014 - West Coast of Scotland - Day 05

Sailing 2014 - West Coast of Scotland - Day 04

Sailing 2014 - West Coast of Scotland - Day 03

Sailing 2014 - West Coast of Scotland - Day 02

Sailing club feeling buoyant after £5,000 boost

A SAILING club is feeling buoyant after receiving a £5,000 cash boost to help more disabled people get into sport. The Jumbles Sailing Club was one of only five sports clubs in the UK to receive the £5,000 bursary. The club, which is based in Jumbles Country Park, Edgworth, secured the money as part of the BT 25th Birthday Bursary, a fund of £25,000 given out by BT to celebrate the British Paralympic Association’s 25th anniversary. The £5,000 bursary will be used to purchase a new boat, in order to provide local people with more opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy sailing. In recognition of its good work, the club was recently accredited for Sailability, the Royal Yachting Association’s scheme for disabled people. Vic Buckley, the Jumbles’ Sailability champion, said: ”We are committed to helping disabled people to enjoy sailing and were thrilled to receive this bursary, which will enable us to buy a specially adapted boat that will give complete control to people with a range of disabilities.” Previously, the club has borrowed fully accessible boats to give disabled people the chance to try sailing, which has proved such a hit there is currently a waiting list for potential new members. Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of the British Paralympic Association, said: “I am delighted to see that Jumbles Sailing Club will benefit from the BT 25th Birthday Bursary with this award. It is fantastic to see how the money will be used to increase the opportunities and resources available in their community. “It is a fitting way to mark both our 25th anniversary year and our long-term partnership with BT and The Telegraph, so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them both for their ongoing support.” Entries were judged by a panel that featured BT’s group marketing and brand director Suzi Williams, Paralympian Nathan Stephens, comedian and Channel 4 presenter Adam Hills and the Telegraph’s Gareth A Davies.