Chloe, Harriett, Claire, Sam, Jo , Larvell, Luke, Lucy and James arrived in Cowes today (Thursday) to compete in the JP Morgan Asset Management Asset Round the Island Race on Saturday. We have two boats competing on Saturday A donf our Gib Sea 44 and a Beanteau Oceanis 37 kindly leant to us by Beneteau for the race. I will be joining the Gib Sea 44 skippered by Phil Hagen.
Our entries into the Race forms part of our aim to build long-term relationships with the young people who have sailed with us. We write each year inviting them back to continue their sailing experience with the Trust, up until their remission date or their 18th birthday. As well as continuing their sailing qualifications, it gives the young people a chance to meet up with old friends and make new ones who have all shared the same experiences.
As well as building a relationship, strengthening friendships and having a lot of fun, our ‘return to sail’ programme is vital to realise our aim of inspiring young people who are in recovery to return as volunteer crew on our trips once they reach the age of 18. Tyler, 15 came on his first trip in 2008 and his mother had this to say: “Tyler gained lots of confidence and lots of new friends who he is still in touch with. I am really glad he went. To meet children who have been through the same thing is invaluable. Tyler also met a volunteer in his twenties who had the same cancer as him which gave Tyler a lot of hope for the future.”
The Trust first entry in to The Round the Island Race was back in 2005 The crew was made up of 6 previous students (Emma, Peter, Dan, Dean, Tom and another Peter) and 4 crew made up of Myself, Kim Rowlandson, Cath Bremner (Trustees) and Martin Noyle. We didn’t make it round that year but a great time was had onboard.
We have competed every year since but this is the first year that I will be back onboard. Thank you Jo and Tracy for all your hard work on shore that has enabled me to go afloat.
Since 2006 Scarlet Oyster has competed under the trust colours, she is off sailing Round Britain this year (www.roundbritain.org) writing this brings backs memories of Gordon Applebey who was a great friend and huge supporter of the Trust. He first became involved when he contacted us with the offer of lending us Scarlet and then became a part of almost everything we did . Gordon skippered Scarlet in the 2006 & 2007 JPMorgan Round the Island Race, leading the young crews, all in recovery from cancer and leukaemia to a very respectable 238th in 2006, and 248th in 2007. This is the second year Gordon has not been here for the Race I think his record is pretty safe on Saturday, I will think of him on Saturday as we pass the Needles. Dan Monk our Ambassador will be sailing with Ross Applebey, Gordons son on Liara. Best of Luck to them both they will certainly get round quicker than us!
The Race is also a great fundraiser for the Trust every year over 150 employees from the JP Morgan Bournemouth either office cycle and sail Round the Island last year they raised well over £19,050, last years cyclists compeleted the 55 mile course in just over 3 hours, it is a great effort and we really appreciate the help.
There will be regular updates on the site on Saturday and trackers on the boats and cyclists so you can follow their progress, and check back after Saturday to find out how we got on
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