More than 100 youngsters are taking part in the popular Cowes Small Ships Race this weekend.
The annual event is hosted by the Gosport based charity ASTO (Association of Sail Training Organisations), with support from the Royal London Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron.
For the last 20 years, it sees young people aged between 12-25 (known as Trainees) competing against each other on a fleet of Sail Training vessels.
Many of the young people on board have never been sailing before, so the race provides an opportunity for the Trainees to challenge themselves and to take pride in their achievements.
The popular event also provides the chance for many Sail Training organisations across the UK to celebrate the end of their season.
ASTO’s UK Sail Training member organisations are youth charities or organisations that specialise in youth development. Sail Training uses the experience of being out on the water, in an unfamiliar environment, and often with new people, to teach young and disabled people about the importance of teamwork, communication, and other key skills that they can use later in life.
Lucy Grodie, General Manager of ASTO said:
‘I’m delighted we are able to run our annual Cowes Small Ships Race again, almost back to normal. The pandemic has been a very tough time for Sail Training charities, and it is great to see them back on the water, providing such valuable experiences for young people from all over the UK. Sail Training is such a positive, life-affirming experience, that can make a huge difference to young people who have been stuck indoors, anxious, and not able to socialise."
The race will start at 10:00 this morning following the Parade of Sail at 09:30.
In place of the usual in- person awards ceremony ashore, ASTO are holding a Virtual Prize Giving which will be broadcast on the UK Sail Training Facebook page on Saturday Evening.
For more information about UK Sail Training, and ASTO’s Small Ships Races, visit: www.uksailtraining.org or find us on social media: @UKSailTraining.
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