OnBoard sailors meet Paralympic gold medallist Helena Lucas
by Marina Johnson, RYA 24 Sep 2012 17:54 BST
23 September 2012
OnBoard sailors meet Paralympic gold medallist Helena Lucas © Paul Wyeth / RYA
Eight of the south coast's OnBoard sailors were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Paralympic gold medallist, Helena Lucas, at the PSP Southampton Boat Show last weekend.
The sailors came from Hamble River Sailing Club, Hasting and St Leonards Sailing Club, Swanage Sailing Club and Bewl Valley Sailing Club and were due to compete in the Champion of Champions OnBoard Festival. However, after a morning of relentless heavy rain and high winds racing had to be called off.
Helena, who was the only woman competing in the Paralympic 2.mR one-person keelboat class, took time out of her busy schedule to pay a surprise visit to the youngsters and told them all about how she got into sailing and what is was like to compete in the London 2012 Games.
"It didn't matter that we couldn't go sailing because it was amazing to meet Helena and to be able to see and touch her gold medal. I think she is really inspirational" said Charlie (12) from Bewl Valley SC.
Andy Hooper, RYA Regional Development Officer for the South and South East said: "It was disappointing that we couldn't get out on the water but the youngsters were delighted to be able to meet Helena Lucas. They all wanted to have photos and autographs and to have a closer look at a Paralympic gold medal. It will be a day they remember it for a very long time".
The winning team of the Champion of Champions was determined on dry land with a sailing quiz and a game of indoor boat racing. Finally the moment came to announce the results with team Dorset crowned the 2012 winners and presented with the trophy.
"All of the competitors who took part have all developed their skills and sailed really well throughout season. Next year we will hope for better weather and hope to see even more youngsters taking part. Thank you to Helena for helping to create a really special day for everyone involved" said Andy.
Run by the RYA, OnBoard is a grass roots programme which introduces sailing and windsurfing to young people aged 8 to 18, through schools, youth groups and training centres.
Over a ten year period OnBoard aims to introduce a minimum of 500,000 children to sailing and windsurfing in the UK, converting over 10% of them into regular participants. So far it's nicely on track.
For more information about how to get involved in sailing visit the RYA's website www.rya.org.uk or the OnBoard website www.ruob.co.uk