Christchurch Sailing Club Junior Fundraising Mission to compete in the RORC Cervantes Trophy Race
by Lindsey Rayner 14 Apr 13:40 BST
Ten intrepid juniors, from Christchurch Sailing Club (CSC), have signed up to do their very first offshore race with the Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT). On 2nd May, they will be racing from Portsmouth to Le Havre on a Challenge 72, taking part in the RORC Cervantes Trophy Race (designed as a qualifier for the Fastnet).
The ten-strong junior crew are used to being on the water but relatively new to big boat sailing. Whilst all have sailed from a young age and competed at various levels in a variety of dinghies - from Optimists to Laser 4.7's, a weekend onboard a Challenge 72 is a real leveller. It requires full-on teamwork, resilience and focus. There is absolutely no slacking! Everyone plays their part.
Over the last three months they've been working hard to raise money for their trip, from bingo nights, cake sales, breakfasts and film nights. So far, they've raised just over £1000, thanks to the generosity of club members.
At CSC we are all about inclusivity and it seems we share a similar ethos to the TSYT with regards to making sailing possible for all. Our Junior Sponsorship Fund is there to help level the playing field, just as the TSYT have a bursary for those needing extra financial support.
In November last year, a team of ten CSC juniors were all set to do the Small Ships Race with the TSYT, however, with gale-force winds in the Solent the race was cancelled! Did this stop them going out for a blast? No way! Some people may have been put off yacht racing for life, but not these juniors - they were hooked!
When they returned from their weekend, they were asking 'what's next?' and so the TSYT came back with a plan... The RORC Cervantes Trophy Race in May. The answer from the juniors - a resounding YES!
These voyages with the TSYT have opened up doors for our juniors and we are extremely grateful to them for the wonderful opportunities that they provide in developing young people, both on and off the water.
If you would like to sponsor them on this race we have set up a GoFundMe page where you can donate and help them on their way.
Thank you for your support.