Charity Adventure Under Sail from London to Dorset
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 13 June 2012 15:52
The charity Adventure Under Sail is working together with the Association of Sail Training Organisation (ASTO) on an exciting venture taking place after the Jubilee Weekend.
A number of young people from both Dorset and London will embark on a Small Ships Race which will include the 148 foot ‘TS Pelican'. The majestic Sail Training vessels will travel from West India Dock in London to the 2012 sailing venue, the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA). The students who depart from London on 9th June are expected to reach the WPNSA by 15th June.
Adventure Under Sail sails within the region of 500 young people each year. On this particular voyage the ships are all crewed by young people from 12 to 25 years old, many of whom have never sailed before. Adventure Under Sail are working in conjunction with ASTO to ensure that lessons learned and achievements enjoyed on a voyage are carried through into long-term programmes of work with each young person.
For all these young people, the voyage is designed to develop confidence, team-working, the ability to cope with unfamiliar situations and build tolerance and understanding of others. Young crew members not only sail the boat, keep watch and help to navigate; they also learn basic life skills such as cooking and healthy eating.
The route for the race is of particular significance due to it linking two such iconic sporting locations in the UK. TS Pelican will be sailing from the East End of London where in little over 50 days the Opening Ceremony for the Games will be held, to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, the venue for the sailing competition at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
A week after parading in the Jubilee Pageant, TS Pelican will embark on the race and will sail past the South Coast of England before heading to the Jurassic Coast off Weymouth and Portland. This will be a unique experience for the trainees and the chance to forge new friendships with young people from other parts of the UK.
Ben Swain, Education and Training Manager, Adventure Under Sail, commented; "This is a first class opportunity to link two areas of the country in such a positive Sail Training adventure. We are looking forward to hosting the crew next month and experiencing the positive impact this trip will have."
For press wishing to visit the TS Pelican, she will be moored at West India Dock, London from 6th to 9th June. There are also a few press places available on board during the Small Ships Race, please contact Kate Holmes if you are interested.
Adventure Under Sail www.adventureundersail.com
