New Access Dinghy Launched at Ardingly Reservoir
Project Noahs Ark - 9th May at 11.00am
Robin Moore, Alex and Jonathan Tyrrell and Bertie Boakes were successful in a bid
for £6000 to buy an Access 303 dinghy for Ardingly Activity Centre.
Geoff Holt, a quadriplegic sailor who sailed single handed across the Atlantic,
Nikki Birrell and Alexandra Rickham, the current World Champion Paralympic sailors
in the SKUD sailing class, and Lucy Hodges, a partially sighted Paralympic sailor
helped to launch the new boat and inspire the sailors.
The boat, named The Wasp, has a black deck with a white hull and yellow sails. The
dinghy has motorised sail controls using a joystick (just like playing computer
games on the water). The joystick controls the rudder and main sail. It has a keel
and special supporting seats.
The boys invited the guest speakers to the official launch. Paul Nash thanked Jane
Keel, acting Mayor, for her speech. Jonathan, Bertie and Paul introduced all the
guest speakers. These included Geoff Holt, Youth Opportunity Forum speakers, and
Debbie Blanchford, Morna Hushes and Lucy Hodges of the Royal Yachting Association
Sailability Charity, who have funded the sailing enrichment activities. Louis Gorringe,
Paul Nash and Rhys Wakeford helped the boys to ensure the event ran smoothly. This
was also an opportunity to say thank you to the Youth Opportunity Forum for sponsoring
the event. The boys welcomed other guests from Court Meadow, Orchard House and Youth
Service Co-ordinators.
Croudace Homes, a local house builder offered to pay for Court Meadow children to
sail throughout the summer term. Lorraine Everard, Partnership Manager of the Mid
Sussex School Sports Partnership, was keen to give Court Meadow children equal opportunities
to the St Paul’s sailors. Croudance’s donation will ensure this happens.
Nikki Birrell took everyone out for a ride in the new boat and everyone greatly
enjoyed their ride.
The boat is available to sail at Ardingly and will be used during the sailing enrichment
sessions. The money for the boat came from the Youth Opportunity Fund.
These websites provide more information about the organisations involved:
West Sussex Youth Opportunity Fund RYA Sailability
Access
Dinghy
Court
Meadow School
CroudacehomesBertie
Boakes (Student)