- Details
-
Published on Wednesday, 29 January 2014 16:44
-
Hits: 305
STS Lord Nelson was awarded the coveted MCA/ASTO award for Sail Training Vessel of the Year at the UK Sail Training conference. The award recognises an operator for fulfilling both the Sail Training aspirations of ASTO and the seamanship and safety requirements of the MCA.
The award was presented by Sir Alan Massey, CEO of the MCA to shorebased and seagoing staff of the Jubilee Sailing Trust. It comes as the Lord Nelson herself is approximately 1000 miles from the nearest land, on her way towards Cape Horn on her 2 year circumnavigation.
The MCA/ASTO award for Best Potential Sail Training Skipper went to Kieran Burleigh, trainee Mate on board Spirit of Fairbridge operated by the Prince's Trust.
- Details
-
Published on Wednesday, 29 January 2014 16:05
-
Hits: 320
January 24th saw Sail Training operators, staff and volunteers gather in Southampton for the 5th UK Sail Training Conference. The conference is becoming more popular each year and included high level representatives from the MCA, the RYA and Sail Training International.
The organisers aim to present a mix of interesting topics, including regulation, ideas for on board programmes, measuring impact and vessel operation. The full programme and summaries of the sessions are available here.
The day began with the presentation of MCA/ASTO awards, and ended with a buffett sponsored by Topsail Insurance.
The next UK Sail Training conference will be in January 2015.
- Details
-
Published on Monday, 20 January 2014 12:37
-
Hits: 459
It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death last weekend of Chris Courtauld, one of the two founders of the Ocean Youth Club.
Kit Power writes: The Ocean Youth Trust was founded (as Ocean Youth Club) in 1960 by Chris Ellis and Chris Courtauld who both loaned their boats, Theodora and Duet, to the new charity. Chris Ellis died in 1997 and now, with the death of Chris Courtauld on January 11th 2014, OYT has lost the last of its "Founding Fathers". Chris remained a Trustee of OYT from its foundation in 1960 until 2000 when the new regional charities were established. He was passionate about the value of Sail Training and took a deep and continuing interest in everything that the OYT was doing.
Read more: Christopher Courtauld, co-founder of the Ocean Youth Club, dies at 79
- Details
-
Published on Thursday, 19 December 2013 13:19
-
Hits: 949
ASTO is delighted to announce the 5th annual UK Sail Training conference, in association with Southampton Solent University and sponsored by Topsail Insurance.
The conference is held in January each year and aims to bring together sea staff, office staff, trustees and volunteers of the UK's more than 30 Sail Training charities. The day is a rare opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss good practice and meet old friends, and is a welcome addition to the busy winter refit season. The event is made possible through generous support of Southampton Solent University.
Topsail Insurance have sponsored the conference since 2012. Their Managing Director Robert Stevens says: 'We are once again very pleased to be supporting the ASTO Conference and will be in attendance to discuss any insurance requirements members may have. We would also like to invite ASTO members to join us after the event for a finger buffet at the Frog and Parrott opposite the conference centre.'
Conference topics will include regulation, new ideas of promoting Sail Training, and sharing good practice.
Conference booking is now open. For more details go to 'Events – Sail Training Conferences' on the UK Sail Training website.
- Details
-
Published on Wednesday, 27 November 2013 17:01
-
Hits: 1099
The Wales-based Sail Training charity and ASTO member, Challenge Wales, was announced the winner of the ITV People's Millions Award yesterday by ITV Weather and News Presenter James Wright who surprised the charity with a £50,000 cheque.
Challenge Wales made a bid for viewers support to win the £50,000, with the public voting by phone on Monday 25 November to decide who wins the prize. With the winner being announced the following day on the 6.00pm ITV Wales evening News. With the funding, Challenge Wales will be embarking on its Turning the Tide sailing project in 2014 and providing sensory experiences and day & residential sailing opportunities for visually impaired and blind young people from Wales.
Vicky Williams, Trustee and Volunteer said: "For a small volunteer run charity we are really excited that we have won the £50,000. Lots of Challenge Wales volunteers and supporters helped us to get the message out there about our funding bid and we are so pleased that people picked up the phone on the night and voted for our Turning the Tide project. This funding will make a significant difference to visually impaired and blind young people throughout Wales who will now be able to experience sailing, helping them to develop confidence and independence while having fun."
Dawn Austwick, Chief Executive of the Big Lottery Fund said: "This is a brilliant result for the people of Wales and shows that groups can achieve when they have the support of their community behind them."
Adam Crozier, Chief Executive of ITV plc said: "This is a great opportunity for ITV viewers to have their say in how thousands of pounds of Lottery money, set aside for good causes, can benefit their area."
