South Coast youth charity’s annual sailing race this weekend

This weekend (2nd October) will see more than 100 young people take part in the Cowes Small Ships Race in the Solent. The annual sailing race is hosted by the Gosport-based youth charity, ASTO (Association of Sail Training Organisations), with support from the Royal London Yacht Club and Royal Yacht Squadron.

The event has run for almost 20 years and sees young people aged between 12-25 (known as trainees) competing against each other in a fleet of Sail Training vessels. Many of the young people on board have never sailed before, therefore the race provides an opportunity for the trainees to challenge themselves and to take pride in their achievements.

The popular event also gives many of ASTO’s UK Sail Training organisations the chance to celebrate the end of their season. These charities and organisations specialise in youth development, and use the experience of being out on the water to teach young and disabled people about the importance of teamwork, communication, and other key life skills.

Lucy Grodie, general manager of ASTO, says: “I’m delighted we are able to run our annual Cowes Small Ships Race again, almost back to normal. The pandemic has been a very tough time for Sail Training charities, and it is great to see them back on the water, providing such valuable experiences for young people from all over the UK.

“Sail Training is such a positive, life-affirming experience, that can make a huge difference to young people who have been stuck indoors, anxious, and not able to socialise. ASTO and all our members firmly believe that Sail Training adventures can help restore some sense of normality, fun, and hope to the young people taking part.”

The Small Ships Race fleet consists of a range of vessels from traditional schooners to modern charter yachts. Amongst the vessels competing this year are Ocean Youth Trust South’s Southampton-based Prolific, and Cirdan Trust’s 109-year-old yawl, Duet.

There will be a Parade of Sail at 09:30am on Saturday morning with the race starting at 10:00am.

In place of the usual in-person awards ceremony ashore, ASTO is holding a virtual prize giving which will be broadcast on the UK Sail Training Facebook page Saturday evening.