First in Class for the Trust crew during Small Ships Race

Ten young Trust volunteers finished the top boat in their class as they raced against 23 sail training vessels all crewed by young people under 25 in the ASTO Cowes Small Ships Race on Saturday (6 October)

Dressed as superheroes the Trust volunteers got into character as they paraded past the Island sailing club before competing in the exciting course on the Solent.

The wet and windy weather didn’t dampen their spirits as the crew onboard Solent Hero, the specially adapted yacht funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery,  came first in class.

[caption id="attachment_10882" align="alignnone" width="750"] Graduate Volunteer Superheroes[/caption]

This was the fifth year that the Trust has entered the annual race as part of the unique ‘Graduate Volunteer’ programme, which has a real enduring impact as it allows young people to continue their relationship with the Trust after they turn 18.

The crew all sailed with the Trust as young people and now support trips by providing hope of life beyond cancer to Trust first-timers, as Alex, 16 from Bristol who went on a trip this year explains: “The graduate volunteers made me feel more optimistic about my future having seen what they have achieved through the Trust.”

For the volunteers, knowing they can help another young person, simply by understanding and communicating with them in a way few others can, is very rewarding too. It helps them continue their own recovery with the Trust.

Finishing first in class was a real achievement for the graduate volunteers and a fantastic way to end the season.

[caption id="attachment_10877" align="alignnone" width="750"] The Trust team came first in C2[/caption]