Southampton General Hospital

29th July 05

Adam Vivian, Jade Compton, Jessica Morris, Jonathon Legris and Daniel Lucas joined Avocet skippered by Andy Dare. Beau Curtis, Gemma Foster, Laura West, Camille Guest and Matthew Hyde joined Spirit skippered by trustee Frank Fletcher. Although the weather was not quite as enjoyable as on previous trips it was obvious that everyone involved had a tremendous time. Rain did not stop the onslaught of water bombs between the two boats nor the terrific atmosphere on board as everyone contributed to life as a team.

Again, day sails to Newtown Creek, Yarmouth and the Folly Inn were made with activities including the tour of the Yarmouth lifeboat, shopping and a Barbeque being held, where Ellen MacArthur joined the festivities and contributed to the cooking!!

The final trip reached an exciting conclusion as both Spirit and Avocet were asked to escort Gipsy Moth IV in the Solent as she officially opened Cowes Week. Two students from the trips, Adam Vivian and Jessica Morris, had the opportunity to sail onboard this historic vessel which is about to circumnavigate the world again to commemorate Francis Chichester’s Voyage in 1966. Both students described their voyage as “a great once in a lifetime experience”.

In all, forty students have had the opportunity to sail with the Ellen MacArthur Trust this year and it has been obvious to many, particularly the skippers and volunteers involved, that the trips do accomplish their “inspiration through sailing” aims. Cath Bremner, MD of the Trust stated, “It has been a wonderful year of sailing – with many young people once again pushing themselves to gain confidence by taking on the challenge of sailing, making lots of new friends and having lots of fun – through water fights, football games and just being on the water. I am already looking forward to next years trips and continuing to help our young people learn to sail.”

Fundraising is now underway for next years trips when the Trust hopes to take 20 children from two extra hospitals on the sailing adventures , one from Bristol and one from Scotland. To find out about fundraising for the trust visit Raising funds for the Trust or to make a donation visit Become a Supporter.