Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2009 | Page 59
ON THE WATER
life
Race for life
Being on a boat as part of a team can give meaning to otherwise empty
lives. Roz Whistance learns what sail training can do for young people
“EVERYTHING that happens on board
said so far will be in any way astonishing.
Organisations (ASTO). The aim of each
a boat only does so when someone on
But for the young people who join the
organisation is to give young people
board does it.” A statement of the
Cowes Small Ships Race, which happens
from all walks of life the chance to crew
bleedin’ obvious, maybe, but also the
each year in October, being a team player
one of its vessels. “They take youngsters
definition of how Sail Training works.
is often something they have never
to sea, who have never been to sea,
Young people are brought together to
experienced. And it can be life changing.
bring them along gently, teaching them
crew a vessel – and every one of them
The Cowes Small Ships race is just one
counts.
If you’re regularly part of a crew nothing
elements of seamanship so they can take
event which comes under the umbrella
a full part in the vessel. They teach them
of the Association of Sail Training
about cooking, cleaning, and hygiene,
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