Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2009 | Page 98

life SOCIETY ASTO appeal for backing at Royal London Yacht Club A gathering at The Royal London Yacht Club in Cowes welcomed Islanders who have helped the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO). The organisation, which uses its Sail Training Vessels to get young people on to the water, has 35 member organisations, and six years ago I persuaded ASTO to hold an event in Cowes, writes Anthony Churchill. Its fleet so liked the Island that entries have risen from 15 to over 30, with 29 or more people on many vessels, and entries for the 2009 October 2-4 event destined to rise further. Young people between the ages of 12 and 25 make up most crews. They come from all walks of life, and many have never sailed before. As numbers grow – especially of Island youth taking part – there is need for more backing, with, to date, the Isle of Wight Council prominent, and many individuals, such as John Caulcutt from Yarmouth. Eric Goode, John Ely Sarah Armsworth Bob Milner, John Caulcutt 98 Leoni Turner Bob Milner, Ron Dadswell OBE, Rear Admiral John Lang, Major General Martin White, Craig Burton of ASTO, Anthony Churchill Cowes Chairman. John Lang addresses the guests Roz Whistance, Vicky Goode Lady Pigot Tony Pettit, Lora Peacey Wilcox, Andrew Turner MP Gay Edwards, David Whittakar, Peter Mumford George Brown William Smith, Vanessa Churchman, Major General Martin White Mark Fear, Rear Commodore Royal London, John Lang David Williams, George Cameron, David Pugh, Roger Mazillius, Jilly Wood Geoff Banks Mayor of Cowes, Arthur Taylor Chairman Isle of Wight Council Kenneth Beken, David Whittaker Andy Cassell, Jo Brown, Linda Churchill The Island's most loved magazine