27th July 2010 – The Set Sail Corporate Pilot Challenge took place in Guernsey on board two 60ft wooden hulled classic ships last week raising over £7000 for local nautical and maritime initiatives. This event was organised by The Set Sail Trust, a local charity that supports many local maritime activities.
The Challenge saw two Bristol Pilot Cutters sailing off Guernsey all week – on board the Amelie Rose and Morwenna. It was these same magnificent Bristol Pilot Cutter replica ships, that took local children and underprivileged groups sailing on a 3 mile course in Guernsey waters.
Over 100 children benefited by sailing these beautiful 60ft classic wooden ships around the course against an opposing youth team.
The ships skippers taught the children the necessary boating skills of rigging the sails, as well as local navigation, wind and tide behaviour and the history of the Bristol Cutters. Amelie Rose’s skipper Nick Beck said “The children learn about a little about teamwork on board as well as have some fun and exercise along the way”.
The primary aim of the Trust is to make marine based activities, such as the opportunity to sail on one of these magnificent boats, accessible to groups of people locally who would not normally get the opportunity, including.
- Action for Children
- Adult Mental Health
- Children with Diabetes
- Drug Concern
- The Guernsey Probation Service for Young Offenders,
- St Martin’s Scouts, Amherst, Vauvert, Castel, Forest and The Link Centre schools
The 2nd Guernsey Boys Brigade also had a trip of a lifetime aboard, sailing the boats back to dock in Poole on Saturday night. Lieutenant, Malcolm Cleal who sailed with them, added “It’s definitely character building because the ships’ crew allowed the boys responsibility to be part of running the ship. They gained a great sense of empowerment in being able to steer a ship of that size and it’s something they’ll remember for a long time. They’ve also become more aware of their own capabilities and strengths”.
Trustee Andreas Tautscher said “The faces on the children returning from their trips were priceless. Everyone who sailed in the Set Sail Corporate Pilot Challenge should feel proud of themselves that they helped others who would not be able to experience how exhilarating it is to sail these classic ships.”
The Guernsey History in Action group also provided a character-lead performance on board, giving the younger groups with an insight into maritime life in Guernsey during that era.
