A new campaign, Our Isles and Oceans, which launched at Largs Yacht Haven today, will create funded programmes for young people affected by the pandemic and lockdown.
The cornerstone of the project will be a partnership with the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, providing funded sailing programmes for young people to learn to sail.
They are calling for 18- to 35-year-olds to apply to its initiative, as the pandemic has had a negative impact on the age group’s education and employment opportunities over the last 15 months.
The confidence built and the skills learnt through the sport of sailing can be transferred from on deck to the workplace which is why the first Our Isles and Oceans programme to launch will take place on a Clipper Race yacht.
Up to 40 successful candidates will take part in a funded sailing course on board a 68ft Clipper Race training yacht, pictured today at the marina.
In addition, 10 of these recruits will then be offered the opportunity to apply for an additional four weeks of intensive ocean racing training to be held at the Clipper Race Training HQ in Gosport, Hampshire. If successful, they would receive a funded place on board the (70 ft) Our Isles and Oceans team entry which will be competing in the Clipper 2023-24 Race.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo, non-stop around the world and co-founder of the Clipper Race, said: "Sailing is so much more than just a sport or pastime as it gives you experience that is as useful in the workplace as it is on board a yacht. The sport develops self-confidence and self-esteem which is so important to restore following the pandemic.
This project is supported by the United Nations Association Climate and Oceans and the Scottish Association of Marine Science
The Our Isles and Oceans campaign begins with the first series of sailing programmes in July 2021 - www.ourislesandoceans.co.uk
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