Largs Sailing Club and Castle Craigs Canoe Club joined forces recently to provide some fun watersports taster sessions for a group of 25 Ukrainian sailors who had been training for six months in the UK, prior to their return to their country in conflict.

They had been moored up at Fairlie Quay, and Largs Sailing Club was contacted by the Royal Navy, through the office at Fairlie Quay, and asked if they could provide some watersports for the young sailors, who were getting two days shore leave after their six months training in British waters, and about to head back home to rejoin the war in Ukraine.

Volunteers from Largs and Castle Craigs Canoe Club were able to get the lads out on keelboats, dinghies and kayaks. Some Ukrainian refugees known to a club member, who can speak English and are currently living in Glasgow, came to act as translators to help with the coaching on the water for the various activities.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: The flags that fly over Largs Sailing clubhouse, including the Ukrainian flag, which have been flown since the start of the war. The flags that fly over Largs Sailing clubhouse, including the Ukrainian flag, which have been flown since the start of the war. (Image: Largs Sailing Club)

With funds from the Royal Navy, Michelle's Rolls at Fairlie dropped off some cold filled rolls for lunch, and the club provided drinks and biscuits after sailing. After the fun on the water, the Ukrainian sailors were able to enjoy the views from the club balcony and relax for the afternoon.

Largs Sailing Club and the kayak club were able to find sailing gear for them, along with spare clothes and clean towels – many of them loved the warm Scottish rain, and decided it would be fun jumping in the sea off the slipway while the rain was pouring down.

Their ages ranged from around 19 to 28, so many of the volunteers found it quite emotional knowing that they were leaving to go back to Ukraine, but the two clubs were proud that they were able to provide some fun for them on a break from their training.

This is not the first direct assistance the club has provided to Ukraine, whose flag has been flying with the Largs Sailing Club burgee and the Red Ensign above the clubhouse at Largs Yacht Haven since the start of the war.

In June, members responded astonishingly generously to an appeal for donations of material after the collapse of the Kakhovka dam, and subsequent flooding of vast areas downstream. Items requested included batteries, torches, candles, matches, personal hygiene products, underwear for men and women, and clothes for children aged 10 – 14. Such was the amount donated that the club administrator Julia Gibson, who had coordinated the appeal, filled her car twice!

Thanks were offered to all those who contributed to the June appeal, and to the volunteers from the club and Castle Craigs for the watersports session.