I have been sailing with Horizons Childrens sailing club since I was 8 years old. Over the past 6 years they have taught me how to sail enabled me to achieve my RYA level 4.
I have a real sense of belonging at Horizons all the staff, volunteers are friendly and patient. I feel I have learnt not only to sail but to appreciate being out on the water, experiencing amazing scenery and wildlife. I have developed many skills, confidence and thanks to all at Horizons I have learnt that sailing is my thing, my passion. When I'm out on a boat I forget all my worries, I feel free. This past year, it has been tough for all, I missed my friends, my family & Horizons. When we came out of lockdown all the staff worked really hard and still do to enable us to sail in a covid secure way. I am so grateful for all they do in particular Lois and Simon. I can't even begin to explain how it felt getting back in a dinghy after lockdown, I had said so many times to my mom and dad when we were out exercising this would be great day for a sail!
I want to give something back to Horizons by hopefully raising funds through doing this challenge. I am nervous as I will not have sailed that far before or been on a yacht for that length of time. Thank you to Peter Carpenter the skipper for letting me jump aboard.
At the beginning of the year I said to my mom I would love to sail in a race, and here I am about to take part in a 26 mile course and finally get to see The Eddystone Lighthouse close up. I appreciate its the taking part that counts but a little part (big really) of me is secretly hoping we have a fast sail and place well.
Horizons are a registered charity who run many projects alongside the sailing club, there main drive is to make sailing accessible for all with special adapted boats and no cost barriers. They have a passionate and skilled team of 3 fulltime staff and a dedicated pool of volunteers. They rely heavily on public generosity, fundraising and competing for grants.
