End of year big boat sailing...

Over the past nine months Challenge Wales has undertaken over 300 young people sailing days with most experiencing sailing for the first time let alone a 72-foot round-the-world yacht that sailed twice in the BT Global Challenge Races a few years ago.

To help raise funds for the Challenge Wales charity, and to enable more young people to experience sail training in Wales a couple of fundraising sailing experience trips were organised in between Christmas and New Year... the Sail and Spice trips (aptly named because not only do you enjoy a big boat sailing experience along the Welsh coast but a curry onboard as well).

Yesterday Challenge Wales left Penarth Marina, with 18 onboard, and after locking out of the barrage headed along the Welsh coast. As some guests on board had not sailed before and the wind was reaching up to 32 knots, the first couple of hours were spent feeling the exhilaration of the boat slicing through the water. The mainsail was reefed in and the smallest headsail (the no.3 Yankee) were set. Challenge Wales' speed reached over 10 knots through the water and everyone onboard felt excited as the bow of the boat caught the waves and water crashed onboard. Oohhs and aahhs, smiles and grins and a few photo opportunities distracted many from the cold weather.

Half way through the day, we tacked and headed towards Newport. With the tide behind us we were soon in the lee of the land, and calmer waters, and with a deeply reefed mainsail the guests onboard were able to experience the helm of an ocean racing yacht as we made our way home. A great day was had by all.

Challenge Wales will not only undertake more sail training around Wales for Welsh young people during 2010 but is also available for corporate & team building trips plus day and weekend trips if you just fancy trying something new or gaining more experience in sailing. Wishing you all a happy new year!