Thanks to Lucy for this news about an upcoming race in the Solent on Saturday. Ed
More than 300 young people from the South of England, including 25 from the Isle of Wight, will take part in the 9th annual ASTO Small Ships Race on Saturday 6th October.
The race will see 27 Sail Training vessels compete against each other around the cans, all crewed by young people for most of whom this is the first time they have sailed. The winning crew will not only take home the coveted Aurora trophy but will have made friends and memories for life.
All ages and rigs
The Small Ships Race, organised by ASTO, includes boats with a wide variety of ages and rigs, from the 1890s Brixham trawler ‘Leader’ to the modern racing yacht ‘Paddiywack’. The boats can compete on an even footing by using the Rule of Rating developed for use in the Tall Ships Races.
To qualify for taking part at least half of the crew have to be between 12 and 25 years old. Competing youngsters come from schools and youth groups; the boats also accept bookings from individual trainees.
Since 2004, the race has been a popular and exciting end to the sailing season for Sail Training vessels and young people alike. Past winners of the Aurora trophy include Jolie Brise, Duet, Gipsy Moth IV and Merrilyn.
Image: © www.tallshipstock.com
