Youngsters Set Sail Thanks To New Academ …

Young sailors are getting the chance to experience the thrill and excitement of life of the water thanks to the ABP Southampton Sailing Academy.

Pupils from Forest Park School in Totton, were the first to take to the water since the Academy was launched. It is hoped around 100 children from the Southampton area will get to try their hand at sailing through the project.

Launched by Sir Ben Ainslie at the opening of the £100m new SCT5 berth at Southampton Container Terminal earlier this year, the academy is designed to give local children the chance to try their hand at sailing.

Associated British Ports (ABP) donated £10,000 to Active Nation’s Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC), in Floating Bridge Road, to fund sailing sessions for local school children aged between 8 and 16.

ABP Director, Southampton, Nick Ridehalgh, said: “Southampton Water is famed worldwide as a leisure marine destination.

“But for many local youngsters it is a case of so near, but just out of reach. Our new academy allows children, of all areas and abilities, to enjoy sailing on the water near their homes.

“We are very proud to be able to make that happen.”

Active Nation’s SWAC programme manager, Jon Kirby, said: “This will make a real difference to the lives of many local children and hopefully produce the next Ben Ainslie.

“It is a fantastic experience for them. It’s a taste of the freedom sailing offers and a chance to learn teamwork, communication skills and self-reliance.

“It was brilliant to see the Forest Park School pupils enjoying this great opportunity.”

For more information about SWAC and the ABP Southampton Sailing Academy give the team a call today on 02380 915753.

• Posted on: Friday, October 24th, 2014 by Bita Rezaei