Last month Boleh joined other sail training vessels in the ASTO annual Small Ships Race, held in the Solent and run by them under rules which require half the crews to be under 25. Boleh’s youth crew (pictured) were cadets Brandon and Issy (Devon ACF) and Eryn and Kieron both with RONA Project experience. Competitors assembled at Cowes the weekend of 6 October with a real buzz on the Quay where lots of wonderful vessels – Boleh turned many heads! – were flying their colours and sending a great vibe around the Race village.
The Race started on Saturday in a Force 6 and, with Skipper Richard Metcalfe and Mate Craig Coupe, Boleh set off downwind with one reef and smaller genoa for a cracking start, crossing the line bang on the gun. Later the wind died down, the new large genoa was hoisted and Boleh worked her way slowly upwind and tide until the time allowance expired. At the well attended prize giving we were very pleased to get 3rd out of our class. On Sunday the crew planned Boleh’s return to Haslar and the weekend provided some great sailing for all onboard.
Eryn Larnder wrote afterwards “Thanks for a brilliant weekend and providing me with some brilliant memories. I really do hope I can get the chance to sail Boleh again and really get to grips with her!” We will certainly do our best to provide that, and we are very grateful to all those who make such experiences available for young people. So a big thank you to our volunteer Skippers and Mates, to the Boleh support team and to our generous donors, most recently the Swire Charitable Trust who have again shown confidence in our work with a 3-year commitment to contribute to our core costs.
