Pilot Cutters Week returned for its 10th Anniversary! 19th – 29th June 2016
The ever-popular pilot cutter ships returned to Guernsey’s waters for the 10th consecutive year thanks to the ongoing success of the Bristol Cutters Week. Local children were given the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing, enjoy some rich maritime history and learn new skills.
A massive thank you to the sponsors this year which enabled the children to Set Sail. Appleby, Bank of Butterfield, IAM Advisory, Babbe McCathie, Carey Olsen, Ravenscroft, Canaccord, Channel Insurance Brokers, RBSI and Generali.
Roddy Winser OBE, Chief Executive, Youth Commission.
“A great weekend on the Cutters. 185 young people, carers and adult support staff enjoyed their outings. Weather was good.”
Click through to see the photos and thank you cards!
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Pilot Cutters Week returns for its 10th Anniversary! 19th – 29th June 2016
The ever-popular pilot cutter ships will be returning to Guernsey’s waters this week for the 10th consecutive year thanks to the ongoing success of the Bristol Cutters Week. Local children will be given the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing, enjoy some rich maritime history and learn new skills.
A trio of replica pilot cutters will sail into St Peter Port for the seventh consecutive year on Sunday 19th June. The Amelie Rose and the Merlin will be joined by the 46ft Agnes, a replica of a cutter built in 1841.
Around 500 young people from State schools and community groups will hop on board to sail the local seas. They will also have the chance to give steering and hoisting the sail a try as part of this unique Set Sail Trust event.
These beautiful ships will bring history to life for some of the children from Amherst, Castel, St Mary & St Michael, La Mare de Carteret, Le Rondin, Le Murier, Vale and Vauvert primary schools.
Members of the National Autism Society Guernsey, 10th Sea Scouts, St Martin’s Scouts, Community Outreach, 3rd Guernsey Cubs, The Space, Street Sports, The Caves Youth Centre and The Prince’s Trust will also have the chance to enjoy the waves.
Ten local businesses have become Corporate Ambassadors for Bristol Cutters Week 2016 and a number of donations have been received to support the Set Sail Trust’s annual event. The corporate supporters enjoy an evening of racing which is always a popular, and sometimes competitive, event in the business calendar.
There will be around nine sailings per day during the Set Sail Trust’s 10-day programme and the organisers are hoping for fine weather.
‘We would like to thank Royal Bank of Scotland International, Bank of Butterfield, Generali Worldwide, Appleby, Babbe McCathie, Carey Olsen, Ravenscroft, Canaccord and Channel Insurance Brokers for becoming Corporate Ambassadors.
We would also like to thank EDF and Odey Wealth for their generous donations. The abundance of support means that we can once again make this exciting and popular event happen for the young people of Guernsey,’ says Michael Strachan of IAM Advisory.
Ongoing sponsorship of the Set Sail Trust from Deutsche Bank, Long Port Group, TPA, IAM Advisory and the Channel Islands Co-operative Society Guernsey has helped the cutters return to Guernsey for the last seven years. There are still opportunities for corporate sponsors to get involved in this community-driven project.
‘Since we started the Bristol Cutters Week in 2006, around 4,000 children have had the chance to sail on these beautiful ships,’ says Tony Tostevin of TPA Group. ‘In addition to welcoming school children on board, it’s great to have a variety of community groups involved.
‘We’ve got nearly 50 groups of young people going out this year and it’s always a pleasure to receive such positive feedback at the end of each sailing day. The programme has been so successful that we are once again bringing an extra ship over to Guernsey.
‘The Set Sail Trust is dedicated to supporting underprivileged members of the community and gives them the opportunity to get involved in maritime activities in Guernsey. We live in such a beautiful place with the sea right on our doorstep. We want to give young people the chance to build their confidence, develop transferable skills and learn some interesting history while at sea.
‘Having fun is a big part of the experiences that we offer and nautical activities are hugely rewarding. The Set Sail Trust has come a long way since it was established in 2006 and we’re all very much looking forward to another series of adventures!’
We have received a lovely letter from The Sunflower Project @ The Hub to thank The Set Sail Trust for this years thoroughly enjoyable Herm Weekend.
Download the report here.
We also received a beautiful Thank you card from some of the children who attended the weekend along with a letter from The Hub.
The Bristol Cutters took to the seas again in 2015.
Thank you to KPMG, Alliance, RBSI, Deutsche Bank, Appleby, HE & Government House, Generali, International Asset Monitor, OCS, Bank of Butterfield and The James Whalley Flying Bursary who made this possible for the children. A great time was had by all.
Watch the Sailing Trust Video here
Four families have expressed how much they enjoyed a recent trip to Herm that was organised by the Set Sail Trust and sponsored by The Channel Islands Co-operative Society.
Nine children and their parents, who have all recently been affected by a family bereavement, were treated to a fun-filled activity weekend on the island. The families have all been supported by The Sunflower Project, which is run by Barndardo’s and staff from the project also attended the weekend.
In the morning Outdoor Guernsey took the group kayaking around the coastline and there was time for some beach football too.
No trip to Herm would be complete without lunch at the Mermaid Inn and after refuelling the families headed off to learn how to handle a bow and arrow. Teens and youngsters all enjoyed the archery and then it was back to the Mermaid for tea and cake.
‘It was all fun!’ reported one of the children.
‘Thank you for the things you organised today, I loved doing archery and would love to do it again. I really enjoyed it,’ said another.
The weekends are organised by Andrea Nightingale and the Set Sail Trust for families each year and are designed to meet different objectives. Previous Herm trips have helped children with special educational needs, or who need to build confidence or develop better behaviour patterns.
This is the fourth year that the Trust has laid on the weekends with Travel Trident and Outdoor Guernsey and the first time The Channel Islands Co-operative Society has got involved with sponsorship. ‘We are here to make a real difference to the communities we serve. That aspiration guides everything we do. We are proud to support this incredible cause and to play our part in providing enriching experiences for those who need it,’ said Colin MacLeod, Chief Executive Officer of The Channel Islands Co-operative Society.’
After an overnight stay in the picturesque Herm cottages the second day got underway with bacon sandwiches for breakfast and family beach games before the group headed back to Guernsey on the Trident.
The Channel Islands Co-operative Society also ensured everyone took home a bag with a hoodie and t-shirt.
‘On behalf of the Sunflower Project I would like to say a big thank you. The weekend was an amazing opportunity to give some bereaved families some time to relax and be with others who really understand. It was a privilege to take part and witness so much kindness and courage,’ said Denise Ozanne, Barnardo’s Project Worker.
The Sunflower Project, which is a Barnardo’s service based at the HUB, works with bereaved families in Guernsey and is just one of the local groups to work with the Set Sail Trust on these special weekends.
Charles Billson, co-trustee of the Set Sail Trust, commented: ‘One of our objectives is to “pump-prime” appropriate projects to bring them to fruition and to act as a conduit to bring parties together. We are grateful to The Channel Islands Co-operative Society, Outdoor Guernsey, Travel Trident and Herm Island for their collaboration in enabling us to achieve our aim and provide a tremendous experience for these families.’
The Set Sail Trust brings Guernsey’s maritime history alive for school children.
The Set Sail Trust is behind a second book that is being distributed to some of Guernsey’s primary school children this week. A Sail to Steam and Back Again takes readers on a journey through the island’s maritime history from the 1900s to the present day.
Full of interesting facts, pictures and diagrams, quizzes and activities, the book can be used in class or enjoyed by children at home. The story starts with the age of steam and its impact on transportation and life in Guernsey. It explores the importance of steam ships for the island’s growing industry before explaining the role of some of the Guernsey’s ships as minesweepers in the First World War as well as the brave sailors who lost their lives.
After the war, steam ships brought holiday-makers to the ‘sunshine island’ and Guernsey’s tourism industry boomed. The book brings readers right up to date, looking at sailing for pleasure, modern ferry transport and the boats that keep our waters safe for everyone.
Year 4 pupils will receive the A Sail to Steam and Back Again book, which has been written by Lynne Ashton, of Guernsey Museum, who says: ‘I am delighted that the second book tracing the story of Guernsey’s Maritime story will soon be in schools. I enjoyed the challenge of finding a way to present the information in a simple and entertaining way.
‘Guernsey has a wonderful maritime story and this book is designed to help our children learn about the past through their own local story. I am extremely grateful to the Set Sail Trust for sponsoring this book, which is the ninth in our series of local history books for schools.’
Michael Strachen, one of the Set Sail Trustees, says: ‘One of the objectives of the Trust is to support and raise awareness of Guernsey’s nautical history and the development of maritime activities in schools. This is the third book we have produced and feedback from teachers and pupils has been excellent.’
In June 2014, two replica Bristol Pilot Cutters sailed out of St Peter Port harbour for nine days and gave around 350 local youngsters a taste of the high seas.
24 State primary school groups and nine other youth groups were treated to a trip out on the water thanks to 10 local businesses that sponsored the ships. This local maritime initiative continues to gain popularity and schools and sponsors are already signing up for next year.
‘Vauvert’s Year 6 pupils thoroughly enjoyed their time on the water on the Pilot Cutters.The sun shone, the wind was fair and the children were able to experience something of life on the sea,’ comments Mr Walters, Vauvert’s Head Teacher. ‘Both the skippers and their crew were welcoming, keen to get the children involved and we all enjoyed their company. Our thanks go to the two boat owners and the generous support of sponsors, who make this great opportunity happen for our pupils. We look forward to having the chance to get on board again next year!’
The Amelie Rose and the Merlin are keen to return for 2015 and skipper Nick Beck commented that this Set Sail Trust programme is unique in his annual sailing calendar.
‘It’s only with the support of the corporate ambassadors that this event happens each year,’ comments Charles Billson, Chairman of Long Port Group and one of the Set Sail Trustees. ‘We must thank International Asset Monitor, RBS International, Generali Worldwide, OCS, APAX Partners, the James Whalley High Flight Charity, Appleby, Deutsche Bank and Alliance for their sponsorship and I know the schools and groups who benefitted are extremely grateful.’
One of the sponsors, Gavin Ferguson of Appleby, comments: ‘It was a real pleasure to give something back to the community and see first-hand the positive effect the sailing experience has. It’s quite unique and can have a profound effect on the young people involved. There are many positive stories, but we were particularly touched to hear that a selective mute was moved to speak when he returned to shore.’
The Set Sail Trust is already planning the 2015 Bristol Cutters visit and urges companies to sign up early to become a corporate ambassador.
The lovely Thank you cards to the Companies who donated money enabling the schools to Set Sail.
The James Whalley High Flight Charity has signed up to sponsor a day’s sailing for two community groups. St Martin’s Cub Scouts and the Adult Mental Health Group will enjoy sailing a traditional wooden pilot cutter ship as part of the Set Sail Trust’s annual Bristol Pilot Cutters Week.
As the James Whalley High Flight charity founder, Sue Whalley, explains: ‘The activity fulfills our charity’s remit to help children and other groups experience all the opportunities and sports that James enjoyed. When we set up the charity we decided we would support activities that reflected James’ love of the water and flying. Having read about the Set Sail Trust’s activities we immediately thought it was a great fit. We hope sponsoring a Bristol Pilot Cutter might become a regular activity for us.’
Two replica Bristol Pilot Cutters have taken over 300 school children and under privileged groups out on the water as part of weeklong activity that is in its fourth year.
During the day the Amelie Rose and the Merlin have been kept busy with over 35 groups coming on board and in the evening eight Corporate Ambassadors raced against each other in the Bristol Cutters Evening Challenge. It is their generous support, along with the James Whalley High Flight Charity, that has helped the Set Sail Trust continue this annual event.
The primary aim of the Set Sail Trust is to make maritime-based activities accessible to a wider audience as well as teaching the community more about maritime history. The Bristol Pilot Cutters were traditionally used to guide merchant ships through the treacherous Bristol Channel and their reputation for speed and efficiency in difficult waters is well deserved. As well as bringing history alive, the sailing builds confidence and helps to teach children boating skills such as rigging the sails, navigation basics and how the tides behave. Along the way there is fun, excitement and of course plenty of fresh air and exercise.
Children from a number of the Bailiwick’s primary schools (years five and six) were invited to set sail on the two Bristol Pilot Cutters. Pupils from Vauvert, Haute Capelles, Le Rondin, Le Murier, St Andrews, St Anne’s have all taken part.
Other groups to benefit include: The Link Centre, The Sports Commission, St Martin’s Cub Scouts, the Adult Mental Health group and Wigwam Special Needs. Mary Ferguson, Leader with St Martin’s Cub Pack explains why they took up this opportunity: ‘Cubs are encouraged to try new things, to expand their horizons, to explore new opportunities; sailing brings them close to the sea and close to a timeless way of life that will live long in their memories.’
‘We’re excited to have the Bristol Pilot Cutters visit Guernsey again this year. It continues to be a popular event amongst children and special needs or under privileged groups and we thank the sponsors who support the Set Sail Trust in funding the boats. Children and adults alike come back on shore windswept, happy and full of excitement about their adventure. It’s become a highly anticipated event in the Set Sail Trust’s calendar,’ states Michael Strachan, Managing Director of International Asset Monitor, one of the Set Sail Trust’s four trustees.
Bristol Pilot Cutters Week
17th – 26th June 2013
16th June 2013 will see two replica Bristol Pilot Cutters sail into St Peter Port for the fourth consecutive year, thanks to the continued support of the Set Sail Trust and local businesses. The 60ft wooden hulled classic ships will sail off Guernsey all week, taking over 300 school children and under privileged groups out on the water.
During the day the Amelie Rose and the Merlin will be kept busy with over 35 groups coming on board and in the evening eight Corporate Ambassadors will race against each other in the Bristol Cutters Evening Challenge. It is their generous support that helps the Set Sail Trust continue this annual event and for the first time they will be joined by a group from Government House, led by His Excellency the Lieutenant- Governor, Air Marshal Peter Walker.
The primary aim of the Set Sail Trust is to make maritime-based activities accessible to a wider audience as well as teaching the community more about maritime history. The Bristol Pilot Cutters were traditionally used to guide merchant ships through the treacherous Bristol Channel and their reputation for speed and efficiency in difficult waters is well deserved. As well as bringing history alive, the sailing builds confidence and helps to teach children boating skills such as rigging the sails, navigation basics and how the tides behave. Along the way there is fun, excitement and of course plenty of fresh air and exercise.
Children from a number of the Bailiwick’s primary schools (years five and six) have been invited to set sail on the two Bristol Pilot Cutters. Pupils from Vauvert, Haute Capelles, Le Rondin, Le Murier, St Andrews, St Anne’s will all take part. Other groups to benefit include: The Link Centre, The Sports Commission, St Martin’s Cub Scouts, the Adult Mental Health group and Wigwam Special Needs. As Caroline Wilkes Green from the Link Centre explains: ‘The experience they gain from being aboard the boats helps children to develop confidence. Pupils love the hands-on nature of helping to sail these historic ships and it’s brilliant to see the smiles on their faces when we come back ashore.’
This year the Merlin will stay on for an additional three days, which has enabled even more groups to enjoy this exhilarating experience. ‘We’re excited to have the Bristol Pilot Cutters visit Guernsey again this year. It continues to be a popular event amongst children and special needs or under privileged groups and we thank the businesses who support the Set Sail Trust in funding the boats. Children and adults alike come back on shore windswept, happy and full of excitement about their adventure. It’s become a highly anticipated event in the Set Sail Trust’s calendar,’ states Michael Strachan, Managing Director of International Asset Monitor, one of the Set Sail Trust’s four trustees.
This year eight businesses have signed up to be Corporate Ambassadors, sponsoring a boat for the day and each enabling at least 20 children or special needs adults to enjoy the experience of sailing these historic ships. Mercator Trust, Ogier, International Asset Monitor, Ipes Guernsey, Trust Corporation, OCS, Price Waterhouse Cooper, RBS International have all been generous in their support.
