23 May 2011 – June sees the Set Sail Pilot Cutter Challenge take place in Guernsey for the second year running, on board two 45ft wooden hulled classic ships. This event has been organised by The Set Sail Trust, a local charity that supports local maritime activities.
The Set Sail Pilot Challenge will run over four evenings from 13-16 June. The Challenge is open to 8 business teams to compete, navigating a magnificent Bristol Cutter ship around a course against an opposing team. The ships visit Guernsey once a year so it is a unique opportunity. The winning team will be crowned the Set Sail Pilot Challengers 2011.
Up to 12 people per boat can take part in the challenge, crewing a ship for 2 hours with a professional Skipper and Mate. It promises to be an exciting journey on board replica 18th century ships, with modern cabins and safety equipment.
The Pilot Cutter week was set up to give schools and special needs groups the opportunity to sail these traditional ships in Guernsey waters. The Set Sail trust aims to increase participation in maritime activities for those who might normally be excluded for financial reasons, particularly through schools and clubs. The Guernsey History in Action group will also be on hand to provide a character-lead performance on board, giving the younger groups an insight into maritime life in Guernsey during that era.
Participants in this Challenge will also have the satisfaction of contributing to the Set Sail Trust’s fund raising efforts as a team place on board costs £1000. For this, teams of up to 12 will enjoy a friendly two hour contest followed by a post-sail supper at The Guernsey Yacht Club.
All proceeds raised during this year’s Pilot Cutters Week will be in support of the Guernsey Sailing Trust’s Community Windsurfing Project that aims to provide the opportunity for local teenagers to learn this sport.
Trustee Andreas Tautscher said “Last year the crews taking part had great fun, learning new skills and racing against one another to complete all the tasks before crossing the finishing line whilst at the same time making a valuable contribution to worthwhile causes.”
Each voyage will set off from the Inter Island Quay, with a professional and experienced skipper. Crew members will be provided with full safety briefings and will work under the supervision/direction of the Skipper as a team, to race the other ship. The skipper will teach the necessary skills of seamanship to those new to the water, as well as advise more experienced sailors how to get the most out of their boats and learn about the history of the Bristol Cutters. No previous sailing experience is required to make the voyage, although seasoned sailors are most welcome.
Organisations wishing to sail in the Pilot Cutter Week can download an application form by visiting this page.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
