The first of four sailing trips scheduled for this year by the Ellen MacArthur Trust (EMT), went ahead last week with children from all over the UK taking charge of three boats in and around the Solent waters. The three boats Scarlet Oyster (kindly donated for use by her owner), Blue Velvet and eVent chartered for the trips, took fourteen children either currently still suffering from, or in recovery from cancer and leukaemia sailing. The trips are designed to provide a unique experience for the children that join them.  Each child is encouraged to work as part of a team and become involved on every level of the trip, from helping to sail the yachts, through to the cooking and cleaning for their fellow crew on board. Each voyage is lead by experienced, professional sailors who are used to working with children.

The fourteen youngsters from London, Bristol and Scotland spent four days living, sleeping and sailing onboard the three boats. The children were introduced to The Trust through University College Hospital London, CLIC Sargent Scotland and CLIC Sargent South-West who work closely with The Trust to ensure the best possible trips for the children involved.   

The first day and evening was spent at The United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, which is The Trust's operational base throughout July.  The children are introduced to their new home for the next few days, as well as taking part in a range of teambuilding skills to help everyone get to know each other as they prepare for the trip ahead.   “It is important that the children are comfortable with their new surroundings before we set sail, we talk them through the safety checks and show them around their boats, with the first night cooking and sleeping onboard whilst we are still at the sailing base.” Andy Dare, EMT Skipper  

Day two and The Trust boats set off from UKSA, heading out into The Solent for a days sailing, eventually mooring up in Yarmouth Harbour on the Isle of Wight and sleeping onboard the boats that evening. The Trust’s Patron Ellen MacArthur joined the children on day three, as they embarked on a tour of the local lifeboat and some sight seeing in Yarmouth.  The day was rounded off with a short sail towards Newtown Creek (on the north west coast of the Island), a nature reserve and beach that soon became the temporary home for an EMT barbeque and some beach football. The crews spent the final night on board their boats before returning to UKSA the following morning for a wrap up, tidy up and a chance to say goodbye.

Lucy from Upminster, Essex wrote:
“I don’t think I have laughed so much in four days as I did on the trip, and that is all down to The Trust for making every experience one that is never forgotten. I think this smile will last a long time; you are making teenagers lives full off new experiences and inspiring them on every trip. Thank you!”

The internationally renowned sailor Ellen MacArthur launched The Trust on 2nd January 2003. In Ellen’s words: “These children are truly amazing. They face experiences that no child should ever have to go through, and yet they do it with the biggest smile on their faces, they are truly inspiring. If these trips can make a small difference to the children that join us, then it is worth every penny. Thank you to all our supporters, we couldn’t do it without you.”  

The four day trips run throughout July, with The Ellen MacArthur Trust aiming to take approximately 150 children out sailing this summer. The Trust will see it’s second year as the Official Charity for Skandia Cowes Week with an official charity day on Monday 6th August.