Gosport Marine Futures Programme launched

Gosport Marine Scene has selected 10 young people from Gosport to represent the town in the Small Ships Race. Part of Gosport Marine Scene’s Marine Futures Programme, the 10 teenagers will embark on a 6 month course of team building activities and sail training. Designed to fit in around school commitments, the youngsters will spend a week at Cowes based UKSA learning how to sail on dinghies, keel boats and a 65ft yacht.

On completion of the sail training, the crew will earn RYA Competent Crew accreditation, and receive support to join local sailing clubs or the Gosport Sea Cadet Unit, to continue to develop their skills. They will meet local employers for marine work experience and become the Gosport Marine Scene Youth Ambassadors. They will pass on the baton to the next crew at the Gosport Marine Festival on 27th May 2017.

Councillor John Beavis said: “Gosport is on its way to being a world-leading hub for the leisure marine sector and the you people of the town are essential to that development. These are exciting career, sport and leisure opportunities springing up around the 24 miles of coastline on the Gosport peninsula. By putting young people at the heart of this event we hope to encourage them to be more involved and proud of Gosport.”

Speaking at the launch on the Light Ship at Haslar Marina, Abby Thomson, Founding Director of Gosport Marine Scene said ‘We aim to inspire the next generation to take up sailing and careers in the maritime sector. Over 1000 free on-the-water taster sessions have been delivered since 2013. Gosport Marine Futures is the next step for us. This will be an adventure, a challenge, and an experience you will never forget. The skills you learn will help you for your whole life.”

For more information please email [email protected] or [email protected]