Where Could the James Race Bursary Take You?

We have been members of HOEOCA since 2018 and having crewed on many rallies, wanted to progress our sailing knowledge and ability.

We completed our shore based Day Skipper theory with Meridian Training in 2023 and applied for the bursary to assist with our practical training. We finally plucked up the courage to complete our Day Skipper practical earlier this year.

We set sail from Mercury Yacht harbour with the Hamble School of Yachting on a glorious sunny morning in April. With four potential day skippers on board it was a busy week, but with expert tuition, and the experience we have gained from our HOEOCA sailing, we all passed with flying colours. The sun shone all week and fortunately the wind was kind.

Many thanks to all the skippers we have sailed under over the years, for their encouragement and patience, and particularly Peter Smerdon & Jude Lambourne at the last Autumn rally, giving us the confidence to go for the practical qualification.

We have just had a fantastic week’s sailing in a flotilla in the South Ionian as skippers of our own boat, including two crew who were new to sailing. We sailed from Sivota around Lefkas, Ithaca and Kalamos islands. We had a mix of sunny, quiet days and a couple of lively afternoons with the sails up. A particular highlight was rafting up in Port Leone for the evening. We made it home in one piece too, albeit with a few bruises!

 
Many thanks to HOEOCA for the Jim Race Bursary.