Pilgrim, the authentic 1895 Brixham built gaff-rigged sailing trawler will make her first appearance, since undergoing a full restoration, at this year’s BMF South West Try A Boat Free event, part of BMF’s “On the Water” campaign.

On Sunday 26th May, Pilgrim, will be open for on-board viewings at the BMF South West Try a Boat event. The sailing trawler has been meticulously restored to her former glory by a dedicated group of volunteers and craftsmen.

The 2013 Little Britain Challenge Cup www.littlebritain.co.uk , the biggest European sailing regatta for the property and construction industry, has trimmed its entry prices so that individuals can take part for as little as £55 per day.  Taking place from Thursday 12 until Sunday 15 September, crews and companies can now take advantage of a straightforward one-price entry, split into three boat size groups, which will include regatta entry, racing, berthing and wristbands, which give access to all the marina facilities and social events. 

Tony Poole from Sheppard Robson, Little Britain Committee Chairman comments, “We are fully aware that a considerable number of our loyal supporters are still battling through the recession, and budgets for team building, client liaison and general company entertaining have been drastically reduced.

For the first time ever, the four sailing clubs on the River Hamble are joining forces and opening their doors to all sailors and would-be sailors on Saturday 6 April 2013. The Clubs will be open from 10am to 5pm and all those who are interested will be able to visit one or all of them during the day as each Club showcases what they have to offer.  

Starting at 10am, members of the four Clubs will race the distinctive Foxer dinghies in an inter-Club Team race for the Dock Services Challenge Trophy, and the Hamble River Sailing Club's young sailors will race off the Hamble Quay.

Over the last six weeks, more than 400 schools and churches all across the region have been collecting food at Harvest Festival time to help one of the region’s best loved charities, The People’s Kitchen.

The logistics of transporting thousands of tins of food from as far north as the Scottish borders, south to Teesside and West to Hexham and beyond back to Newcastle has always been a problem and this year an unusual set of helpers have come forward to assist the many volunteers bringing in the harvest.

The 12 – 14 October saw Scotland’s Boat Show, the largest show for pre-owned power and sail boats in Scotland, take place at Kip Marina, Inverclyde and for the first time the RYA were there to chat with visitors about membership, offers, events and much more. 

Claire Caffrey, RYA Scotland, Marketing Officer commented:  “There is a lovely atmosphere here at the show and it is great to speaking with the members and non-members who have been visiting the stand.”