A ST AUBIN-based dinghy instructor is set to go on an epic adventure on a tall ship this summer, crossing from Scotland to Norway, thanks to a bursary aimed at islanders with big nautical dreams.
17-year-old Jamie Le Marquand, a dinghy sailing instructor at the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club, hopes his adventure will inspire the younger sailors he coaches.
The £1,000 Jersey Clipper Bursary will fund his participation in the Tall Ships Race, which sets sail from Le Havre on 4 July bound for Denmark, via Dunkirk, Scotland and Norway.
Jamie is set to join the crew of the 100-year-old fishing boat Excelsior from Aberdeen to Kristiansund. The Lowestoft-based “smack” was built in 1921 to fish in the North Sea. She was fully restored in 1989 and is now a regular competitor in major maritime events.
“I’m determined to make the most of this amazing opportunity,” said Jamie.
“For the past two summers, I’ve enjoyed sharing my passion with younger sailors and I hope they not only see the fun I had but are inspired by my experience to find their own adventures.”
The second prize of £500 went to a combined crew representing St Helier Yacht Club, the RCIYC and St Catherine’s Sailing Club.
Todd Watkins, Tyler Horton, Richie Forbes, Harvey Godel and Juliette Walton will take part in a weekend of J70 racing organised by the British Keelboat League on the Hamble River.
