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The ever-popular pilot cutter ships have returned to Guernsey’s waters this week for the 10th consecutive year thanks to the ongoing success of the Bristol Cutters Week. Local children will be given the opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing, enjoy some rich maritime history and learn new skills.
A trio of replica pilot cutters sailed into St Peter Port for the 10th consecutive year on Sunday 19th June. The Amelie Rose and the Merlin have been joined by the 46ft Agnes, a replica of a cutter built in 1841.
Around 500 young people from State schools and community groups will hop on board to sail the local seas. They will also have the chance to give steering and hoisting the sail a try as part of this unique Set Sail Trust event.
These beautiful ships will bring history to life for some of the children from Amherst, Castel, St Mary & St Michael, La Mare de Carteret, Le Rondin, Le Murier, Vale and Vauvert primary schools.
Members of the National Autism Society Guernsey, 10th Sea Scouts, St Martin’s Scouts, Community Outreach, 3rd Guernsey Cubs, The Space, Street Sports, The Caves Youth Centre and The Prince’s Trust will also have the chance to enjoy the waves later this week.
Ten local businesses have become Corporate Ambassadors for Bristol Cutters Week 2016 and a number of donations have been received to support the Set Sail Trust’s annual event. Each year corporate supporters enjoy an evening of racing which is always a fun, and sometimes competitive, event in the business calendar.
There will be around nine sailings per day during the Set Sail Trust’s 10-day programme and the organisers are hoping for fine weather.
"We would like to thank Royal Bank of Scotland International, Bank of Butterfield, Generali Worldwide, Appleby, Babbe McCathie, Carey Olsen, Ravenscroft, Canaccord and Channel Insurance Brokers for becoming Corporate Ambassadors.
"We would also like to thank EDF and Odey Wealth for their generous donations. The abundance of support means that we can once again make this exciting event happen for the young people of Guernsey," says Michael Strachan of IAM Advisory.
Ongoing sponsorship of the Set Sail Trust from Deutsche Bank, Long Port Group, TPA, IAM Advisory and the Channel Islands Co-operative Society Guernsey has helped the cutters return to Guernsey for the last seven years. There are still opportunities for corporate sponsors to get involved in this community-driven project.
"Since we started the Bristol Cutters Week in 2006, around 4,000 children have had the chance to sail on these beautiful ships," says Tony Tostevin of TPA Group.
"In addition to welcoming school children on board, it’s great to have a variety of community groups involved.
"We’ve got nearly 50 groups of young people going out this year and it’s always a pleasure to receive such positive feedback at the end of each sailing day. The programme has been so successful that we have once again brought an extra ship over to Guernsey.
"The Set Sail Trust is dedicated to supporting underprivileged members of the community and gives them the opportunity to get involved in maritime activities in Guernsey. We live in such a beautiful place with the sea right on our doorstep. We want to give young people the chance to build their confidence, develop transferable skills and learn some interesting history while at sea.
"Having fun is a big part of the experiences that we offer and nautical activities are hugely rewarding. The Set Sail Trust has come a long way since it was established in 2006 and we’re all very much looking forward to another series of adventures!"
