Sailing charity calls for volunteers to help disabled children make memories

Sunday 22 August 2021

The new Chair of a sailing charity is calling out for more volunteers to help disabled and disadvantaged children in Jersey keep making memories at sea.

Paul Pinel is taking over at the Variety Sailing Trust from Bernie Manning, who is stepping down after nine years but will remain involved as a trustee.

A member of children’s charity Variety for many years, Paul joined its sailing arm, which operates a modified 38-foot catamaran called the ‘Vernon Lilford Spirit of Variety’, as Trustee in January 2019.

He said he was “thrilled” to become Chair, adding that, while the charity enjoys “invaluable” financial support from PraxisIFM, “we still need to work hard to get more volunteers to ensure that we can continue to make as many trips as possible.”

“Seeing the pleasure that the children and young people get from being out on the water is what makes it all worthwhile,” Paul noted.

Among those the Variety Sailing Trust has helped are out more than 50 families with children affected by autism.

Autism Jersey’s Term Time Family Events and Mentoring Co-Ordinator, Cheryl Hanlin, said they had “made new memories and enjoyed a unique experience each time with positive relaxed vibes.”

“Autism Jersey has the pleasure to continue to work with The Variety Sailing Trust and we are looking forward to a great summer in 2021,” she added.