ALL HANDS ON DECK

Camel Estuary Youth Sailing (CEYS), the charity that helps local children learn to sail at Rock, is set to fund an action packed season of sailing lessons, events and races in 2023

Last year CEYS funded sailing lessons for 30 students who were mostly Year 7s aged 10-11 from Wadebridge School. The majority attained RYA sailing qualification stage 3 and many signed up for extra training and racing sessions throughout the season.

2023 looks set to be even bigger and better with plans already underway to get more local children out on boats and enjoying the Camel Estuary. JB Estates, St Minver Link and the charity are also supporting two CEYS graduates who have been selected onto the South West Regional training group for the RS Feva class, which is the pathway to the GB team.

We caught up with Jessica, 14y and Sylvie, 15y to find out why they enjoy sailing so much. “I love sailing because not only does it require physical ability, but also technical thinking and tactical skills”, explains Jessica. “Sailing gives me a sense of freedom, it has opened up a different world and allowed me to make friends I otherwise wouldn’t have met”, adds Sylvie.

The girls have attended one race event so far. “It was great fun but there are things we have improved on since. We have more races coming up and have been training hard throughout the winter,” explains Jessica.

As well as being good sailors, the girls have ambitions to place in the top 20 this season. Would they recommend CEYS to other youngsters? “Definitely,” enthuses Jessica “not only is it a great experience, it could lead to a lifelong passion for sailing”. “You might discover something you love and gain skills you can carry forward in life,”adds Sylvie.

The new CEYS chair, Nicky Roads, said “Giving children the opportunity to get out on the water and sailing is not only fun and physical, but all the research shows that any form of sport and exercise has mental health benefits for children, which is especially important when many families are under pressure.”

CEYS is run entirely by volunteers and is reliant on private donations. It needs to raise around £15,000 each year to fund the sailing lessons for each new intake of students and to support those who go on to compete. If you are able to and would like to donate, please contact ceysatrock@gmail.com or go to www.ceys.co.uk.

Quintessential Rock

The Knot House

3 bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms

This detached and well located 3-bedroom house offers over 2,200 sq. ft of accommodation and is located in a tranquil residential position in the heart of the village. Tucked away and arranged over two floors, the property offers an impressive open plan dining/sitting room with triple aspect windows, vaulted ceilings and a wood burning stove. The Knot House lies within easy walking distance of the beach, the golf course, and local amenities.

Guide Price £1.5m