Fundraising Success for Newark Sailing Challenge

Over £18,000 has been raised by Newark residents on a sailing challenge in aid of YMCA Newark and Sherwood, to fund its new Community and Activity Village.

80 Newark residents were involved in a six-week national sailing relay around the whole of the UK, with those taking part having no prior sailing experience.

The sail started in Portsmouth, and circumnavigated Plymouth, Cardiff, Liverpool, Greenock, Inverness, Hull and London, where the Tower Bridge ceremoniously raised for them, before finishing back in Portsmouth.

The expedition was a joint venture between YMCA Newark & Sherwood and Tall Ships Youth Trust, the UK’s oldest sail training charity.

When the final group of sailors arrived back in Portsmouth, the home of Tall Ships, they were greeted by Duran Duran star Simon Le Bon, an ambassador of the sailing charity.

Residents as young as 13 took part in the sail, where they ate, slept and lived on board for between four and six days straight. They also celebrated with other local YMCAs as each new crew navigated the waves.

Other participants included apprentices, college students, council workers and YMCA residents living in the charity’s supported accommodation following a period of homelessness.

The money raised by the trip will go to building more spaces in the first of its kind Community Village in Newark, which will offer integrated family programmes, sensory classes, affordable world-class facilities, as well as scholarships for those needing a helping hand.

The aim of the centre is to help young people to acquire skills which can set them up for life.

Craig Berens, Chief Operating Officer of YMCA Newark and Sherwood, said: “We are delighted with the work of our sailing superstars in the expedition. The donations that keep coming in are so appreciated, as they will help us to make a real difference in our community. Our youngsters need the right support to believe in themselves, to get jobs, the right education, do what they love, and lead fulfilled lives.”

Those wishing to donate can do so on the YMCA Tall Ships 2019 Just Giving page.