Got a boat? Want to help some disabled Kids?

[Sans Bateau]

I first posted our appeal for help back in Feb, for this years KIDS OUT event in Chichester Harbour. Many have responded, some are going to respond but, I know, just haven't got around to it yet.

This year a lot of responses have been 'Sorry, would love to but this year, cant' all have very good reasons, for instance this year, Talbot has moved to Stavanger. Others retired, between boats etc.

The trouble is, in organising this event, about 150 children from special needs schools in Hampshire and West Sussex are looking forward to a day out and we need to get 50 boats to take them. At the moment, its not looking too good.

So what is the day all about?

The event is now in its 27th year. Being run under the guidance of the KIDS OUT Charity and Rotary, take a look at the web site....

KIDS OUT Charity web site

On the day, Friday 18th May, the children meet the boats at Northney, Chichester Marina and Itchenor Reach. We take the children to East Head where they have a picnic lunch supplied by West Sussex CC. Most years we have a display by the CG helio IJ. By 1500 the kids are back at the marina and you can start your weekend nice and early.

To answer some of the questions before they get asked:

The Children are the responsibility of their carers, just like they are in school.

You as skipper of the boat are responsible for the safe navigation of the boat.

Public liability risk is covered by the 2 major charities involved.

You DO NOT have to take a child without a carer.

If you have to move your boat to Chichester Harbour on the Thursday eve, help can be provided with marina berthing.

We do need your help, this is an easy day for you and a good reason to start your sailing or boating weekend early, both sail boats and power boats are welcome to join us.

PM me if you would like to offer your help.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Thanks to those who have responded so far, I do hope that during the course of the day with the day shift of forum watchers that I hear from more of you.

Dont forget, this cost you nothing, it IS good fun, and you give something to those less fortunate.

 

[Sailfree]

Sorry but my boat is already booked out this year for that weekend. As a 10 berth charter boat it would have been ideal. SWMBO did her penance for 15yrs as a health visitor so could help out as well.

I am still progressing things with the charity Fairbridge but the paperwork is a bind - been requested for photocopies of my logbook (to show I have survived the 9000Nm I have been skipper I guess), my Boat & Public Liability Insurance and YM (Comm) certificate. Just got to renew the last and the medics at work refuse to sign the new medical form without a medical so got to pay and go the official route. Once I send in all that I need to take Fairbridge staff out so they can complete the risk analysis forms. I appreciate that with youths involved they have to be careful but all SWMBO wanted to do was to take some underpriviledged teenagers out for a sail!!

If I can help out another year let me know but asap please as Hamble Point Yacht Charters take bookings at the LIBS and obviously there are a number of repeat bookings made immediately after this years charter!

 

[kengill]

Not wanting to put a dampner on things but have you ascertained that all the Crews and skippers are CRB registered at the enhanced level? Or have you received some form of dispensation from Social Services to have some form of derogation for the event?

 

[Sans Bateau]

CRB registration is not needed. All we do is look after the boat, the care staff look after the children. At no point is a child left in our sole charge. Put crudely, we are seen as no more risk to the children than a bus driver would be.

The whole event, with 27 years of experience is cleared by WSCC. The KIDS OUT charity and Rotary cannot let anthing to chance. All H&S, insurance, food etc has been taken care of.

 

[Sans Bateau]

Roger

Sounds like you have your hands full!

I would not expect anyone to take a boat off charter for this event.

Cabin space is not an issue, the kids, 1 or 2, 3 max plus 1 or 2 carers stay in the cockpit, the entire event runs from pick up at about 10.30 to dropping the kids back to the marina at 15.00

 

[jezjez]

This is a wonderful idea. Is there an east coast equivalent?

 

[Sans Bateau]

Contact KIDS OUT via their web site, I cannot answer the question myself.

 

[FullCircle]

Jez,
I have just PM'ed Galadriel for detail of their event so we can get one organised on the East Coast. I will then contact the charity and make a proposal. Happy to talk more about this in the coming few weeks at the suggested venues on the East Coast Meeting Forum, or a special meeting to be arranged....

 

[Sans Bateau]

PM just arrived, if there is anything we can do to help, we will.

 

[tome]

Highly recommended, I've been taking part for a few years. It's a great day out and there's not much demand placed on the skippers

 

[Sans Bateau]

Thanks Tom, it one of those events that you can get hooked on. I did our first KIDS OUT 7 years ago, I'm now, together with SWMBO on the team running it!

Thanks to those of you who have responded, It is looking a little better, but we are still short.

 

[kengill]

Why not join the East Anglian Sailing Trust and come and help us with our disabled sailing during the week or bring your boat and become a skipper for EAST on our annual Cruise or one of our taster weekends for Visually Impaired people.

The look on a VI's face when they successfully hold a course through successive tacks on a sunday afternoon after they hdd not been on a boat before in their lives has to be experienced.

Please visit our website

http://www.east-anglian-sailing-trust.org.uk

 

[Sans Bateau]

Ken

Looks like you have a very good organisation there, with lots of things happening over the season. Great work.

Stephen