Tuesday 19th May 2009. A group of Galway teenagers who won places on a sail training weekend have come through the experience with flying colours.
The group of five boys and five girls sailed around the Aran Islands on the Ocean Youth Trust’s 70 foot ketch Lord Rank and returned to Galway on Sunday.
The initiative, which was sponsored by Topaz, aimed to highlight sailing as a sport to young people.
Robert Carson from Ocean Youth Trust who organized the initiative said the teenagers showed marvelous enthusiasm and teamwork in what were at times trying conditions.
“They had a great time and really got stuck in. The weather on Saturday afternoon wasn’t great and force 8 gales meant there was quite a swell. But that’s sailing for you and as a group they handled the situation extremely well.”
And the weather didn’t prevent the guys organizing a birthday party for 16 year old Dervla. “It was definitely a party with a difference and one Dervla won’t forget” Carson added.
Oisin Masterson, Marketing Manager of Topaz said he was delighted the group had enjoyed the experience. “From what I’ve heard these guys really worked well together as a team. They are all novice sailors and its great to hear that several of them have already expressed an interest in doing more sailing. That’s what the project was all about. So well done to them and to all at Ocean Youth Trust Ireland, for a successful trip.”
