Get Afloat!

Ports of Jersey is working with Le Mourier Swim-Sea-Save and South Pier Marine to run a new event encouraging young people to get out on the water, safely.

‘Get Afloat’ will run on Saturday 7 September, on Albert Pier and in the harbour, with the aim of encouraging people aged 13-18 to develop an interest in RIBs and sailing boats.

Attendees will have the opportunity to try their hand at –

• helming a RIB under the guidance of Instructors
• dinghy sailing
• speaking to yacht clubs and other organisations about how to get into boating
• finding out about RYA boat handling courses, VHF and first aid courses
• finding out about local conservation initiatives
• speaking to the Coastguard and learning about sea safety
• getting afloat for the less mobile

Michel Le Moine is one of the organisers of the event, and he said: “We understand that it can be difficult for young people to get into sailing and powerboating if it’s not something their friends and family already do. So we’d like to demystify these hobbies, give interested people a chance to try them out, and explain how they can get into boating without having to own a vessel.

“This day is designed to be fun, informative and inspiring, so I hope as many young people as possible will come along to give boating a go.”

Also taking part in the event are:

• Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club
• St Helier Yacht Club
• St Catherine’s Yacht Club
• Wet Wheels
• Jersey Youth Service
• Jersey Marine Conservation
• Jersey Coastguard
• RNLI beach lifeguards
• Empire Catering
• Les Quennevais School steel band