Moored up at the Old Customs House in Ipswich wet dock recently were the two 15 metre ketches, ‘Offshore Scout’ and ‘Ocean Scout’. A crew of Hayes & Harlington Explorer Scouts from near Heathrow Airport in Slough, had sailed into the quay earlier in the morning, returning from a weekend trip to Mersea Island.

During term time the Adventures Offshore do weekend activities from 6.30pm Friday to 5pm Sunday. Mark Leggett, a skipper on one of the boats said:

“If possible we like to start sailing on the Friday night after the group has settled in and all the safety checks have been done. Sailing down the river in the dark is amazing. Kids from inter cities have never seen a star lite sky before, they lay on the deck gobsmacked by the amount of stars in the night sky”.

Jane Chambers, The Lady Mayoress of Ipswich was welcomed aboard for a tour of the well equipped but compact interior, and joined the team for lunch. Adventures Offshore’s Group Scout Leader, Barry Unger, presented the Mayoress with a group scarf as a memento of her visit. The Scouts then demonstrated how to fold and stow sails safely. One Explorer had the opportunity to ascend the mast in a boatswain’s chair and was able to get an outstanding view of the boats and quay from above.

The boats were then prepared for sail as part of the Tall Ships Race 2010, one taking on a crew of autistic young people from a special school. One boy said it was his third trip with Adventures Offshore. A light breeze caused the rigging flags to stand out in a spectacular display of colour as the boats set sail for Antwerp, Belgium. There will be a crew change at each stopping off point along the route allowing many young people to take part in the adventure. The leg from Hartlepool will be crewed by a group of blind and partially sighted youngsters. Planning for next years Tall Ships Race is already underway as is a circumnavigation of the British Isles in 2012.

During May and June, when young people are busy taking exams, Adventures Offshore welcome bookings from adult groups, Scout Executive Committees are particularly welcome with a 25% discount for Essex Scout Groups. Crews of 10 are the norm with no previous experience necessary.

Adventures Offshore is staffed by volunteers from all walks of life. They have introduced over 600 people a year to the thrill, excitement and team bui lding that is sailing. Anyone, from schools and corporate bodies, to Scouts and Guides are welcome. Trips are tailored to the groups on board and there particular needs.

George Hughes, Young Spokes Person