Sir Pete Blake Trust

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:38:23 +0000

<p><p>"Having vision is not enough. Change comes through realising the vision and turning it into a reality. It is easy to espouse worthy goals, values and policies; the hard part is implementation." Sir Peter Blake</p><p>As Sir Peter Blake is hero of mine, I was truly honoured when I was awarded the YJA Yachtsman of the Year award by Lady Pippa Blake back in 2007. Since that time Lady Pippa and I have kept in contact and I was delighted when she agreed to perform a sabrage with a bottle of Champagne for the blessing of my IMOCA Open 60 and in effect become the Godmother to the boat. When I was asked by Pippa to talk in support of the Peter Blake Trust I jumped at the chance and we arranged it to happen during the Junior Race Week at Emsworth Sailing Club. Last night I spoke to a packed audience representative of the full age range active in the club.</p><p>Before I spoke of good times and bad during my circumnavigations and answered questions from the audience, I was tasked with congratulating this years winning recipients of the Sir Peter Blake Memorial Fund. The Commodore of the club set up this fund at the time of Peters death. The winners receive a contribution to the costs of either specialist coaching, instructors courses or entry fees.</p><p>The winners of the grants for 2010 are;</p><p>Vikki Payne and Ruth and Tess Allen who are using their grant to pay for specialist 29er coaching.</p><p>Pippa White who will now be attending Rockley Sailing School to complete an instructors course.</p><p>Alex Mothersele and his crew who will be using the grant to help towards entering the 29er Nationals.</p><p>Georgie Mothersele, the sister of Alex, who will be using the grant to help towards entering the 420 Nationals.</p><p>I thoroughly enjoyed sharing my story with an enthusiastic audience and being able to support the good work the Trust continues to do in Sir Peter Blakes name.</p><p> </p><p><Photo 1></p></p>