It’s high time we hit the seas

Daredevil members of Prestwick Sailing Club are enjoying a new lease of life thanks to a funding boost.

The club was awarded £ 5000 from Sunsail for its ‘ Women on the Water’ programme.

The project aims to get increase female participation – and that of aspiring sailors – at the club.

Two new double- handed sailing dinghys ( Hartley 12.2s) have been purchased with the grant and will be used for training.

As well as the money, the club was delighted to host a visit from Ian Walker MBE.

Ian is the Royal Yachting Association ( RYA)’ s Director of Racing, a double- Olympic silver medallist, America’s Cup skipper and winning Volvo Ocean Race skipper.

His remit is to oversee racing participation from the GBR Olympic team down to grassroots racing at clubs such as Prestwick.

Ian gave a talk to members of the club entitled ‘ My life in sailing from Olympics to the America’s Cup, the Volvo Ocean Race and the RYA’.

Turnout was great with a clubhouse packed to standing room only and people travelling down from Troon Yacht Club, Largs and Helensburgh Sailing Clubs to listen.

Then it was on to the high seas as Ian ran some cadet training ahead of participating in afternoon races.

Ian then presented prizes from the racing and the day was rounded off with a BBQ and classic Prestwick sunset over Arran.

Intrepid Post photographer Iain Brown joined the sailors on the water to capture these great images.

Relaxed Sarah Green gives a wave for the camera

Catching the breeze and Ross Bain crew up Finlay Herrington, Sam Bower

Helping hand Young Tess Crookes tackles the trapeze

Team effort Ian with some of the club’s rising stars

Clear view Lily Hopkins, age eight, looks out on the water on a beautiful day

Land ahoy The lads set their sights on the horizon