For the last few years I have volunteered for Horizons in Plymouth. Very briefly Horizons is a registered Children’s Sailing Charity. Our aim is to help disadvantaged and disabled children from the inner city communities of Plymouth. We provide learning and educational opportunities that increase self-confidence and improve social and practical skills, through water-based activities that would normally be beyond the means of these children.Every year we run over 3,000 individual sessions involving hundreds of young people aged 8 to 19 – and everyone is welcome!

Horizons delivers this service by giving local primary school children the opportunity to learn about their maritime heritage and history by being out on the water. We also provide 2 sailing clubs for local youngsters. Many are very local and walk straight from school. After some basic instruction, they can enjoy recreational sailing using a variety of craft.

On the 23rd June 2018, Horizons will be participating in the Eddystone Charity Pursuit, a 26 mile sail to the Eddystone Lighthouse and back. Nine boats, split into three teams, involving around 50 children and volunteers all of whom, are helping to raise money for Horizons by collecting sponsorship. To be honest its not a huge challenge but for some of the children participating it will be a truly wonderful experience sailing way beyond Plymouth Breakwater out around the Eddystone Lighthouse, a journey that to many of them was thought to be beyond their wildest dreams.

Thanks for reading and come on sponsor us for a few quid that will help Horizons continue to provide a truly fantastic experience for many of Plymouth's most deserving and delightful kids.

Jon