YOUNG sailors who are heading off on a potentially life-changing sailing adventure have been raising money for their voyage with a series of events — with help from a group that sings sea shanties.

Last year, Weir Quay Sailing Club adult member Sue Coomber took part in a voyage on the historic Brixham trawler Leader, which is now a sailing training vessel. Having enjoyed the experience, she felt it would be a superb opportunity for the cadets to experience and develop their sailing skills. Through her enthusiasm, Weir Quay Sailing Club has booked a trip on the vessel for a five day, four night sail for 12 cadets in April.

It is the first time the club has arranged such a trip for the cadets, which is providing a great opportunity for the club’s youngsters who normally only sail in the club’s dinghies. Cadets have been hard at work fundraising, having recently packed bags for shoppers at Morrisons and having also had a stall at the Bere Ferrers community shop event at St Andrew’s Church Hall on February 23.

The Tavy Tars, a group that sings sea shanties, decided to support the cadets’ fundraising efforts with a donation of £300, which they presented to members at the church hall.

The vessel belongs to the Trinity Sailing Foundation and the charity takes disadvantaged young people, from across the UK, on residential sail training voyages.

Trinity’s marketing and sales manager Harry Gottschalk said: ‘We were all very impressed by their efforts. We do provide subsidies to help cover the cost of our sail training experiences, however, we always see better outcomes for the young people when they contribute as they feel like they have earnt their right to be on board.

‘The sea is a challenging environment, one which encourages young people to get the best out of themselves. They travel to new destinations each day through their own efforts. Learning to manage a traditional sailing vessel at sea and in all conditions. While on board the young people and group leaders will sail the vessel under the direction of our professional crew, and undertake all of the duties involved: raising sail, helming, standing watch, preparing and cooking meals, cleaning the vessel above and below decks, and learning the basics of seamanship.’