“Imagine how incredible it would be to be called a global circumnavigator,” says Wymondham-born youth worker, Ruth Charles.
Next year, Ruth will be taking part in the opportunity of a lifetime to sail 40,000 miles around the globe as part of the 2015/16 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Founded by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to circumnavigate the world solo non-stop, in 1968/9, the race sees crews of 21 amateur sailors and one professional skipper sail from the UK to South America, South Africa, Australia, Asia, North America, Panama and Europe.
Taking 11 months to complete, the race is not for the faint-hearted, as those on board each of the 12 identical 70ft yachts will battle the elements and rough seas in the hope winning a place on the podium.
Ruth explains: “This is not an easy challenge and I will have to push my body to its physical and mental limits, and I am likely to be wet and cold for most of it! But the experience will be worth it.
“It’s quite different from my original sailing experience, which was on the Norfolk Broads!”
When she was 13, Ruth went on a Cormorants sailing holiday for young people on the Broads. “I cried the night before I went as I was scared I wouldn’t like it . . . needless to say that once I got there all was well as I realised how much I loved sailing, and returned each year until I was too old to go as a young person.”
The Brownie leader has shared her love of the water by giving almost 3000 hours’ voluntary work to the Tall Ships Youth Trust to enable other young people to enjoy the sailing experience.
Now, to make her dream become a reality, she needs obtain financial support
to help pay the fees, and is seeking companies, organisations and individuals who can help.
“This is such an incredible opportunity and I want to prove to the
world that someone like me can achieve this dream and that sailing isn’t just for the financially elite.”
To find out more or to offer support to Ruth, visit www.ruthsailstheworld.org.uk
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Across Norfolk young people are setting a high standing in the arts, business, sport and more. We are pleased to feature such high achievers - and we need your help to find worthy young men and women to highlight.
If you would like to nominate a 16 to 24-year-old who had that certain spark and is doing something special, write to Angi Kennedy at EDP Norfolk magazine, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich, NR1 1RE, or send an email to angela,kennedy@archant.co.uk
