The Clipper Race partners with Our Isles and Oceans

The Clipper Race has teamed up with Our Isles and Oceans, a new campaign set to create funded programmes for young people affected by lockdown. 

The first stage of the initiative calls for 18 to 35 year olds from across the UK to apply for a sailing programme aimed at developing self-confidence and self-esteem.

Over the past 15 months, the organisation says lockdown has had a negative impact on the age group’s education and employment opportunities. And according to a survey from Young Minds*, 67% of young people believe that the pandemic will have a long-term negative effect on their mental health. Our Isles and Oceans aims to provide positive experiences for these young people. 

“Sailing is so much more than just a sport or pastime as it gives you experience that is as useful in the workplace as it is on board a yacht,” says The Clipper Race co-founder, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. “The sport develops self-confidence and self-esteem which is so important to restore following the pandemic.  

“Problem solving is key to sail training, as is leadership and teamwork. You’ll often find young people are judged too early. Putting them on a yacht, with a team, is a great equaliser. You’ll see things are picked up quickly and as each challenge is overcome, confidence grows, with a new belief in themselves that they can achieve anything.”

This summer, along the west coast of Scotland, up to 50 successful candidates will take part in a funded sailing course on board an Our Isles and Oceans branded 68ft Clipper Race training yacht. Under the guidance of a Clipper Race training skipper, each group of recruits will be challenged to learn new practical skills, develop their self-belief and work as a team. 

“In these challenging times, Our Isles and Oceans seeks to bring together the powerful forces of business and sport to offer an inspiring opportunity for the youth of today,” says founder, David Stewart Howitt. “Our Isles and Oceans will offer applicants the chance to learn from experienced professionals and to push themselves outside their comfort zone to equip them for the challenges of today’s marketplace.”

Applicants aged 18-35 can now apply on Our Isles and Oceans.

*The charity Young Minds surveyed 2,438 young people aged 13-25, between 26th January and 12th February 2021)