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First qualifying Fastnet race - Cervantes Trophy Race – Cowes to Le Havre

Last Updated on Friday, 08 May 2009 15:56

With most of the UK preparing for the start of the BBQ season on the first May bank holiday, the crews of Passion and Maluma spent their Friday night discussing tactics for their first Fastnet qualifying race, the Cervantes Trophy Race from Cowes to Le Havre.  The race ahead required them to draw upon their learning's from the training weekends and finally put into reality many of the skills and manoeuvres they had practiced.   In order to qualify for the Fastnet race the crew had to successfully complete the race to Le Havre

Under a bright sunny sky, 108 boats set off from Cowes at 0800. With a light westerly breeze forecast, Passion and Maluma headed west out of the Solent.  As both boats rounded the Needles Fairway Buoy, kites were hoisted and a direct course set for Le Havre.  Conditions were kind across the Channel, with a light breeze throughout the whole race allowing crew members to slide comfortably into racing onboard.

The first boat crossed the finish line in Le Havre just before Midnight on Saturday,  Passion was close behind finishing at 0027 and Maluma at 0105. Delighted with the result both crews put their boats to bed, and headed for a well deserved night cap.

Waking on Sunday morning after sleeping onboard, both crews faced another day of racing.  With spirits high following a great result from the previous day, the boats left the French coast at 1330, and sailed overnight back to Cowes arriving back onshore at 0900.

Both boats did exceptionally well, with Passion achieving 8th and Maluma 17th in the Cervantes Trophy Race . Although tired from an intense weekend all the crew where thrilled with the result and for a first race set a great standard for the next qualifier.

With one successful qualifier under the belt and two more to go, team spirit amongst the crews was electric.  Novice sailor Dave Scrutton described the race as 'the best sailing experience I have had to date. Sitting on the rail of Passion on Sunday evening, watching the sunset with friends, some old, some new - I couldn't think of anywhere else I would rather be! '

Merchant Yachting Team Building

Last Updated on Wednesday, 08 July 2009 09:35

There is no question that over the last 10 years team building as a concept and tool for developing and building teams has worked extremely well and is an integral part of any company morale policy, and indeed in many cases part of Mission Statements and Values.

With redundancies and the general economic situation causing great disruption to work forces, this is the time to motivate those lucky enough to still be in their jobs. Nothing is more unsettling than seeing fellow workmates lose their jobs - it sets an air of fear, concern and worry and this is the time for management to step up to the plate and reassure those still working for them.

Why should values built up over so many years and respected by those that work for such companies go out of the window now? We all know it's tough but business must go on and those still employed must work even harder in a tough situation. The moment cries out for motivation, morale building and team building.

Merchant Yachting can help address these tough times staff have gone through. Now is the time to look ahead, recognise the challenges employees have faced and conquered and focus on the future rather than the past.

Merchant Yachting’s Intelligent Sailing® programme has been designed to create a variety of team building events to increase organisational strength.

Intelligent Sailing®

Intelligent Sailing® delivers team and leadership events with clear objectives and lasting changes to benefit both your business and your employee’s personal development. The focus is on continually improving performance through identifying and building on individuals strengths, whilst also emphasising core company values and vision.

We bring together race performance yachting with world renown psychometric and personality analysis. This creates real life experiences in unique situations resulting in lasting team and leadership development.

For more information on solutions custom designed to your business, visit our website or call Merchant Yachting on 023 8021 5397.

Cowes Week 2009 BROCHURE LAUNCHED

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 April 2009 12:04

The buzz around this years Cowes Week is beginning to ramp up and expectations are high for another spectacular event.

Cowes Week is one of the top premier spectacles of the sailing calendar and the largest regatta in the world. It includes a thrilling race schedule together with a full and varied social programme. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a complete novice, Merchant Yachting will create bespoke days especially to meet your needs. So whatever your reasons for joining in the fun, your wish is our command!