A teenager who got into sailing by chance will sail across the Pacific Ocean as part of the 2015 Round the World Yacht Race.

19-year-old Charlie Stannard, pictured above, from Tower Hamlets, is set to face towering waves, howling winds and high-speed surfs on a leg of the 2015/2016 race which starts in Qingdao, China, and eventually finishes on America’s west coast.
Charlie was introduced to sailing through the Docklands Sailing and Watersport Centre (DSWC), a Tower Hamlets charity that provides affordable sailing programmes for young people. After first coming to the centre for “something to do”, Charlie caught the sailing bug and is now regularly competing in dinghy races as well as doing part-time volunteering for the DSWC.

Charlie has competed in the London Regatta and has represented Tower Hamlets in the London Youth Games where

he has also voluntarily mentored younger competitors. Tireless Charlie also runs weekly sailing sessions for a local disabled group. He was nominated by Steve Mitchell, RYA Regional Development Officer for the Thames Valley and London region.

He’ll be taking part in the race alongside fellow competition finalist Heather Thomas, from North Yorkshire, who’s also 19.

Charlie said: “It’s been an awesome experience. Heather and I have really bonded over the last few days and agreed we would support whichever of us were chosen, but it’s fantastic news that we’ll both get to go.”

Charlie will get full Clipper race training and protective kit, flights to China and then back home from the US. The Pacific Ocean leg of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is 5,500 miles long.

Two Port of London Authority harbour masters have been rewarded for their hard work on the Thames.

Deputy harbour master (Upper) Steve Rushbrook received a “Contribution to Public Service” gong from the Royal Borough of Greenwich. While deputy harbour master (SMS) Darren Knight’s efforts promoting safe recreational use of the river have also been recognised. Darren was assistant harbour master (recreational) for two years, building close relationships with members of Thames Regional Rowing Council. He received a special decanter at the council’s annual dinner in Henley.

Steve was singled out for the “advice and expertise” he provided during last year’s Tall Ships Regatta, the largest ever parade of sail to be seen in the capital. It took place across four sites last September. Steve accepted his award at Woolwich Town Hall last month..

The latest Port of London Authority (PLA) handbook contains essential information for anyone with a business interest in the port and for those with an interest in the Thames.

The 144-page book also includes articles about the latest river and
PLA developments, details of port terminals and info on shipping companies using the Port of London. You can also find listings for shipping services and maritime businesses, plus much more.

Hard copies are available free of charge to those working in the transport, shipping, logistics, and freight sectors. Please complete the online enquiry form. Single copies can be collected for free at the PLA office on Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, DA12 2BG. Alternatively, pay £2 including postage and packing. Email [email protected] or call 01474 562 364 for more info.