Harry at the RYA Dinghy Show

Published 21:38 on 2 Mar 2021

ESC Junior Harry Slight took to the Virtual Main stage at the RYA Dinghy Show on Sunday. Click this link to watch the recording. Harry was asked to join Kate Fortnam, RYA Green Blue Manager to discuss 'Protecting our Playground'. As if taking part in a live webinar wasn't scary enough, joining Harry and Kate was Saskia Sills, world champion British windsurfer and member of the British Sailing Team.

Kate told the audience how delighted she was to have Harry join them to talk about steps sailors can take to protect the environment. She congratulated ESC on achieving the sustainability recognition in the Club of the Year, a first for the RYA. Kate was really pleased we won this, having attended our sustainability launch nearly a year ago. She said it was 'great to see the club coming together and celebrating that we were going to start protecting our waters more and being part of the community.'

Kate then turned to Harry who she remembered from the launch when he read the poem 'Ark' by Simon Armitage. 'I was blown away by the passion you hadeveryone was so engaged and committed to making the club sustainable'.

Harry was asked to tell the audience about the changes we've made at the club. Harry confidently spoke about phasing out single use plastics, reducing our water use, avoiding disturbing wildlife on Fowley island. and joining with other clubs to campaign on water quality. In a wide ranging discussion, Harry went on to explain things he does to ensure as a sailor he looks after the environment.

Having taken part in an RYA webinar early on in the year, I know how nervous I was doing it. Harry though, looked every inch a professional, despite his young age. He represented our club, the juniors and his passion and belief in looking after our Harbour shone through. Well done Harry!

Pegs Field