Sailing Made Easy With Lewis

Andrew and sailing Team: Trinidad & Tobago’s Olympic Sailor, Andrew Lewis and his charges, pose for a photo, before taking to the sails.

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad: December 8, 2015: Over 30 enthusiastic young people at Vessigny Beach last weekend, got more than just good weather to perfect their craft, they received life-long lessons on discipline, building character experiences and realising one’s truest potential.

The sailing weekend which was hosted by Trinidad & Tobago’s Olympic Sailor, Andrew Lewis and sponsored by Republic Bank Limited, took the participants through the rudiments of sailing and provided them with both theoretical and practical sailing techniques. The camp, was specifically planned for the residents of Vessigny and outlying areas and was aimed towards young people between the ages of seven to 15, who already possessed sailing skills.

Elizabeth Suite, Administrator of the Sailing Camp praised the Bank for its involvement in the lives of the children of Vessigny and environs.

“Some of these children come from areas such as Fyzabad, Point Fortin, Cedros and La Brea, to be able to participate in the camp. I am glad that the Bank decided to do this, because at present all we have for the children in this community is football,” Suite said.

Suite added that apart from sailing being used as a mode of relaxation, it also offers lucrative jobs in the area of Marine Pilot and Ship Captain. Some of the young sailors, have also travelled to countries such as; France, Italy and Argentina, to participate in sailing competitions.

Republic Bank’s Social Investment Officer, Nadia Williams, endorsed the camps saying, “ Opportunities such as these camps provide our young people with hope. It allows them to realise that through hard work and determination, their dreams can become a reality. It is also heart-warming to see our young athletes such as Andrew and Westley, realise the benefits of giving back and volunteering at home.”

Arrie Caton, who has been sailing for the past five months, was excited about the camp, saying that she finally got the opportunity to do what she loved. “I love sailing. I enjoy it a lot. I have been waiting for this to happen a long time,” said the nine year old.

On Sunday December 6, the camp concluded with a graduation and prize-giving ceremony.

Republic Bank was pleased to have partnered with Andrew Lewis to offer these sailing camps to the young people of Vessigny and surrounding areas and wishes them all the best in their sporting endeavours.