East Sussex 1 to start Youth Training Programme

The MVS national training vessel East Sussex 1, a 58’ steel hulled motor vessel operated by East Sussex Sovereign Harbour Unit, recently returned to Eastbourne, following extensive work on her hull which should see her continue to operate for many years to come.

This major refit was made possible mainly thanks to the £42,000 funding award from SITA Trust.

Head of Unit Keith Johnson said,  “We are very grateful to receive this support from SITA. The vessel is crucial to our youth training programme, which for several years now, has seen Scouts, CCF cadets and other youth groups gain valuable sea experience and training”.

The ESSH Unit’s Scout training programme for 2016 kicked off over the late May Bank Holiday when Deputy HoU Greg Darby attended a water activities weekend run by Senlac (Bexhill) Scout District near Dungeness.

Greg taught seamanship and nautical safety to 120 Scouts over the three days and helped them all earn their staged Nautical Skills Activity badge.

This is the third year Greg has run these sessions which have been greatly appreciated and this year have led to more Scouts from the Bexhill area asking to sail on East Sussex 1.

There is much more information about the Unit at www.mvs-eastsussex.co.uk .
The site includes lots of pictures of the refit.