The world-renowned supplier of marine distress signals, Drew Marine Signal and Safety, recently spent a day on board the 72-foot sailing yacht John Laing, with its chosen charity, Ocean Youth Trust South (OYT South) – an adventure sail charity. Drew Marine Signal & Safety has donated vital safety equipment to the charity to educate its crew about marine safety.
Drew Marine Signal & Safety and Ocean Youth Trust South on board John Laing Yacht
Katie Austen from Drew Marine Signal and Safety and seven members of OYT South set sail, voyaging from Southampton to the Isle of Wight, on board the charity’s 72-foot yacht John Laing.
There were 18 people on board in total. Everyone was an active member of the crew and participated in activities such as helming the ship and hoisting the sails. Many of the crew were young adults enjoying a week long voyage battling the elements.
Commenting on the day at sea, Mark Todd from OYT South says, “We always want to provide a memorable and educational trip at sea and safety is consistently a top priority for us. The equipment generously provided by Drew Marine Signal and Safety makes the difference between life and death, and we are extremely grateful for the donation.”
Among the marine distress signals donated to the charity were Pains Wessex Handflares, Lifesmokes and Para Red Rockets. Everyone on board was given a safety briefing, including how to safely use flares in an emergency.
Justine Heeley, Managing Director of Drew Marine Signal and Safety, says, “We are so grateful to OYT South for inviting us onboard John Laing. Safety at sea is paramount for us and the charity does fantastic work with young people – we are extremely proud to be actively supporting them and working with its members.”
The adventure sail training charity, OYT South, takes people aged 12-25 to sea to learn how to sail and practice vital life saving skills. Many of the young people supported by the charity are disadvantaged or vulnerable and have never been to sea before. Most of the crew will complete the RYA Start Yachting course and many go on to complete the RYA Competent Crew and RYA Sea Survival course.
