Dee Caffari officially opens UKSA Deck Games Area

Today (Friday 5th January) world record setting sailor Dee Caffari officially opened the UKSA Deck Games Area.

UKSA graduate Dee Caffari marked the opening of the 200 sq. meter fun-packed stand by hoisting a huge sail in an activity known as the UKSA Quick Draw Sail Hoist. Dee was introduced by UKSA’s Marketing Manager Ciaran Roger who spoke about UKSA’s aim of inspiring people of all ages to get involved in sailing before handing over to Dee who said a few words about her recent achievements and spoke about the training she received at UKSA after deciding to change career from school teacher to professional sailor.

Dee was the first person to hoist the stand’s centrepiece and her time was recorded on a ‘Top Gear’ style leader board, setting the benchmark time for visitors to try and better throughout the show.

UKSA Deck Games is a new feature at this year’s boat show. It aims to engage young people in fun activities designed to inspire and educate them about the exciting career and leisure opportunities the marine industry has to offer.

After hoisting the sail, Dee took part in the stand’s other activities including the rigging race, virtual sailor sailing simulator, concept 2 rowing machine challenge, knot tying lessons, spot the difference contest, feel a fitting and the time challenge to see how fast she could get into a set of Henri Lloyd oil skins. Thanks to UKSA Deck Games partners Laser and Dinghy Sailing Magazine along with stand supporters Selden Masts, Lewmar, Isle of Wight, Marlow Ropes, Concept 2, Henri Lloyd and Raymarine, a range of fun activities have been created to test both physical and mental agility with great prizes to be won.

Throughout the show, UKSA Deck Games will be visited by successful sailors including Dame Ellen MacArthur and Shirley Robertson OBE who will be on hand to pass on tips to the sailors of tomorrow as they try their hands at the UKSA Deck Games activities and Dee will be returning to hand the keys to her 72ft steel yacht formerly known as Aviva to its new owner, UKSA graduate Mark Richardson.

For those more interested in developing their yachting skills for a career in luxury yachting, UKSA has teamed up with Jennifer Errico author of Working on Yachts and Superyachts who will join the UKSA careers advisory team throughout the first four days of the show to answer questions about working in luxury yachting. Visitors to UKSA Deck Games will be able to purchase Jennifer’s latest book as a downloadable e-book at a special boat show rate.

Each young person who visits the stand will receive a free goody bag including posters, stickers, pens, and a length of Marlow rope and a knot activity sheet so knot tying can be developed at home.