JOG launches the Sailing Legend Series

JOG Sailing Legend Series © JOG

Pip Hare and Shirley Robertson OBE join a raft of sailing superstars confirmed to inspire the next generation of JOG sailors.

JOG (Junior Offshore Group) launches the Sailing Legend Series as part of their new youth programme, Generation JOG, aimed at those aged 25 years and under. Throughout the Autumn and Winter months of 2021/22, Generation JOG members will have the unique opportunity to attend a series of exclusive webinars, where they will have the opportunity to ask prominent sailing legends questions about their experiences, tips, and upcoming plans.

The lineup includes Pip Hare, Shirley Robertson OBE, Henry Bomby, Dee Caffari MBE and Tapio Lehtinen. Some of whom are regular JOG participants.

Pip Hare, having worked her way up through the ranks to Vendee Globe veteran - and the first Brit to cross the finish line earlier this year, says; "Helping to inspire the next generation of sailors is really important to me. Sailing - especially offshore - is such a great sport and I'd like to see more people get involved and discover the same enjoyment and adventure that I've found. It's not always clear how to make it into offshore sailing, so I'm delighted to be able to help JOG - and hopefully inspire others to take on challenges like the Vendee Globe."

Shirley Robertson, Olympic gold medallist and prominent double-handed sailor alongside Volvo Ocean Race and Figaro sailor Henry Bomby, commented, "At the age of 17 Henry took off to sail round the UK alone in a boat he'd saved up to buy and had prepared himself... since then he has never stopped ploughing his own furrow. Shorthanded Offshore sailing is about just that, making your own decisions, making the best of what you have, asking for advice... somehow making it all work. I'm pretty new to short handed sailing but already I'm drawn to the challenge, it's hard... addictive. Henry and I are delighted to be part of this JOG initiative - if we can help our next generation of offshore stars plough their own furrow then we're thrilled to part of it."

Remarking on the importance of inspiring the younger sailing members, Stuart Lawrence, Vice-Captain of JOG said, "Inspiration is everything, especially when you are young. If you can meet and ask questions to those that have reached the very top, you can't help but feel inspired and want to progress further. We can't wait to welcome these legends onto our new program."

If you are 25 years old and under or you know of anyone that is, you can register and sign up at myjog.jog.org.uk/sign-in.