MOSSEL BAY SAILING NEWS - Mossel Bay's Skipper Foundation, founded and headed by sailing coach Elfie Holden, has been using sailing to uplift children in Mossel Bay and surrounding areas for more than 15 years

Now, thanks to Topper Sailboats, this service has been enhanced. Holden said: "As with sailing worldwide, the last year has been difficult and frustrating in Mossel Bay, especially for young sailors who see the sport as their lifeline."

The Skipper Foundation is a non-profit organisation, helping to uplift young people.

"Sailing keeps the foundation's youth busy with healthy activities, building on their knowledge and preparing them for employment. Last year they were stuck at home with very little to do.

"So, you can imagine their delight when they returned to the sailing centre to find that two brand new Topper Topaz 14 catamarans had been donated by Topper. "Topper gave the foundation's sailors a chance to learn to sail catamaran in grand style. The well-thought-out systems and the buoyancy of the boat made it easy for the sailors to learn new skills. Not even a capsize fazed them, because the boat is so easy to right."

Holden said it was an advantage that the boats were made from rotation-moulded plastic, reducing the maintenance of the boats to "next to nothing".

She said: "Catamaran sailing is promoted by many resorts around the world and being able to sail and instruct on catamarans will equip the sailors better for future employment. The foundation works hard to give a wide experience to the students, training them for life."

Holden thanked Topper Sailboats, saying: "You have made an impact beyond what you could ever imagine."

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