RYA Sail for Gold Torch Relay to replicate 1948 torch travel

by Susie Nation-Grainger on 1 May 2012 The Sail for Gold Torch Relay, organised by the RYA, gets underway on 20th May 2012 in Torquay.

In the summer of 1948, a torchbearer ran through Torre Abbey, Torquay, welcoming athletes from the 25 nations who were about compete in the 1948 Olympic Sailing event.

Sixty four years later, the Torch carried by this torchbearer is about to begin another very unique journey. The ‘1948 Sailing Relay’ will see a replica of this 1948 Torch travel from Torquay to Weymouth by water, visiting 14 sailing clubs along the way.

'The 16 day relay coincides with the arrival of the 2012 Olympic Torch' explains RYA Regional Club Coach Pete Muskett who has been instrumental in organising the event.

'We hope that everyone who has come to welcome the 2012 Torch will be delighted to also see the 1948 Torch which was carried 64 years ago here in Torquay'.

Moored up in front of Tor Abbey Sands, the 1948 Torch will be on display on 20 May for the public to photograph along with a guest book inviting visitors to write their good luck messages to the British Sailing Team.

From street parties and BBQ’s to Olympic themed regattas and flotillas, members of sailing clubs are busy planning events to celebrate the arrival of the 1948 Sailing Torch to their venues.

RYA Sail for Gold Coordinator Celia Edgington said: 'We are delighted to be able to showcase one of the 1948 Torches at such an exciting time! Sailing clubs across the coast have so many wonderful events planned with sailors and windsurfers of all ages travelling alongside it as it travels from venue to venue.

'With the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay taking place at the same time, everyone will be really getting into the Olympic spirit. In the South West there is such a wonderful local connection to the 1948 Olympic Sailing Events which took place in Torbay and this is a fantastic opportunity to get out on the water and celebrate our sailing heritage' Celia concludes.

Royal Torbay Yacht Club, Paignton Sailing Club, Teign Corinthian Yacht Club, Exe Sailing Club and Lyme Regis Sailing Club are amongst the 14 venues that the 1948 Sailing Relay will visit.

The relay is part of the RYA’s Sail for Gold initiative which aims to bring the excitement of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to sailing clubs and training centres across the country in the lead up to and during the Games by looking at ways to inspire new and existing sailors to get out on the water, make clubs the focal point for members to join in the spirit of the London 2012, and maximise support for the British Sailing Team.

Thanks to Torbay Council for the help in making this happen.
RYA Sail for Gold website