Two Guides from the Girlguiding County of Greater London West were extremely fortunate and excited to be selected for places on the Youth United Voyage on the Tall Ship Royalist, celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee sailing from Weymouth to Torbay this week.

Caitlyn Hughes from 9th New Malden Guides and Sophie Heritage from Cheam Village Rangers are having an amazing time.

After learning ‘the ropes’ and scrubbing the deck, they learned how to climb the rigging and set the main sail. They sailed initially out of Weymouth Harbour and around to Portland Harbour before setting sail and heading west. They arrived in the dark at Brixham dropping anchor at about 23.00 hours and then set sail again the next morning bound for Torbay.

Sophie is 14 years old and has been in Guiding since joining Rainbows at the age of 5. Having been with 7th Cheam Guides for four years, she has recently joined Cheam Village Ranger Unit. “This trip is just another example of the many and varied activities on offer to members of Girlguiding”, said Christine Wicks, County Commissioner.

Girlguiding comprises different sections covering girls from 5 years old - Rainbows (5-7 years), Brownies (7-10 years), Guides (10-14 years) and Senior Section (14-25 years), and all sections enabling girls and young women to develop their potential whatever their ability or background.

For further information or details on how to join Girlguiding, contact: http://www.girlguidinglaser.org.uk Registered Charity No: 308268 Based on information supplied by steve wicks.