Record Breaking Emma Richards brings her expertise to Castlegate Quay
RECORD-BREAKING solo round the world yachtswoman Emma Richards brought her sailing expertise to Stockton’s Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre. Emma, an ambassador for the HSBC Education Trust, gave 30 local students a chance to experience the excitement and exhilaration of sailing.
All were nominated by their schools or won their place in competitions. For four days in July, they learned to sail under Emma’s watchful eye at Castlegate Quay. 
Emma, 30, sailed into the record books in 2003 as the first British woman and youngest ever competitor to complete the longest race for any individual in any sport, Around Alone. Last year she launched her book ‘Around Alone’ and received an MBE for her work with the HSBC Education Trust. Now back on the water, she’s taking part on the 2005 IMOCA Open 60 circuit, which began in May with the Calais Round Britain race and will sail in the Transat Jacques Vabre race from France to Brazil in November.
Emma commented: “I am delighted to be able to give young people the experience of going sailing. This initiative with the HSBC Education Trust is now in its second year and really is a highlight for me as I get to see students who would never otherwise have gone sailing, take to the water and learn a new skill.
“Stockton has excellent facilities at Castlegate Quay and I would encourage everyone to take advantage of the River Tees and all it has to offer.” Find out more about Emma at www.emmarichards.com