Members of Weymouth Sailing Club’s youth division – known as YOBs or Youth On Boats – are stepping out in support of a coastal lookout service.

Coastwatch Portland Bill is part of a national charity which supports the coastguard and other maritime safety agencies at more than 50 locations along the coast.

It keeps an eye on all types of vessels in the Portland area, as well as walkers and climbers.

The lookout at the Bill is managed, operated and maintained by a team of over 70 volunteers and is open most daylight hours every day of the year except Christmas Day.

The service is totally reliant on the generosity of local people for donations to fund its operation and receives no public funds at all.

However, the operation is under real threat because its normal fundraising activities have been curtailed for the last year as a result of the pandemic.

Coastwatch Portland Bill says that historically people in the area have been very supportive and generous.

Just keeping the operation going on a day-to-day basis costs several thousands of pounds a year.

Now much-needed funds are to be raised  by younger members of Weymouth Sailing Club.

On Saturday April 10 they will take part in a sponsored walk to raise funds for both Coastwatch Portland Bill and their own sailing activities.

Any money raised will be split equally between the two charities.

The walk starts at the Coastwatch lookout near Portland Bill and participants will walk either to Portland Marina or the full course to Weymouth Sailing Club on Nothe Parade, Weymouth.

The walkers will range in ages from eight to 17 years old.

All necessary precautions will be in place to ensure full accordance with legislation and government guidance in force at the time regarding coronavirus.

Weymouth Sailing Club supports the training of its youngest members through its youth division called YOBs – Youth on Boats.

Its leader, Steve Staple, said: “It is important to support the local community, and Coastwatch look after all those sailing near Portland Bill.”

Roger Harrington, pictured left, of Coastwatch Portland Bill, said: “It’s fantastic to see the effort being made by these youngsters and the support given by the sailing club.

“We rely totally on the generosity of the public to continue our  important service which is helping to protect peoples’ safety along the coast.

“Thank you.”

The club has set up a fundraising page at GoFundMe for anybody wishing to support the walk.

Just click here.

• nci.org.uk