We are excited to learn how the funds from last year’s kayak auction will be used . During the previous Risør Wooden Boat Festival, Martin Hauge and Risør Shipping bid NOK 25,000 for a beautifully crafted kayak (read about the acquisition here). The festival earmarked this amount for maritime activities for children and youth in Risør.
According to Kari-Anne Røisland, the managing director of the Risør Wooden Boat Festival, the funds will support free “pirate adventures” for children. Twice daily during this year’s festival, the 69-foot cutter S/K “Boy Leslie” will set sail. Built as a sailing trawler in Glampton, England in 1911, “Boy Leslie” is now a cultural heritage vessel protected by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage.
Since 1979, “Boy Leslie” has been homeported in Arendal and chartered for various purposes, with a focus on activities for children and youth. Certified to sail with up to 50 passengers, the ship will host five “pirates” from the youth theatre, leaving ample room for many young adventurers. We look forward to seeing the excitement and joy this initiative will bring to the children.
Photo by Iver Sørdahl
