In today’s ‘Meet the OYTS volunteers’ we’re telling the story of The Legend of Rog Thomson…
⛵ Q: How long have you been a volunteer with OYTS and what is your role as a volunteer?
A: I’ve been a volunteer with OYTS for over 10 years now, and I sail as a first Mate. I’ve been Chair of the NE Scotland support group for five years too, but it’s time someone else had a seat in it. I also instruct shore-based theory courses for the Trust with other volunteers in NE Scotland and occasionally practical courses too
⛵ Q: What and with whom was your first sailing experience and what made you come back for more?
A: The first boat I took the tiller of was a Drascombe Lugger in the Forth estuary on a week-long dinghy course. I was 9 and a bit frightened, but that didn’t stop me getting hooked. With the Trust, my first voyage was an induction weekend on Venturer, Oban to Tobermory. Superb fun.
⛵ Q: Proudest or most memorable sailing moment?
A: Most memorable is probably a delivery trip on Explorer, Dublin to Greenock in 18 hours. A gale on our tail and a big sea, three hours on the helm in the pitch dark but avoiding that dreaded crash gybe. Proudest moment for sure is a young leaders development trip from Bodo to Inverness, seeing and being part of the life-changing effects it had on the young people aboard.
⛵ Q: What made you start volunteering with OYT Scotland?
A: A chance to sail really big boats, help young people, learn a lot, and a warm welcome on my induction voyage.
⛵ Q: What is your favourite part of being a volunteer with OYT Scotland?
A: Fun, friends, laughs, personal challenges and seeing young people change massively in just a week.
⛵ Q: If you were a boat, what kind of boat would you be and why?
A: An old Pilot Cutter. Traditional, need a lot of maintenance but a safe design that’ll look after you. And I just love the way they look.