East Lancashire apprentice Aaron in sail of the century

11:54am Wednesday 27th August 2008

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A WATERFOOT apprentice has returned from a trip of a lifetime — and bagged a trophy to boot.

Aaron Reilly of Fort Vale Engineering, based at Calder Vale Park, Simonstone, took part in the prestigious regatta Cowes sailing event.

It was the first time a team from Fort Vale, which manufactures valves and fittings for transportation industries, has ever come first in one of the races they take part in annually.

The group also came fifth in their second race this year, out of around 50 boats.

Aaron, 28, of Burnley Road East, said: “It was a fantastic experience and one I probably would never have had if I didn’t work at Fort Vale.

“It was great that the team won a race, especially because there was a problem with the boat, which slowed us down, but luckily we were able to fix it and still take first place.”

The mechanical engineering apprentice was chosen to take part in the adventure due to his outstanding dedication to his job.

The Simonstone company selects two apprentices each year to join company founder Ted Fort at Cowes.

Cowes Week, which was sponsored by Skandia, is considered the ‘Wimbledon’ of the sailing world.

It has a distinctive atmosphere and is an internationally renowned annual event, attracting more than 1,000 yachts and around 8,500 competitors.