The Chichester Harbour-based Christian Youth Enterprises Sailing Centre (CYESC) has used former minesweeper The Gerald Daniel for more than 20 years to teach hundreds of youngsters across the area.

The 54-year-old wooden vessel has spent 37 years in service in its current location at Cobnor Point in Chidham and is now getting to the end of its useful life.

So the trust has drawn up ambitious £930,000 proposals to replace the ship with another which will be fully accessible to those with mobility difficulties.

It will boast up-to-date facilities including modern accommodation.

Gavin Jones, the charity's development manager, said: "It is a wooden ship and it has been there since 1971. It has got a little bit of life left in it but we want to do something now because in the next few years it will be harder to move from the current site

"At the moment we are very limited in what we can do for those with limited mobility.

"That is one of the main areas where we are hoping to improve and to make sure accommodation is more comfortable and safer so we have more opportunities to operate in the winter months."

Under plans to be determined by Chichester District Council, the existing 33m by 6.5m vessel will be replaced with a 32.5m by 9m one, featuring a black hull with dark green topsides designed to reduce its visual impact in the harbour.

"We sought to design a ship which looks in place in this environment," Mr Jones said.

Its accommodation will comprise wet and dry teaching rooms, space to relax and dining and food preparation areas. There will also be plenty of storage space and toilet and shower facilities.

Parties of schoolchildren and Scout, youth and church groups regularly visit the existing facility to take part in activities including canoeing and sailing.

"We help them value themselves and develop their self esteem, look after themselves and develop their leadership abilities and problem solving skills," Mr Jones said.

To comment on the planning application write to Director of Environment, East Pallant House, East Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TY, or visit www.chichester.gov.uk quoting CH/08/01867/FUL.


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