Rona Shanty Singers

The Rona Shanty Singers are all members of the Rona Sailing Project (RSP) based in Southampton. The Project was formed in 1960 and is a highly successful sail training charity that operates 3 large yachts – Donald Searle, Rona 2 and Merrilyn. The yachts are based on the River Hamble but are frequent visitors to Yarmouth calling in most weeks in the sailing season. They are crewed entirely by volunteers and offer voyages to young people (aged 14 – 21) and to vulnerable adults (including people who are blind, deaf, have learning difficulties, mental health issues and those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction). The object of all the voyages is the same – to build the self confidence of the crews and to show them they are capable of doing amazing things. Because of generous donations from family trusts and other organisations together with the support of about 300 volunteers, the RSP is able to offer these voyages at a fraction of the true cost. Singing is often an important feature of the voyages – entertaining the crews and helping them bond as teams. The singers have been performing together on board and ashore in pubs and yacht clubs for more than 25 years – so hopefully practice makes perfect!