A YOUNG West Somerset farmer will be helping to crew a racing yacht which has been entered for the world-famous Cowes Week by a new nationwide charity.

Nathan Hewitt, from Watchet, is one of 12 crew on the 32 foot Sun Fast 3200 Stride Forward which will be on the waters of the Solent practising July 1 to 4 before racing in the week of August 2 to 8.

Stride Forward will stand out both on and off the water from the 500 boats and more than 4,000 sailors in this year’s event because all the crew have a variety of physical impairments.

Cowes Week will see them racing together for the first time as they promote the charity which has helped them overcome life-changing injuries.

Some of the crew of the Stride Forward yacht which will be racing in Cowes Week. PHOTO: Stride Forward.
Some of the crew of the Stride Forward yacht which will be racing in Cowes Week. PHOTO: Stride Forward. ( )

Nathan’s life changed when a farming accident left him with an infected and non-functioning leg.

He underwent more than 20 operations over a number of years before electing to have a below-knee amputation.

Nathan’s determination to continue farming never wavered throughout the experience, and he was matched with a Stride Forward mentor who understood both the demands of farm life and the challenges of adapting after injury.

His mentor’s support helped Nathan source an adapted tractor and he received tailored business advice which has allowed him to move forward on his own terms.

The charity Stride Forward has been mentoring young Watchet farmer Nathan Hewitt following a life-changing injury. PHOTO: Stride Forward.
The charity Stride Forward has been mentoring young Watchet farmer Nathan Hewitt following a life-changing injury. PHOTO: Stride Forward. ( )

One recovery route is through sailing, hence the Stride Forward yacht, which is helmed by Olympian and world champion sailor Stuart Childerley, who is back on the water for the first time since life-changing injuries from a road bike accident in 2021.

Stride Forward, set up by East Devon-based physiotherapist Holly King, who is also a keen sailor, offers mentoring programmes and support for people who have suffered serious physical trauma leading to disability.

Holly said: “In the early days, there is a clear roadmap of medical care, rehabilitation, and legal support.

“But what happens when that structured support ends?

Nathan Hewitt, of Watchet, in the cab of his tractor as he continues his farming career despite a lower leg amputation. PHOTO: Stride Forward.
Nathan Hewitt, of Watchet, in the cab of his tractor as he continues his farming career despite a lower leg amputation. PHOTO: Stride Forward. ( )

“People are then left facing emotional and practical challenges of life after serious injury with little or no help.

“This is where Stride Forward steps in.”

Stuart said: “I came across Stride Forward charity through my own personal rehabilitation.

“I met Holly, who did an expert report for me, and what struck me was just how determined she was to give those who have suffered life-changing injuries opportunities to feel valued, heard, and be empowered to advocate for themselves, whether in work or sport.

“Sailing is something that I have always done, and the chance to sail with a group of incredible people at Cowes Week on Stride Forward is very exciting.

Crew member Vince Manley at the helm of the Stride Forward yacht. PHOTO: Stride Forward.
Crew member Vince Manley at the helm of the Stride Forward yacht. PHOTO: Stride Forward. ( )

“They are all remarkable, inspiring individuals, one of them, an amputee, is even learning to sail a foiling Moth (a high-speed technically-challenging small dinghy) and that really is amazing.”

The Stride Forward crew are aiming not only to enjoy the challenges of racing and achieve good results in the water, but to encourage opportunities for those with life changing injuries to sail as part of mixed teams rather than in disability teams in adapted boats on separate courses.