Four sailors stand around dinghy laughing

Sunsail’s Funding the Future initiative is returning, offering RYA the over 2,000 affiliated sailing and yacht clubs across the UK a chance to win up to £6,000 to invest in their sailors and facilities.

As well as the grand prize there’s £2,000 in prizes for two runners-up.

Clubs need to submit 500-words outlining their vision for the funding and explain how the vision will impact the sailing club. Whether the goal is to improve facilities, purchase new equipment, develop programs to boost membership or establish youth academies to cultivate future champions, Sunsail is looking for the most compelling and visionary proposals from clubs across the UK. The judges are also keen to see entries that detail projects to enhance sustainability in sailing clubs, ensuring lasting benefits for both the environment and members.

The judging panel includes Sunsail ambassador Dee Caffari, Yachts & Yachting Online’s Mark Jardine, the RYA’s director of sport development Rob Clark, and Sunsail’s head of brand and acquisitions Katrina Lawson.

“Growing up, I wasn’t part of a sailing club, but I now see it as my duty to advocate for these clubs and encourage public engagement with sailing,” says Caffari. “These clubs play a crucial role in making sailing accessible and exciting for newcomers, and I’m so excited to see entries from these wonderful organisations across the UK.”

Lawson points out that sailing clubs are fuelled by dedicated volunteers and are often where young enthusiasts first experience sailing and develop their passion for the sport. “Sunsail is proud to support these essential organisations, which grant countless sailors access to the water. We eagerly anticipate the innovative and sustainable ideas they will bring forward.”

“Grassroots sailing is the lifeblood of our sport,” says Jardine, “and these clubs are essential in nurturing the next generation of sailors. The £6,000 prize money would have a significant impact on any club, providing essential resources to enhance their programs and facilities.”

In 2018/19, the prize value was £5,000 and was won by Prestwick Sailing Club. The club had recognised the lack of female participation within the region and designed a programme to increase the number of female sailors. It also wanted to spend the prize money on two Hartley 12 dinghies, which are also used by hearing and visually impaired sailors through the club’s ‘sailability’ programme.

At the time, one of the judges talked about the particularly impressive clear communications strategy to go out into the local community and reach non-club members such as Girl Guides, schools and women-only gyms to show that sailing is a sport that everyone can excel at.

This year’s prize money is offered to support and/or develop the club for the future. If it is to help upgrade or repair the club, or equipment for the club for its future, that classes as part of ‘the vision’ – so those entries will definitely be accepted.

Clubs have until Sunday, 31 July 2024 to submit their entries. The winners will be announced on the Sunsail stand at Southampton Boat Show on 13 September 2024.

Image courtesy of RYA.

The post Sunsail competition opens for sailing club funding: £6,000 prize appeared first on Marine Industry News.