John Merricks Sailing Trust 

JMST seeks to help young sailors and youth sailing organisations to achieve their goals and was set up in the memory of leading Olympic sailor and 1996 Olympic silver medallist John Merricks.  

As the Official Charity Partner, the JMST will donate 50 single-handed junior pathway boats and boards (Topper, Optimist, Laser 4.7, Bic Techno 293OD) to promising sailors for five years, providing them with the opportunity to progress their skills and continue to participate in the sport. The partnership started in 2012. 

The boats will be gifted to promising youngsters who display enthusiasm, drive, talent and commitment to the sport and who may not ordinarily have the opportunity or financial backing to achieve their goals.  

Each year, at least one young sailor will be selected from each of the nine RYA Zones and Home Countries giving them two years of exclusive use of their own boat donated by the Trust. After which the boats will be returned to the sailor’s original club so other young sailors can continue to benefit in the future and progress into club and regional racing activities.  

To be considered:

1. Please read the Notice of Selection document to establish eligibility
2. Eligible OnBoard sailors must enter and compete in the at the RYA Zone Championships in the year you would like to be selected 
3. Complete an expression of interest/declaration of compliance form at registration to show you would like your child to be observed on the water as part of the selection process.   Copies of this form will be available at the Zone Championships.

**NOTICE OF SELECTION AVAILABLE HERE**

OnBoard sailors will be selected and invited to complete an application form after the event.   

For more information about the Zone Champs click here.