The 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 of OnBoard, the JMST will donate at least 50 single-handed junior pathway boats and boards (Optimist, Topper, Laser 4.7 and Bic Techno 293OD) to promising sailors over 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 to their club or centre, 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.
Since 2012 the JMST have donated 37 boats/boards to youngsters and we have seen some incredible success stories.
**APPLICATIONS FOR 2016 HAVE CLOSED. APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN AGAIN IN 2017**
To be considered:
1. Please read the Notice of Selection document to establish your eligibility.
2. Complete the Declaration of Eligibility (expression of interest).
3. Eligible sailors must enter and compete at the RYA Zone Championships in the year you would like to be selected.
Sailors will then be shortlisted and invited to complete an application form after the event.
If you would like to promote the partnership please print out and display this poster.
For any further information email Cat Ferguson, OnBoard Operations Officer or call 02380 604195.
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