Sunsail has announced the return of its acclaimed Funding the Future initiative, offering sailing and yacht clubs across the UK a chance to win up to £6,000 to invest in their sailors and facilities.
After a brief hiatus, this esteemed competition is back, with a grand prize of £6,000 for the overall winner and £2,000 prizes for two runners-up.
To participate, clubs must submit a 500-word entry by Sunday 31 July outlining their vision for the funding and explaining how it will impact their sailing club. Whether the goal is to improve facilities, purchase new equipment, develop innovative 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 aimed at enhancing sustainability in sailing clubs, ensuring lasting benefits for both the environment and their members.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Sunsail ambassador Dee Caffari MBE, seasoned sailor and editor of Yachts & Yachting Online Mark Jardine, the RYA’s Director of Sport Development Rob Clark, and Sunsail’s Head of Brand and Acquisitions Katrina Lawson, will be judging this year’s entry and will bring their passion and enthusiasm for the sport to the selection process.
Dee Caffari MBE expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “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. 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.”
Katrina Lawson, Sunsail’s Head of Brand and Acquisitions, adds, “Sailing clubs, fuelled by dedicated volunteers, 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.”
Mark Jardine from YachtsandYachting.com, commented, “Grassroots sailing is the lifeblood of our sport, 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. We’re eager to see the innovative and sustainable projects clubs will bring forward and look forward to reading their entries.”
And Rob Clark, RYA Director of Sport Development adds, “We’re delighted to support our partners Sunsail with their Funding the Future initiative which is a fantastic opportunity for RYA affiliated clubs to win vital funding. This funding will make a huge impact, not just to the winning venues but also to the local communities that benefit from the activities they provide.”
Clubs have until Sunday, 31 July to submit their entries online and the winners will be announced on the Sunsail stand at Southampton Boat Show on Friday, 13 September.
For more details on entering the competition or for the terms and conditions, please visit https://www.sunsail.com/uk/funding-the-future or email sunsail@adpr.co.uk.
