Page 46 - Yachter Autumn/Winter 2022

46 TRUST REPORT
GAINING MOMENTUM, RAISING FUNDS AND INCREASING VISIBILITY
Over the last two years the Club’s own charity, the RSYC Trust, has been on a mission to strengthen its Trustee base and increase its visibility. “We are working hard to raise awareness of the Trust, the young people we support through a wide range of on-the-water activities and our fundraising events”, says leading Trustee Graham Tracey. Like many small charities, the RSYC Trust relies heavily on a small group of dedicated Trustees and growing group of volunteers.
This year the Trust launched a new brand, which members will increasingly see on promotional materials, and at events. In
PR terms they also have the backing of an impressive and enthusiastic patron - Nigel Atkinson, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire. As the Queen’s representative in Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson already has connections with the Club.The Trust was delighted when he agreed to speak at the first fund raising event this summer: a drinks reception held at Sea City Museum, Southampton on Friday 17 June. Despite taking place on one of the hottest days of the year, the fundraiser was over-subscribed: guests who were able to secure a ticket were treated to prosecco, canapés and three short presentations,
followed by the opportunity to enjoy a private viewing of the amazing Titanic Exhibition.
“Fundraising is a core activity of many charities and water sports have a high price ticket”, comments Brian Hinde, the Chair of Trustees.“To provide sailing and other water experiences we need to invest in wet suits, buoyancy aids, safety gear, plus paddle boards, kayaks and keep our own small dinghies up to scratch.Additionally, we work closely with the RYA and local sailing clubs, including SWAC in Southampton and the Spinnaker Club at Ringwood, to support young people who want to achieve the RYA’s sailing qualifications.The more income we generate, the more activities we can organise.”
The RSYC Trust’s main beneficiaries
are currently young carers: young people aged 8-18 years, whose lives are affected
by caring for an unwell or disabled family member.This can mean that young carers are caring for a parent or sibling who may have a physical or learning disability, mental ill-health, chronic illness or have difficulties with drug/alcohol misuse.
challenging lives and this is where the Trust can provide some well-earned respite in
the form of learning a new skill and having fun on the water – sailing, paddleboarding or kayaking.The Trust also arranges for young carers to take part in larger sailing experiences, for example the Classic Channel Regatta and days out on the sailing trawler, The Golden Vanity.
The Trust’s fundraising calendar extends into 2023.This autumn they are organising a Ladies Lunch event which will include a guest speaker at Gins in October and a formal buffet supper on SS Shieldhall in June 2023.
There are lots of ways that Club members can support the Trust.We are always looking for volunteers to help with our summer Family Days – particularly if you have a water sports qualification or a small boat that can be used as a safety vessel. Something all members can do is take part in the
Club’s monthly 50:50 Club Draw; as the Commodore’s charity, half the funds raised through the draw are gifted to the Trust (see the website for information).
Some of these young people have very
Jan Ellis