Page 36 - Yachter Autumn 2024

36 RSYC TRUST
RSYC TRUST – EXTENDING OUR REACH AND ACTIVITIES
Members will recall that the RSYC
Trust is our Charity, established in
2015 with a wide remit. In recent years the Charity has chosen to a focus on providing an introduction to water sports to disadvantaged young people, principally young carers in Hampshire. This year we extended our reach to
work with six young carer organisations in Southampton, Eastleigh, Andover, Winchester, Romsey and the New Forest.
At the start of the year we had high ambitions to organize six Water Activity Days at Gins – an opportunity for 30 young carers on each day to try out dinghy sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking, supported
by volunteer instructors. Other activities including a crab fishing competition,
river trip and final giant paddleboarding experience are also part of the day.
Once the youngsters have taken part in this taster experience, the Trust pays for those who are interested and enthusiastic to take part
in further sessions at SWAC (Southampton Water Activities Centre) or Spinnaker Sailing
Club at Ringwood. In addition to helping
to build confidence and resilience, teach new skills and provide important me time, these activities can lead to national qualifications. We encourage and pay for those who are keen to take the RYA training courses and National Certificates in paddleboarding and kayaking.
In common with Club Members, our plans were initially dashed by the terrible high tide and flood at Gins in the Spring, which put the changing room facilities out of use. Thankfully, all our safety gear – secured in the container at the back of Gins - helmets, wetsuits and buoyancy aids - was safe.
Our activity programme, which has to be scheduled in the school holidays, normally starts at the end of May. We didn’t want the young carers to miss this important start, so paid for two groups to take part in similar taster days at SWAC. Although we went on to