Fundraising results

Two youngsters have achieved RYA stage one and two qualifications with a little help from the Chesil Trust

Two Dorset youngsters have been awarded their RYA stage one and two qualifications thanks to charitable donations from the Chesil Trust.

Adam Greaves, from Portland Southwell Primary School, and Shannon Kinnersley, an ex Wyke Junior School member who now attends Budmouth School, were awarded their RYA certificates on Friday 28th March by Bill Ludlow, Chairman of the Trustees of the Chesil Trust, at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

The £650 that has funded this opportunity for Adam and Shannon was raised at a charity auction held by the Yacht Clubs of Weymouth, in support of the Chesil Trust, during the Weymouth Regatta earlier this year.

The Yacht Clubs of Weymouth came up with the idea for the auction having already raised funds for the ‘Sail for £5’ initiative that ran the previous year. Their aim was to help select young people who showed promise during ‘Sail for £5’ and who could benefit from further tuition - Adam and Shannon were lucky enough to be selected by SailLaser, who ran the ‘Sail for £5 course’. A Dorset based charity, the Chesil Trust assists local young or disabled people to engage in sailing and other watersports.

Shannon Kinnersley comments, “We had a brilliant time on the RYA training course. I am really pleased with my certificates.”

Bill Ludlow adds, “The donations we receive at the Chesil Trust allow us to offer discounted sailing initiatives aimed at getting as many local youngsters out on the water as possible. I would like to thank all those who have already contributed to the Trust, either directly or through our fundraising events – as you can see, your donations are really making a difference to young people’s lives. We have all been really impressed with Adam and Shannon's enthusiasm and progress.”

Mark Stubbings, Chief Executive of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy comments, “The Chesil Trust, SailLaser and the Academy are actively working together to continue to provide reduced-rate community sailing programmes for all. It is great to see local children out on the water gaining qualifications and most importantly, having fun! I wish Adam and Shannon the best of luck for the future.”