Roseland youth sailing trust (RYST)

We're delighted to announce Fowey Gallants Sailing Club has partnered with a Cornwall-based charity making it possible for a new generation of children to take to the water.

The mission of Roseland Youth Sailing Trust (RYST) is to change young lives through sailing, very like our founder Wilfred Denaro's intention when he established the Club in 1947 to teach boys and girls to sail.

The ocean is such an important part of Cornwall's traditions and culture, and we know that, as well as getting kids out into the fresh sea air, learning to sail brings a sense of achievement which helps build a child's independence and self-esteem.

Yet the poorest children in Cornwall are unable to participate because schools don't offer sailing as a sport and parents can't afford to pay for lessons.

RYST was set up in 2015 to address this problem. A charity funded entirely by donations, RYST works with schools to fund and organize sailing lessons at RYA-approved centres for children aged 9 to 15, helping children get RYA sailing qualifications. All at no cost to schools or parents.

Says RYST Chairman Dina Wheatcroft: "I'm continually dismayed to hear stories of children living within a few miles of the coast and yet who've never played on a beach or in the water, let alone been in a boat. The good news is that, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we've so far introduced 1800 new sailors to the water from 21 schools."

Starting in April, the club will teach children from four Clay Country schools across six weeks and give them the opportunity to sail in our beautiful estuary.

You can find out more about RYST at https://www.ryst.org.uk/ and support their work at https://www.ryst.org.uk/donate

Last updated 19:21 on 24 February 2024