Youths take to the high seas with Yacht Racing Legend
by Amy Harvey 6 Jun 2016 21:19 BST
1 June 2016
Ian Walker and JMST sailors race in the Survitec Marine Industry Regatta 2016 © Alex Irwin /
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Four youths aged 16-21 years joined the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST) and Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation (ASSF) to take part in the Marine Industry Regatta on Wednesday 1st June.
JMST Award Winners, Aimee Stephenson, Matthew Tozer and James Dodd and National Schools Sailing Association (NSSA) sailor, Alex Knight were offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to sail with Volvo Ocean Race winning Skipper and JMST Trustee Ian Walker, in the sailing regatta organised by Sunsail Events.
Competing against 14 other boats the team, which consisted of JMST Trustee Rod Carr, ASSF CEO, Richard Percy and Funding and Development Manager, Tim Anderton did exceptionally well posting a 2nd, 3rd and 5th and came 4th overall.
It was a pretty breezy regatta but all on board enjoyed themselves. On return to Shore, Aimee Stephensen said "Today was absolutely incredible; an amazing experience sailing with an Olympian. I had an excellent time out on the water and even had the chance to helm a bit during the first race and it was a day that was certainly unforgettable."
Following the event, a cheque for £1700.00 was presented to Ian walker (JMST) and Richard Percy (ASSF) by Hannah Burywood (Survitec Group) and Mike Shepherd (Marine Advertising Agency).
Ian Walker spoke of the event, "It was wonderful to see so many of the key marine industry figures out on the water for a great day of racing, to remember old friends and to raise money for two very good causes. I would like to thank Crewsaver and the Marine Ad Agency for revitalising this event and I'm looking forward to next year's event".
www.andrewsimpsonfoundation.org
www.jmst.org.uk
Aimee Stephenson – Age 16 – JMST grant in 2015
Aimee applied for a grant in 2015 to help to replace her 30 year old Topper and its 'rather forlorn' road trailer, as in her words "the hull isn't as rigid as some which affects the performance when hiking out." She explained that at the Topper Nationals earlier in the year she had suffered gear failure and breakages of many of the original fittings and was emptying water from inside the hull every day as it was leaking. Aimee had huge support from her Mum taking her to ever increasing training sessions and regattas, but she was struggling to find the funds required to replace Aimee's boat. The JMST grant helped Aimee to fund a replacement boat and trailer and helped her on her way to achieving her goals as she was invited to join the International Topper Class Association Youth Squad for 2016.
Matt Tozer – Age 19 – JMST grant in 2015
At the age of six Matt Tozer was diagnosed with a brain tumour. At 11 he was found to have a rare form of brain cancer. Intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed complete with the crippling side effects and fatigue that come from such treatments. Matt missed five years of school. He felt cocooned. But at 13 Matt had the chance to go sailing with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Matt declared, ""The impact of that first sailing trip was so profound for me. I knew if I survived the illness it would be a sport I'd want to pursue."
Matt then joined his local sailing club, Swarkestone SC, and over that 1st summer achieved his RYA level 1 & 2 and sailed with other club members to improve his skills. He bought his first dinghy for £250 and after much TLC he spent the following winter training and volunteering.
After school, with support from Sail 4 Cancer, Matt spent eight weeks in Greece in 2014 gaining RYA Dinghy Instructor and RYA Day Skipper qualifications.
Matt volunteered regularly at Swarkestone SC and, under the guidance of the senior instructor, assisted with the teaching. He also volunteered to help out each week on Sailability days, as well as taking part in and supporting charity events. Matt said, "I genuinely care about other people and I would like others to have fun, build confidence and learn new skills, as I have done."
Then last autumn, after receiving grants from the John Merricks Sailing Trust, Royal Southern Yacht Club and The Rob George Foundation, he started an Instructor Training programme at the Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre in North Wales, gaining further RYA dinghy, yachting, powerboating and windsurfing qualifications as well in canoeing.
He is now enjoying an extended work experience placement at Plas Menai and is looking forward to pursuing his career in watersports by making the most of any opportunities that present themselves in watersports or sailing in the future."
Matt added: "Being involved in sailing has built my confidence and self esteem... Sailing has changed my life. My background has given me an empathy with those who have difficulties and I would like to continue to help others find that same passion and self belief and to one day inspire people. Life is so precious and we need to make the most of everyday and opportunities."
James Dodd – Age 20 – JMST grant in 2014
James had been sailing since he was 6 and progressed his way through the RYA squads in the Cadet and 420 classes, also competing in World Championships in both classes. Since moving on from dinghies he started doing the majority of his racing in keelboats and then joined the British Keelboat Academy in 2013.
James gained lots of experience in the BKA, racing on boats like the Farr 45 and then joining a Class 40 racing team. He asked for support from the JMST to help fund his entry fee to the BKA in 2015 as he was working as a boat builder but only part time in order to maximise his racing opportunities.