Please select your home edition
Edition
Leaderboard FD July August September 2023

John Merricks Sailing Trust to wind up after 25 years

by John Merricks Sailing Trust 7 Oct 2021 17:14 BST

The Trustees of the John Merricks Sailing Trust today announce their intention to dissolve the charity, and apply its remaining funds to a purpose that will continue to honour the memory of Olympic dinghy sailor John Merricks, who died at a tragically young age in a car crash in October 1997.

John's love of the sport was sparked at an early age when he learned to sail at school. He was helped to Olympic success by the support of a local benefactor, and the Trust's residual funds will be gifted to one or more organisations that can provide a lasting legacy that will continue the Trust's object to help young people under the age of 25 to achieve their potential through the sport of sailing.

Ian Walker, John's former sailing partner and chair of the Trustees, said: "Thanks to the generosity of so many, in the last 25 years the Trust has made grants totalling £730,000 to 285 individuals and organisations in John's name. This has funded the purchase of 235 boats and boards for young sailors and given many young sailors opportunities they never might have had. However, with the passage of time since John's death, and the effect of the Covid pandemic on the charity's current and future income, the Trustees have decided that the 25th anniversary of John's accident, which will be in October 2022, is a fitting point at which to wind up the charity and dispose of its remaining assets. At that time, we intend to use the residual assets of the Trust (approx. £200k) to fund a continuing legacy to honour John's name."

The Trustees are inviting applications from individuals, other smaller charities and sailing organisations that might accept a financial award and provide a legacy in John's name that will last for at least 10 years. We see this as an opportunity to develop exciting and innovative ideas that can unlock more of the untapped potential among the nation's young sailors, particularly those who would not otherwise have the opportunity to take up or progress in the sport. Preference will be given to dinghy or windsurfing initiatives, however, all proposals that fit the objectives of the charity will be considered.

For details of how to apply please see the JMST website at www.jmst.org.uk/applications

Related Articles

North Sails Golf Day in aid of JMST
The last JMST North Sails Golf Day North Sails recently hosted the final ‘North Sails Golf Day in aid of Johnny Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST) at the Cams Hall Estate Golf Club. Posted on 15 Nov 2022
John Merricks Sailing Trust Legacy Awards
Eight clubs and the OnBoard programme receive a combined boost of £185,000 Eight sailing clubs and the RYA's OnBoard programme received a combined boost of £185,000 as part of the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST)'s Legacy Awards announced at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show. Posted on 27 Feb 2022
Ian Atkins Keelboat Award winners announced
This Award is open to any sailors aged between 18 and 22 The John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST), the charity set up in memory of 1996 Olympic Silver medallist John Merricks, is delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 Ian Atkins Keelboat Award. Posted on 13 Jul 2021
Ian Atkins Keelboat Award - Qualifying Regatta
Opportunity knocks for a young team of sailors to race an SB20 at Cowes Week Opportunity knocks for a young team of sailors to compete for the chance to race an SB20 at Cowes Week and 'Live the Experience'. Posted on 29 Apr 2021
Applications open for Ian Atkins Keelboat Award
This Award is open to any sailor or sailors, under 25 years old The John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST), the charity set up in memory of 1996 Olympic Silver medallist John Merricks, is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the second annual Ian Atkins Keelboat Award. Posted on 4 Feb 2020
JMST and RYA OnBoard partner up
Delighted sailors have been awarded exclusive use of a boat Thirteen youngsters from across the UK have been handed a huge boost in their ambitions to become top class dinghy sailors and windsurfers thanks to a national programme helping young talent progress in the sport. Posted on 26 Nov 2019
North Sails Golf Day in aid of the JMST
23rd event raises £7,680 for the charity A sunny but cold and frosty start greeted the 83 golfers that turned out for the North Sails Golf Day on Friday 8 November at Cams Hall Estate Golf Club in Fareham, that raised £7,680 for the John Merricks Sailing Trust. Posted on 12 Nov 2019
Get a chance with John Merricks Sailing Trust 2019
Are you 14 years of age or under? Do you love sailing or windsurfing? Applications are now open for sailors to apply to the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST) for a brand new single-handed junior pathway boat or board. Posted on 8 Aug 2019
First recipients of Ian Atkins Keelboat Award
John Merricks Sailing Trust select Team Athena Racing The John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST), the charity set up in memory of 1996 Olympic Silver medallist John Merricks is delighted to announce the first recipients of the Ian Atkins Keelboat Award - Team Athena Racing. Posted on 2 Mar 2019
Applications invited for Ian Atkins Keelboat Award
Opened by the John Merricks Sailing Trust The John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST), the charity set up in memory of 1996 Olympic Silver medallist John Merricks, is delighted to announce that applications are now open for the first ever Ian Atkins Keelboat Award. Posted on 8 Jan 2019