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The Guernsey Sailing Trust now has the use of five additional Optimist sailing dinghies after a donation from the local Freemasons, to enable more youngsters to learn how to sail.
Established in 1988, the Trust is committed to making sure the sport is accessible to all.
It wants to enable children from "all walks of life to experience and enjoy the fun and challenges involved with sailing", it says.
The training provided has evolved in the 36 years since the Guernsey Sailing Trust was founded, with today's facilities and resources meaning it can offer training covering aspects of sailing, power boating, seamanship, and navigation.
The Trust also runs a successful 'Sailability' programme for those of all ages, and is able to adapt its sessions to suit individual needs, abilities and confidence levels.
Options include sailing on the Model Yacht Pond for younger children, and sailing on a keelboat specifically designed for those with mobility issues.
During school term time the Sailing Trust is fully occupied in teaching sailing to the island's primary and secondary schools, with various water-based RYA courses available during the school holidays. These courses are "open to anyone who would like to learn to sail, from the age of five", says the Sailing Trust.
The range of lessons available has now been boosted with the addition of the five Optimist dinghies, donated by the local Freemasons.
Pictured: One of the dinghies in use.
The Freemasons said they made the donation "to further assist them with provision and support for younger children learning to sail".
Keith Read, Head of Freemasonry in the Bailiwick met with representatives of the Guernsey Sailing Trust for the handover earlier this month.
He described the Freemasons as "a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years". It is a non-political and non-religious organisation with members from across age groups, races, religions, cultures, and backgrounds.
"We aim to attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people," he said. "To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, and Service in their private and public lives.
"In this regard over 500 Freemasons of the Province personally donate funds in support of numerous local charities."
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