John Merricks award for young Essex sailor

Dylan Stevenson is one of 11 promising sailors and windsurfers from across the UK who have been awarded exclusive use of their own boat or windsurfing board for the next two years thanks to a partnership between the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST) and RYA OnBoard.The 11-year-old, who sails at Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre (FOAC) was chosen to receive a new Topper one-person dinghy after demonstrating his enthusiasm, talent and commitment since being introduced to sailing in an after school club at the centre three years ago.

Dylan said: “I really love sailing, if I could I would go every day. I’ve been sailing for three years at Fairlop Waters. I would like to go to other places to race other people, but without my own boat I would not be able to do this. I would also like to be able to fix and maintain my own boat.”

Dylan’s mum Jo Robinson says: “Dylan has loved sailing from the first time he tried it. I said he could try it one time as I imagined it to be too expensive to do regularly but he begged to go back and the after school sailing club was affordable. Dylan regularly sails at FOAC using their boats and is well supported and encouraged by the centre. However, he would not get the opportunities to reach his potential that training and attending other events with his own boat could give him.”

An Abridge, Essex youngster has been handed a huge boost in his ambitions to become a top class dinghy sailor

“I do my best as a single parent to give him every opportunity I can. Having a boat of his own will help Dylan help feel more equal among his peers at racing and give him a sense of purpose and belonging as he grows up. Racing is the next step for him, he is committed to it and so am I. The award makes this a reality.”

Geoff Philbey, Principal at FOAC, wrote in nominating Dylan for the award: “Dylan is usually the first to arrive and the last to leave sessions and he’s here at every opportunity. He is keen to assist the other young people, helping them rig and launch without prompting.

When a parent asked him why he was so helpful he replied: “So that they can enjoy their sailing as much as I do!”

His desire to share his enjoyment is unbridled and his friendly nature and enthusiasm have gained him great respect from his peers, other parents and instructors at the centre.

“We’re delighted to have once again teamed up the JMST to be able to help ambitious youngsters who may not ordinarily have had the opportunity, to progress in the sport,” said RYA OnBoard Operations Officer Hannah Cockle. “They’ve all shown such enthusiasm and commitment and having the highest quality equipment will really make a difference”.

Dylan will now be able to enjoy two years’ exclusive use of his boat before it is goes to FOAC for other young sailors to continue benefitting from in the future.

RYA OnBoard is the nationwide grassroots programme, run by sailing’s national governing body, giving young people aged 8 to 18 the opportunity to learn to sail at low cost. Meanwhile the JMST, set up in memory of 1996 Olympic silver medallist John Merricks, supports young sailors and youth sailing organisations.

Since 2012, JMST and RYA OnBoard have partnered to donate high-quality junior racing dinghies and boards to promising young sailors who may not ordinarily have had the opportunity or financial backing to achieve their goals. Recipients get two years’ exclusive use of their boat/board before it is goes to their club for other young sailors to continue benefitting from it in the future.

RYA OnBoard offers young people the opportunity to try out sailing and windsurfing through their local club or centre in a safe, structured and fun environment. Since launching in 2005, OnBoard has seen well over half a million young people try out sailing and windsurfing and learn an activity that often stays with them for life.

To learn more about RYA OnBoard go to www.rya.org.uk/onboard and find out more about the JMST at http://www.jmst.org.uk

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