The RSYC Trust: Supporting Young Carers Through Sailing and other on the water activities
The RSYC Trust serves as the dedicated charity of the Club, with its mission firmly centred on placing young people at the core of its activities. Established in 2016, the Trust is committed to advancing amateur sport, with a particular focus on sailing. It achieves this by providing facilities, equipment, and grants to promote participation in sailing and related water-based activities. The Trust’s initiatives primarily benefit communities in the south of England, with a special emphasis on making these opportunities accessible to disadvantaged young people.
To ensure its broad scope remains both effective and manageable, the RSYC Trust concentrates on delivering first-hand, on-the-water experiences for young carers in Hampshire. The charity’s primary goals revolve around education and wellbeing, aiming to equip more than 250 young carers each year with new skills and opportunities. The activities are designed to build confidence, foster resilience, and enhance mental health, all through engaging, active pursuits.
The Trust is overseen by a small group of trustees, with Martin Phipps serving as Chair. Trustees convene regularly throughout the year to organise a diverse programme of water sports and related activities. These events are held during school holidays, from Easter through November, and include instructor-led taster sessions, certification training, activity days, and a regatta that marks the conclusion of the summer season at Spinnaker Sailing Club.
The RSYC Trust benefits from the active patronage of Nigel Atkinson, HM Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire. At a celebration event aboard the Sheildhall in November, he presented the Michael Harlick Award for progress and the Helena Lucas Award for personal development, highlighting the achievements of the young carers involved.
Last year, the Trust offered a varied range of activities to suit young people with differing levels of confidence around water. A total of 281 young carers participated in at least one on-the-water activity, representing an increase from 244 in 2024 and 236 in 2023. For the first time, two young carers successfully completed Powerboat Level 2. The Trust also expanded its reach, working with six young carer groups—Eastleigh joined New Forest, Winchester, Romsey, Southampton, and Andover.
The highlight of the Trust’s programme remains the four “Fun on the Water Days” at Gins, which are run entirely by volunteers, including Club members and other friends of the Trust. These days provide participants with a valuable respite, boosting their confidence on the water through activities such as sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, giant paddleboarding, river trips, and crabbing. Over 100 children attended and enjoyed these events. Special thanks go to the young members of
Beaulieu River Sailing Club who helped helm the older dinghies. The days are demanding but always thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.
The RSYC Trust places considerable emphasis on progression, encouraging young carers to develop their skills and pursue nationally recognised proficiency qualifications. Many who began in 2018 have since advanced through the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme, demonstrating the enduring positive impact of the programme. Last year, ten young carers completed a five-day RYA Level 1 and 2 dinghy sailing courses, and three completed the RYA Level 3 and 4 course. The Trust works closely with Spinnaker Sailing Club in Ringwood and Southampton Water Activities Centre (SWAC), before it closed, both of which provide expert instructors and facilities.
Despite difficulties in securing grant funding this year, the generosity of Club members, successful fundraising events, and dedicated volunteers have made it possible for the Trust to deliver all planned courses and activities. The Black-Tie Dinner and auction at Careys Manor, organised by Rachel McDonnell, raised over £4,300. The Trust has raised and spent over £14,000 on activities for young carers this year.
Organising water activity days and regattas at Gins requires meticulous planning, thorough risk assessments, DBS checks, well-stocked first aid kits, and the commitment of volunteers and RYAqualified instructors. Individuals with qualifications in RYA sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, youth work, or powerboat operation are encouraged to volunteer. However, the most important qualities are time, enthusiasm, kindness, and compassion. Those interested in volunteering can contact rsyctrust@rsyc.org.uk, and dinghy sailors, safety boat drivers, paddleboarders and kayakers are especially welcome.
The Trustees extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed through volunteering or financial support. Anyone wishing to learn more about the Trust is invited to attend the AGM on 30/03/2026 at 16:00 at Gins.
Supporting the RSYC Trust is straightforward. Cash or cheques (made payable to The Royal Southampton Yacht Club Trust) can be left at Gins or sent via bank transfer to:
Account Name: The Royal Southampton Yacht Club Trust (Lloyds bank)
Sort Code: 30 90-34
Account Number: 32571760
Alternatively, donations may be made online through Local Giving https://localgiving.org/charity/royal-southampton-yacht-club-trust.
RYSC TRUST
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st December 2025
| Receipts Restricted Unrestricted 2025 £ £ £ Grants 8,648 8,648 50/50 Club Donations - Individual Donations 843 843 Just Giving/Local Giving 98 98 - Other 694 694 Fundraising 6,287 6,287 - 16,570 16,570 Payments ` Grants payable Working Replacements 726 726 Fund Raising 1,980 1,980 Charitable activities 9,112 9,112 Overheads 2,268 2,268 Totals 14,086 14,086 Net Movement of Funds 2,484 Statement of Assets and Liabilities £22,970.83 £25,455.11 Current bank account balance as at 31/12/2025 Current bank account balance as at 1/01/2025 No other funds or capital items are held by the Trust and there are no debts, or funds owed or owing |
2024 £ 5,523 105 2,238 976 550 6,595 |
|---|---|
| 15,988 550 605 180 9,555 1,115 |
|
| 12,005 | |
| 3,983 | |
Signed by: (on behalf of the Trustees)
Allan Beswick Name:
Signed by (Audit)
Simon Derrick
Date: