A CHARITY that has helped hundreds of young people from the Isle of Wight forge great careers — particularly in the local marine and maritime industries — is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
The Royal Yacht Squadron Isle of Wight Foundation has given more than £500,000 in grants, and supported around 300 young Islanders, since it was established in 2015.
The charity was set up by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes to support young people into training, education and employment on the Island — and has proved to be a huge success.
Chairman of the foundation, Carron Snagge, said: "The foundation was created to serve the community that has supported the squadron for generations.
"And, ten years on, we’ve seen what that support can achieve."
The foundation offers funding, usually between £250 and £3,000, but sometimes more, to support young people aged 15 to 29.
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This funding helps cover training costs, apprenticeships, equipment, travel and essential qualifications — breaking down the financial barriers that often prevent Island youth from progressing.
James Stevens, chairman of the foundation's grants panel, said: "We speak to every applicant to discuss the possibilities of a maritime career, and to allocate funding as necessary.
"Many of them keep in touch and tell us how they are progressing in their jobs, such as yacht and powerboat skippers, marine electricians, boatbuilders, ferry captains, harbour staff, or working in shipyards.
"The foundation can change lives."
Further information about the charity
To learn more about the Royal Yacht Squadron Isle of Wight Foundation, or to get involved, follow this LINK or contact via emailinfo@rysfoundation.org.uk
There are many amazing stories about young lives transformed, through the support of the Royal Yacht Squadron Isle of Wight Foundation.
'Josh' was just 16 when he began a marine engineering apprenticeship at Wight Shipyard.
With foundation support for tools and equipment, he progressed rapidly.
Also, 'Max' left school early and used foundation support to complete his UKSA yachtmaster training.
He now works aboard a 65m superyacht, travelling internationally and advancing his career in the global yachting sector.
The foundation also helped 'Christian' — "someone who always had ambition" — to become a success.
The foundation funded his training when his employer wouldn’t.
He is now a captain on Wightlink’s FastCat ferries and hopes to become a specialist marine pilot in Southampton.
But without the financial support and the belief the foundation gave him, he would not have been able to make his dream a reality.
The same can also be said about 'Amy', who saw her life transformed through the help of the foundation.
This helped her in her ambition to become a Youth Challenge skipper.
"Giving people the chance to transform their lives through sailing, is incredibly rewarding," said Amy.
"But I love big boats and racing too, and the Clipper is a challenge I can’t wait to take on."
'Lloyd' went through some incredible highs and lows, from doing kitchen work to joining the British America’s Cup team.
One of the foundation’s earliest beneficiaries, Lloyd went on to secure an electronics apprenticeship with Land Rover BAR.
The foundation helped with his travel costs.
He is now a senior electrical technician and worked on his third America’s Cup campaign last year with INEOS Britannia, skippered by Olympic sailing hero, Sir Ben Ainslie, a former Island resident.
As the foundation looks ahead to its second decade, the mission remains clear — to continue investing in young people and "strengthening the Island’s future, by building skills, confidence and connections".
Carla Richardson, of Richardson’s Yacht Services, said: "We have collaborated with the RYS Foundation for many years and have consistently found them to be genuinely inclusive — supporting individuals pursuing careers in the marine industry, regardless of their background.
"The foundation has made a significant impact."
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