Sponsors and Supporters

We are fortunate to receive support from a range of individuals and companies to enable the British Keelboat Academy to function.

Charles Dunstone donated his TP52 ‘Red’, now renamed ‘John Merricks II’, to the John Merricks Sailing Trust to be used for the development of young sailors, and this is the main yacht we currently use for our racing and training.

Peter Harrison has been a long term benefactor and supporter of the project through allowing us to use his yacht ‘Chernikeeff2’.

In addition, we receive discounts and product support from the following companies to reduce the costs of running the boats and increase the training available for the sailors.

B&G: B&G systems have been at the leading edge of advanced marine electronics for over 50 years.

Grapefruit Graphics: Grapefruit Graphics Ltd are a sports branding company based near Southampton on the south coast.

Hamble Yacht Services: Hamble Yacht Services (HYS) is a well established full service yacht repair and refit facility, with a world wide reputation accrued from providing a professional service.

Harken: Harken are a leading manufacturer and distributor of quality sailboat hardware and accessories.

Henri Lloyd: Specialist marine clothing brand Henri Lloyd are world leaders in sailing gear and have been pioneering the development of fabrics, garment design and product development for over 45 years.

North Sails: North Sails has become the world leader in sailmaking through an ongoing commitment to making racing sails faster, lighter and longer lasting.

Ocean Safety: Ocean Safety (est. 1989) specialise in the worldwide supply, distribution & service of marine safety equipment and consultancy.

Performance Rigging: Performance Ropes and Gottifredi Maffioli are proud to sponsor John Merrick’s 2. Supporting young talented sailors of today with the latest in Grand prix rope technology.

Premium Liferaft Services: Premium Liferaft Services have been in business for over 25 years providing top quality safety equipment for hire to the leisure & commercial marine industry.

RORC: The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) was founded in 1925 after a race to the Fastnet rock was organised by a group of boat owners.