Board award for young Docklands sailor

Aarian Rexha of Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre (DSWC), London, is one of 14 youngsters from across the UK who have been given a huge boost in their sailing and windsurfing ambitions by being awarded their own boats and boards donated by the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST). Aarian, selected from over 50 nominations, receives a Bic Techno windsurfer.

Launched in 2013, the partnership through RYA OnBoard supports youngsters who display enthusiasm, drive, talent and commitment to the sport and who may not ordinarily have the opportunity or financial backing to achieve their goals.

On hearing of the award Aarian said: “Firstly, I would like to thank JMST for providing me with this board and supporting me on my windsurfing journey. I cannot express my gratitude enough, as this means the world to me now that I have my own kit.

“Having my own board means that I can practice more regularly and effectively and this I know will improve my overall performance when competing in competitions and bring me closer to achieving my dream of becoming a professional windsurfer.

“When I found out that I had been selected, I was over the moon and I still cannot believe just how lucky I am. I am extremely thankful and grateful to DSWC, James Hardy and the JMST for helping me turn my dreams into reality.”

James Hardy, Senior Watersports Instructor at DSWC, added: "It was fantastic news for Aarian and the centre. He has so much commitment, drive and passion for windsurfing, this kit will take him a long way on his windsurfing journey. Aarian's success will inspire others and his kit will create a legacy at the centre to help other junior windsurfers into the RYA pathway. This is a whole lot more than just kit to Aarian and the centre."

As OnBoard's official charity partner, JMST has donated over £300,000 worth of funding through the scheme. Each year, at least one young sailor is selected from each of the ten RYA regions and Home Countries to receive two years of exclusive use of the boat or board. The equipment is then be donated to the sailor’s original club or training centre to benefit club training programmes and enable other young sailors to benefit in the future and progress into club, regional and national racing activities.

The JMST seeks to help young sailors and youth sailing organisations to achieve their goals and was set up in the memory of 1996 Olympic silver medallist, John Merricks. Recently, JMST announced their intention to dissolve the charity. The remaining funds will be applied to a purpose that will continue to honour the memory of John Merricks, and the Trust’s residual funds will be gifted to one of more organisations that can provide a legacy that will continue the Trust’s objective to help young people achieve their potential through the sport of sailing.

Despite this news, the JMST and OnBoard partnership will continue for another two years.

Hannah Cockle, RYA OnBoard Operations Officer, said: "We cannot thank JMST enough for continuing to support the programme. From the many success stories and updates that we receive here at the RYA from past recipients, I know that the scheme makes a huge difference to the recipients and their future lives on the water.”

Details on how to apply for the 2022 JMST and OnBoard partnership will be issued soon.

Run by the RYA, OnBoard is a grass roots programme which introduces sailing and windsurfing to young people aged 8 to 18, through schools, youth groups and training centres. The low cost sessions are designed to promote equal access to sailing for young people from all social and economic backgrounds, whilst encouraging their character development. For more information about how to get involved in sailing with OnBoard

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