In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where unemployment among young people aged 15 to 24 stands at a staggering 41%—with a national average of 21%—there's a dire need for initiatives that can provide these youths with practical expertise, confidence, respect, and life skills. The rich maritime culture of the islands, once thriving, has seen a decline, with traditional boating skills nearly lost over two generations.
Enter the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association (SVGSA), a beacon of hope, aiming to reignite the love for sailing across the islands. Established in 2018, SVGSA has been instrumental in rekindling an interest in sailing, not just for fun but also for vocational training and competitive sports.
Sailing is more than a sport; it's a way of life that fosters discipline, teamwork, and resilience. In a country with a burgeoning Blue Economy, the demand for highly skilled, marine-savvy employees is on the rise. SVGSA’s programs are designed to equip young Vincentians with the skills needed to tap into lucrative opportunities within the yacht charter industry and beyond.
Fun: Our sailing camps bring joy to hundreds of children across the islands, even amidst challenges like volcanic eruptions and hurricanes. These camps aren't just about learning to sail; they're about building community and preserving a cultural heritage.
Vocation: Programs like our yacht charter industry internship prepare young people for roles in customer interaction, yacht maintenance, and crew responsibilities. Our collaboration with World Sailing has even helped many teenage sailors become certified coaches.
Competition: With the likes of Scarlett Hadley and Isaiah Blackett making international headlines, SVGSA’s competitive edge is undeniable. Yet, we face a major hurdle: a severe shortage of boats and equipment, many of which are on their second or third life.
This is where you come in. We are reaching out to sailors and sailing clubs who share our passion for the sea. Your unused or neglected boats could breathe new life into our programs. In 2023, thanks to the initiative of UK sailor Guy Noble and the support of Queen Mary Sailing Club, Rooster, SailingFast, ILCA Direct, and Kestrel Shipping, we received a shipment of preloved ILCA hulls that significantly boosted our capacity. The government of SVG, a strong advocate for our cause, waived import duties, further enabling our mission.
We're gearing up for our next shipment in February 2025, and we're calling on the global sailing community to help. We seek:
Your contribution could transform lives, giving young people a chance to learn, compete, and work in the marine industry. It’s not just about donating boats; it's about investing in the future of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Together, let’s keep the spirit of sailing alive and thriving in these beautiful islands. Be a part of this meaningful journey—because the sea, after all, belongs to everyone.
Contact SVGSA today to make your donation or to learn more about how you can help.
Editor's note: The RYA has links with a number of developing countries or charitable projects abroad that are often in need of donated second-hand dinghies and other equipment, so if any club/class wishes to be involved, please feel free to get in contact with the RYA on sportdevelopment@rya.org.uk. We will forward any offers of support onto the boat repurposing projects, to discuss further.