As you are aware the Royal London runs a Youth Sponsorship Initiative which supports Olympic and World hopefuls but also introduces young people from the Isle of Wight to sailing.

This year we have been supporting Chris Rashley who has been on the 49er World circuit and supporting a number of local youth events enabling a Cowes Sea Cadet to spend a week on the MV John Jerwood, supporting the Island Youth Water Activities (IYWAC) entry on a weeks’ cruise that included the St Malo race and also the IYWAC entry in the ASTO Regatta.

In the coming year we would like to continue to support Olympic and World hopefuls, increase our support for introducing local youngsters to sailing and to enable those we have already funded to progress and gain some qualifications which in turn may well help others. A further target is to provide for disabled Island children to experience crewing aboard the Lord Nelson or Tenacious.

Financing for these very worthwhile projects comes from the RLYC Youth Fund which relies partly on the proceeds of the annual Charity Auction held after the Laying Up Dinner, the auction lots being generously donated by Members and bid for again, most generously, by Members. Additionally the Fund receives direct donations from Members for which the Club is most appreciative.

The 2009 Youth Fund Charity Auction will take place after the Laying Up Supper on the 17th October

We have superb Auction Lots, ranging from a day for 12 on Viking, Peter Harrison’s lovely 70’ motor yacht (an ideal corporate event or an experience for 12 Members who may like to make up a bid), a delightful Frank Jacobs framed watercolour donated by Mark Fear of Kendalls Fine Art, a Champagne and Seafood day out for 6 on motor yacht Quayline II courtesy of Vicki Wyatt; drinks and lunch for 4 aboard Matchless, a Swordsman 30 reminiscent in design of 1960s & 70s offshore power boat racing days courtesy of David Gower, a night at Covent Garden for two from Bob Milner, a basket of goodies from Normandy from the Commodore, 100 minutes Thai massage at the Bijoux Medi Spa, Belgravia kindly donated by Dr Elisabeth Dancey, magnum of champagne, cases of wine, single malt whisky, a very special Christmas pudding and Cake and much, much more. We are most grateful to all who have contributed.

Please do support the Club Youth Initiative by bidding generously but if you are not able to attend your bid may be left with the Secretary or you may wish to nominate another Member to bid on your behalf.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday and may I thank you once again for your support.

Peter Taylor Chairman of Sailing