Learning about and taking part in nautical activities is a hugely rewarding experience. Participants can learn valuable skills that not only help them in their chosen pursuit but in everyday life. However, these activities can also be expensive, meaning they are not available to all sectors of society. Through structured funding programmes, the Set Sail Trust aims to increase participation by those who might normally be excluded for financial reasons.
Land-based sports and activities are well supported in Guernsey and enjoy high levels of participation. We would like to see the same happen for marine-based activities. To achieve this, schools and clubs need support. There are financial constraints to be overcome and logistical issues to be addressed. The Set Sail Trust can help with these and help develop programmes that get young people involved in extremely rewarding pastimes.
Guernsey has a rich and varied nautical heritage and yet much of it is not widely appreciated. Much of St Peter Port as we see it today was built on the back of profits from marine trade and privateering, and a large number of the local population used to make their living from the sea. The Set Sail trust aims to help to raise public appreciation, both locally and further afield, of our rich maritime history.