Hand Picked Hotels will help bring sailing to more children, young people and adults of all abilities on Guernsey through its three-year title sponsorship of the Guernsey Sailing Trust.
Since being established in 1988, the Trust has enabled more than 29,000 school children to experience sailing, windsurfing and power boating, ensuring all activities are inclusive for all sailor’s abilities.
This partnership will contribute towards the development of summer courses for those who wish to take on a new challenge outside of school and encourage more people to develop a passion for this wonderful sport.
Integral to the success of the club is maintaining enough funding to keep on top of general running costs, including staff training, boat maintenance and safety equipment, all of which will be supported by Hand Picked Hotels.
Through the partnership, guests of Fermain Valley Hotel and St Pierre Park Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort will soon be able to book memorable sailing experiences with the Trust to take full advantage of Guernsey’s beautiful coastline.
Hand Picked Hotels’ sponsorship reflects its commitment to supporting local sport and enriching the wider community, with a focus on encouraging people of all ages to stay active and engaged in ways that support both physical and mental wellbeing.
Julia Hands, Chairman of Hand Picked Hotels, said: “Our local sporting community is like no other, and the life-changing impact that sports and outdoor activities can have on people’s lives is why we are such avid supporters of local charities and initiatives like the Guernsey Sailing Trust. By encouraging children to participate in sailing from a young age, they’re not only learning valuable new skills, but enjoying the benefits that an active lifestyle brings.
“We are proud to be partnering with the Guernsey Sailing Trust for the next three-years, a sponsorship that will enable a long-loved charity to continue its fantastic work.”
Sarah Creasey, Principal of the Guernsey Sailing Trust, said: “Learning to sail is a valuable experience, however it also develops independence, resilience, leadership and inter-personal skills. The young people and adults that visit the Trust can also work towards RYA qualifications often resulting in future employment. We are immensely grateful to Hand Picked Hotels for choosing to support the Trust in providing these opportunities through schools, community groups and affordable courses.”
The Guernsey Sailing Trust has an ongoing research programme with Primary Schools, in 2024 it found that:
- 84% of children felt more confident around water;
- 94% felt they had developed their team working skills;
- 87% would like to go sailing again;
- 82% felt confident to try another new activity following their session with us.
- In contrast, only 67% felt confident about trying something new before sailing with us.
