Performance Bursary Awards for two young Felpham sailors

Josie Kelly and Finn Geri, both 15 and from Felpham, are keen racing sailors and each received a cash award to help them with their progression and development.

Josie has a Laser 4.7 (ILCA4) dinghy and has taken part in regional training group from autumn through to spring at events in Weymouth and North Wales.

Finn is now nearly too big for his Topper dinghy but he has been involved in the South East Topper Squad Regional Training Group and taken part in many events including those at Downs Sailing Club (SC), Island Barn SC and Draycote. Finn is now looking to sell his Topper and move up to a Laser (ILCA).

The awards were presented by Roger Belton (RYA Area Representative for West Sussex) at the recent annual prizegiving at Felpham SC.

On receiving her award Josie said: “I have put half of the grant towards a weekend of UKLA open training which is some of the highest level training available. This will help me progress in the ILCA. The other half will go towards re-kitting out my boat to help me race to the best of my abilities.”

Finn said: “I used the bursary to buy some new boots as summer is coming up soon, and also a wetsuit as earlier in the winter the cold has really gotten to me. The remaining money I hope to put towards a new boat for next season!”

Roger Belton added: “Josie and Finn are outstanding competitors and really enjoy the sport. At a time of escalating costs these bursary awards are extremely welcome and provide great encouragement for both young sailors and their parents. Both have gained great experiences and met some wonderful friends as they have travelled around the country, training and competing.

“Both are also heavily involved in training and race coaching at Felpham, most recently just before Easter as they organised the rigging of the new ILCA fleet purchased with grant aid from the John Merricks Sailing Trust, and then going on to deliver race coaching to Felpham cadets in these new high performance dinghies. Big thank you to the YTF for these generous awards.”

The YTF is a charity supporting youth sailing. Through income from hire fleets they are able to award a number of performance and coaching bursaries to encourage young talent across the region. In return for receiving the awards the young people are expected to spend time encouraging others in their home club in racing development.

For more information please visit YTF bursaries and Felpham Sailing Club

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