Martha's new boat

Published 14:56 on 4 Dec 2021

Eight-year-old Martha Sargeant, a junior member of Ullswater Yacht Club, is on the crest of a wave after being awarded exclusive use of a new boat of her own for two years. Martha, who lives in Penrith, will soon be able to go sailing in her own RS Tera single-handed dinghy funded by the charity the John Merricks Sailing Trust and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) OnBoard Scheme.
The club nominated Martha and it has just been announced that she is one of 12 budding young sailors from all over the country to benefit from the scheme to help youngsters who display enthusiasm, drive, talent and commitment to the sport and who may not ordinarily have the opportunity or financial backing to achieve their goals. She will have exclusive use of the RS Tera, a popular junior class at UYC. After two years the boat will go to the club for other sailors to continue to benefit from in the future.
Martha, her mum Kate and brother George, six, joined UYC in the summer of 2020 as the club came out of lockdown. "They quickly became part of the 'UYC family', involved in lots of activities," said UYC Sailing Manager Edmund Clarke. "Martha has thrived in her sailing and in just one year took part in the North Region British Youth Championships this September at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club. Martha is striving to become a keen and competitive racer.
Delighted mum Kate, who is also learning to sail, said: "This will give Martha the most amazing opportunity to improve her sailing and I am so excited to see her gain more independence on the water. Being a member at Ullswater Yacht Club and learning to sail has had such a positive impact on Martha in so many ways. Her confidence has grown and being part of a team is a great learning opportunity.
"But seeing her happy and having so much fun on and off the water is the best part. The encouragement and support that the Youth & Juniors receive at the club is amazing so thank you to UYC for her nomination, to the RYA OnBoard Scheme for selecting her and to the John Merricks Sailing Trust for the funding.
Martha, a pupil at North Lakes School in Penrith, is thrilled at the news that she will have her own boat. "Sailing on Ullswater with my friends is my absolute favourite thing to do. I'm so excited to have my own boat to use so now I can improve my sailing, learn to race and hopefully go to events."
- Sue Giles

Last updated 19:16 on 15 April 2024