Nominations need for MDL Sail Training Awards

NOMINATIONS NEEDED FOR MARINA DEVELOPMENTS’ SAIL TRAINING AWARDS

For the thirteenth consecutive year, Marina Developments Ltd (MDL), the UK’s leading marina operator is seeking nominations for five deserving young people from around the UK to experience a week’s adventure on a sail training ship. The MDL Sail Training Awards are given annually to the most deserving and inspirational young people in the areas in which the MDL operates. Past winners have included youngsters who, despite some physical or mental difficulty, have achieved much; youngsters involved in voluntary work, those who have never had the chance to travel abroad, those with added family responsibilities.

MDL’s Managing Director, Mike Tufnell explains: “Over the twelve years of this successful scheme, the winners of these Awards have shown exceptional qualities as young people both in their homes and community. We are now appealing to those in regular contact with young people to write to us with their nominations. For example, guide or scout leaders, youth group leaders, teachers, family friends or employers can help ensure that these Awards go to the most deserving candidates.”

Those nominated need to be between the ages of 12 and 18 and the award winners will spend approximately one week sailing on board one of the yachts operated by the Ocean Youth Club (OYT). During their trip they will learn to work as a team and become involved in all aspects of life on board including hoisting sails, helping with maintenance, sailing the boat at night and even cooking and cleaning for the rest of the crew!

Nominations can be put forward by anyone apart from parents, guardians or close family. Five awards will be presented in the year 2001 in the South West, Dorset, Solent, Thames Valley and East Coast regions.

As one of several initiatives during the year 2000 -– MDL’s Year of Youth – MDL has sponsored 12 youngsters and thus make up a full crew aboard one of the Ocean Youth Trust yachts. The lucky twelve selected will set off sailing in July this year aboard the 80 ft yacht, “Greater Manchester Challenge.”

The 2001 Award winners will be announced later this year and will be presented with their Awards at a ceremony in September at Southampton Boat Show. The deadline for nominations is 31st May 2000.

Please send your nominations, in confidence to:

Jane Vigar, Marina Developments Ltd, Outlook House, Hamble Point, School Lane, Hamble, Southampton SO31 4NB
Or visit the website: www.marinas.co.uk