On Friday evening, the National Sailing Academy (NSA) and the Antique Barbuda Yacht and Marina Association (ABYMA) celebrated a successful joint fundraiser hosted by the magnificent sailing yacht Eos. The event, organized by skipper Martin Shairp and his dedicated crew, aimed to support both organizations in their mission to foster skills and opportunities within the marine industry.
The festivities kicked off with a lively fun run that departed from Falmouth Harbour Marina at approximately 4:15 PM. Around 100 enthusiastic crew members and local businesses from various super yachts docked in Falmouth Harbour Marina, Nelson’s Dockyard Marina and the Antigua Yacht Club Marina participated in this spirited event. The participants raced, walked, and ran along the scenic Goat Trail, making their way to Pigeon Point before returning to the marina for a vibrant dock party that began at 6 PM and continued into the evening.
Alison Sly Adams, General Manager of the NSA, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the yachting community, stating, “We are thrilled to announce that a remarkable total of $18,500 was collected to be split between both charities. The generosity of the captains, management companies and crews has been heartwarming, and we are excited about the impact this funding will have.”
The funds raised will be instrumental in advancing the missions of both organizations, as they focus on developing essential training programs that empower young individuals to pursue careers in the lucrative marine industry. By equipping them with the necessary skills, the NSA and the ABYMA are committed to opening doors for the next generation of maritime professionals.
The ABYMA funds will be donated directly to the International Yacht Restoration Scholarship Programme. This programme offers 6-month courses to educate adults in a number of different technical skills including marine systems and engineering. The ABYMA are raising funds to ensure young Antiguans gain access to the programme enabling them to enter the industry with significant technical skills. Representative of the programme, Robert Osborn of the Salty Dawg Rally said, “We bring 80 smaller boats here every year and can see the huge potential to develop more technical skills in Antigua and Barbuda and we are so thankful to you all for your part in making this happen”.
The event would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of several local businesses, including Tide Magazine, Falmouth Harbour Marina, Anchor Concierge & Superyacht Services Ltd, Ondeck Antigua, the National Sailing Academy, 268 Brewery, Riela Yachts, Super yachting Scotland, Papa Zouk, 40 Knots, Indian Summer, Southpoint Antigua, and the Cork and Basket. Their support played a crucial role in making the fundraiser a resounding success.
As the evening unfolded, laughter and camaraderie filled the air, showcasing the strong bonds within the yachting community. The event not only raised funds but also strengthened the connection between the NSA, ABYMA and the crews paving the way for future collaborations aimed at empowering young talent in the marine industry.
Skipper of Eos Martin Shairp said, “It’s important for our wider yachting culture to get involved in the causes at destinations we are so fortunate to visit. Aside from feeling great about raising the money, we all had a lot of fun.”
With the funds raised, both organizations look forward to implementing and supporting their training programs that inspire and equip youth for successful careers on the water.
Photo by: Ed Gifford
Photo by: Ed Gifford
Photo by: Ed Gifford
Photo by: Ed Gifford
