Always on
This project successfully funded on 31st January 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Saftey Boat upgrade for safe and fun sailing.
Ilfracombe, United Kingdom
Aim
With growing numbers sailing each week, our safety boat is no longer fit for purpose. Safety is our priority for both sailors and volunteers
Who are we?
We are a volunteer-run youth sailing project with a great team of people who have used their own time and money to become RYA qualified and first aid trained to give the youth of Ilfracombe and the surrounding areas the chance to learn to sail in a safe and affordable environment. We have been running for 14 years, and our numbers are growing year on year, with us seeing over twenty young people each week this season. We are proud to say that our 3 RYA dinghy sailing instructors are all young people who have begun their sailing journey with Y Sail, with one of them actually working in the sailing industry.
It is a joy on a Wednesday evening to see up to 9 small sailing boats and 20 laughing and smiling children enjoying what the Devon coastline has to offer them. Fresh air, new skills, teamwork and opportunities for the future.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are crowdfunding in the hopes of raising some money to replace our very tired safety boat. We were lucky enough to acquire the current boat second-hand when we started up 14 years ago, but with wear and tear and our fast-growing numbers, it is no longer fit for purpose, and as we take safety as our utmost priority, we would love to be able to update her.
How we’ll spend the money raised
The money raised here will go towards a new boat and engine package that will hopefully see us well into the future, so that we can continue to grow and offer more young people the opportunity for safe and fun sailing
Community impact
Giving young people a place where they can safely learn new skills and a love of the sea is helping to keep the future of harbours like Ilfracombe alive and vibrant. Hopefully, some of our young sailors will go on to have yachts in the harbour and find work in the marine industry and failing that, just learn to have a love and respect for the sea and the environment around them.
How can you play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout-out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
Sport England - Movement Fund has provided £3,500 of match funding
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made