Oyster Yachts' Bursary programme: From yacht building to building a lifelong love of watersports

Oyster 565 © Brian Carlin

Oyster Yachts builds the world's finest sailing yachts and the company has launched a scheme to help build a new generation of watersports enthusiasts.

This exciting new initiative aims to encourage more young people onto the water and build a lifelong love of water activities and sailing.

Deputy Chief Executive Becky Bridgen says, "Many of the team working at Oyster started here because of their love of the water, and of sailing and watersports in general. Now we want to encourage them to encourage the future generation - whether it's their own children, nieces and nephews, or godchildren - and enable them to have their watersports experiences supported by Oyster Yachts."

The company-wide bursary scheme is open for applications from all employees. The recipient of the award must be under 18 and, dependent on the merits of the application, up to £1000 per person may be awarded to each individual.

"Whether it's helping to fund their very first sail in a dinghy; a taster session on a SUP; or maybe helping a young person gain their instructors certificate to teach watersports or achieve their RYA Yachtmaster to sail around the world, we'd like to help these young people get onto the water and see them grow into a lifetime love of watersports," says Becky.

The first applications have already been received from amongst the 450 staff employed by Oyster at its sites in Wroxham, Ipswich, Hythe and Southampton. Awards will be announced at the end of July coinciding with the holiday period, ensuring recipients can benefit from the bursary over the summer months.