Digicel Sponsors Four Opti Sailing Boats

November 30, 2011

Digicel Bermuda announced its sponsorship of four Opti Sailing boats for the Waterwise Sailing Programme, which is held at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC).

The RBYC selected a dedicated team of knowledgeable sailors including Tom Herbert-Evans, who is a fully Royal Yachting Association qualified coach with specific experience in approaching schools and encouraging kids to try sailing, to the full-time role of Sailing Director.

Mr Herbert-Evans has teamed up with Paul Doughty, forming a team that can focus on what is important for the kids, whilst at the same time using Mr Doughty’s  local knowledge to reach into the Government schools to provide a world class opportunity for the kids.

During the announcement of the sponsorship, Minister of Youth Affairs, Family and Community Glenn Blakeney made an appearance. He commended the coaching staff for reaching out to the youth of Bermuda and inviting them to try a sport that previously they may not have considered.

RBYC Commodore Peter Shrubb said “Over 400 young sailors have come to the RBYC in the past 12 months to try their hand at sailing and many have loved it and continue to learn the sport.”

In fact, Digicel Bermuda CEO, Wayne Caines, was once a part of this sailing programme, which was a life changing experience for him 30 years ago. He states, “I am honoured and humbled to be a part of this initiative. Often, lower income families cannot afford to send their children to this program due to the cost and, subsequently, their sailing training has to be subsidized. We have jumped in to help; as a result, several Bermudian children will be able to participate in this life changing endeavor.”

As this program can be very costly, making it difficult for children to continue participating in this program on a long-term basis, Digicel Bermuda has sponsored four sailing boats to be used for the Waterwise Sailing Programme. This great partnership will assist in subsidizing the cost for kids that have a passion for this sport and would like to become experienced sailors who may compete on an international level.

As a result of this programme and the coaches mentoring Bermuda’s up and coming sailors, Maki Joell will represent Bermuda at the Optimist World Championships in New Zealand from December 30th, 2011, to January 10th, 2012.

Paul Doughty said, “Makai is an example of what Bermuda’s youth can achieve given the right support and mentoring on their path to becoming one of the best in the world. We are thrilled that Digicel Bermuda has helped RBYC give our sailors the assistance they need.”

Shane McDonnell, Sales Director at Digicel Bermuda, said, “I am very pleased Digicel can continue to build a relationship and give support to the RBYC after assisting with the Cabbage Patch Sailboat Charity Regatta. I hope we can continue to support in the future and many children get to avail of these newly supplied boats.”

For more information about the Waterwise Program, please contact the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club at sailingdirector@rbyc.bm, by calling 294-6716 or by visiting www.rbyc.bm.

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