Digicel Sponsors RBYC Sailing Programme
Digicel Bermuda today [Dec. 17] announced its partnership with the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Sailing Academy. The Sailing Academy is focused on providing young Bermudians with the opportunity to develop essential skills in the sport of sailing and has seen huge growth within its first year such that the 2010 Nationals saw three Royal Bermuda Yacht Club participants, while this year’s Nationals saw approximately fifty.
In November 2011, Digicel approached the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club to form the Digicel Squad, which enabled five local juniors the ability to explore their sailing potential.
“Sailing is a high equipment cost sport yet instills ownership and responsibility amongst participants,” states Wayne Caines CEO of Digicel Bermuda [pictured]. “We are pleased to hold such a vital role in an initiative that aims to not only deliver a superior sailing product in Bermuda, but also encourages key attributes for success in life. Digicel Bermuda has committed to support a three year programme with The Sailing Academy and looks forward to sharing the successes of Bermuda’s upcoming sailors.”
“Though still in its first year, the progress and success of this programme is encouraging,” adds Digicel Sales Director, Shane McDonnell, “We are delighted to take this project one step further and shape a sustainable programme for young Bermudians interested in benefiting from this rewarding sport.”
“Our sole focus last year was to provide worthwhile opportunities to young Bermudians and have them take to the water and give it a go,” notes Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Director of Sailing, Thomas Herbert-Evans. “However, this initiative has not only exceeded our expectations, but has helped introduce and advance new sailors such as Makai Joell, who came in “green” and has already moved up from junior to youth and is now sailing in the laser class. Digicel’s support will undoubtedly set a clear Olympic pathway for local athletes.”
“The speed at which the Bermuda Optimist Fleet is growing and improving is unprecedented,” adds Ben Nicholls, Royal Bermuda Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Committee Chair. “Digicel is providing unique and much needed support for these youngsters who need to compete in major overseas regattas if they are to go on to represent Bermuda on the world stage for years to come.
@The hard work starts now and through developing the younger sailors, the success will progress on to the top as the kids mature. Digicel Squad Members Tre and Taj Maxwell, Micah Thomas-Rayor, Nasojay and Nasojah Hall are shining examples of how the opportunity given by Digicel can help progress a sailor’s development and move them towards following in Makai Joell’s footsteps.”
The Digicel Squad is travelling to Miami after Christmas to compete in the Orange Bowl Regatta. “It will be a huge learning curve for these youngsters, as they are used to racing 20 boats not 300,” states Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Coach, Paul Doughty. “These kids are progressing really well and will come back from the Orange Bowl with significant experience gained. I turned 60 years old last month and this is one of the most inspirational projects I have seen in sailing or any other sport, for that matter. This is great news for Bermuda sailing and let’s hope going forward we can ensure a long term programme whereby every individual on this island at least gets the opportunity to participate and then reach their full potential.”
Earlier this year, the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club became one of the only Royal Yachting Association training centres in the Americas and with the blessing of Dame Jennifer Smith are now in full swing. If you are interested in participating in the courses available at The Sailing Academy or would like further details regarding the Digicel Squad please contact the Sailing Office at 294-6716 or via email sailingoffice@rbyc.bm
After 11 years of operation, Digicel Group Limited has over 11 million customers across its 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.
Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Cup. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team.
Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Jamaica, Haiti and Papua New Guinea which focus on educational, cultural and social development programs.
Digicel is incorporated in Bermuda and its markets comprise: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Tonga.
Well Done to all of you wishing you the best for the Orange Bowl in Miami Guys do your best. Thank you Digicel for giving these young boys this great opportunity to sail and I know they all are loving it.
thank you so much for the opportunity you have giving to Jay n Jah . ive seen a big change in this short time and i feel blessed they got a chance at doing something to represent thier country .thank you soooooo much again ….
\ their proud mom!
This is great, hopefully it will encourage more young people to get involved with sailing.