New support for young sailors announced

Sailing will be more accessible to Guernsey children after the Guernsey Sailing Trust secured a new corporate sponsor.

Garenne Group has chosen to support the trust, which was established in 1988 to enable children from all walks of life to experience and enjoy sailing, to celebrate the launch of its new brand.

‘Since being established, the Guernsey Sailing Trust has allowed over 20,000 school children to experience sailing, windsurfing and power boating.  Each year we aim to increase the number of pupils we see during the school terms, develop new and exciting summer courses, continue to make the sport accessible for those wishing to continue outside of school hours and, most importantly, ensure less abled children and adults are able to experience sailing,’ said Sarah Creasey from the Guernsey Sailing Trust.

‘The sponsorship from the Garenne Group will enable us to work towards reaching these goals.  While many companies are interested in sponsoring smaller, visible items, such as sails and boats, it is much harder for us to find sponsorship to cover the general running costs, such as staff training, boat maintenance and safety equipment, which are absolutely vital.  We are incredibly grateful for the support that the Garenne Group is providing by becoming our corporate sponsor and are excited to be working together.’

Richard Jones, chief financial officer at Garenne Group, said the trust was a fantastic organisation and played a positive role in young people’s lives.

‘The trust’s inclusive approach ensures every child in the Bailiwick has the opportunity to experience the fun and challenges of sailing, learn new skills and build confidence,’ he said.

Mr Jones said the sponsorship celebrated Garenne Group’s new brand identity, which replaces the previous logo of 17 years.

‘Since then, the group has doubled in size and now employs 900 people in Guernsey, Jersey and the UK and the aim of the new brand is to create a visual identity that provides cohesion between the Garenne companies and communicates the strength, professionalism and quality of the group,’ he said.

‘Although the group has grown, we are proud of our Guernsey roots and so wanted to give something back to the island.’