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John hopes everyone is making the most of their time on and off the water. He's just got a quick update for you about Plymouth Youth Sailing (PYS).
PYS is all about getting young people in Plymouth involved in sailing. Started in 2001 as a team effort between West Devon Watersports Trust and Plymouth Outdoor Education Centre, it's now an independent club. John’s aim has always been to offer chances for young people to try something new and exciting, whether they’ve had a rough time in school or face other challenges.
John has built up a solid crew at PYS with permanent staff and more than 25 local volunteers. They’re all about adventure and pushing participants to gain leadership skills and personal growth. The club is a recognised high-quality provider, partnering with Plymouth City Council and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) to offer specialised programmes, including those for young folks with special needs.
The community spirit at PYS is something John values deeply. The club works closely with other youth organisations in disadvantaged areas, and they’ve seen some fantastic results. A management committee, including pros from youth and education sectors, volunteers, and young people themselves, keeps everything running smoothly and full of fresh ideas.
Safety and quality are priorities for John and the team. PYS holds certifications like the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Recognised Training Centre status and is part of the RYA Sailability programme, making sailing accessible for those with disabilities. They’ve also got the Adventurous Activity Licence Authority certificate from the Health and Safety Executive and a “good practise” award from Plymouth City Council.
To stay in the loop, John invites you to follow PYS on Facebook. There’s a Closed Group for members and an open page @PlymouthYouthSailing for updates and info. Joining the Closed Group is a great way to get involved and connect with other members.
Catch you on the water!