Dick Lloyd (1&4 South, 1949-1953) formed his charity, The Island Trust, 43 years ago, to enable disadvantaged young people to enjoy the benefits of sailing to help with their personal development, confidence and motivation. In recent years it has concentrated on ‘big boat’ sailing.
The charity works particularly with young people from inner city areas, those with special educational needs/disability and many who suffer poverty or deprivation and may be vulnerable or marginalised.
The Island Trust transforms lives through residential sail training on board its fleet of three traditional gaff rigged sailing vessels – Pegasus, Moosk, and Tectona – beautiful wooden, Tall Ship type boats that look magnificent under sail and demand teamwork from the young crew. The youngsters who sail with the charity, over 500 annually, would not ordinarily be able to access sailing due to a variety of reasons, but primarily low family income or difficult social/personal circumstances. With the support of well qualified sea staff, they achieve so much more than they (or others) thought themselves capable of.
Dick met his wife whilst sailing a traditional boat 50 years ago and together they have been running this charity, and Dick has been extolling the virtues of this type of activity ever since.
The boats are based in Plymouth and more information can be found at www.theislandtrust.org.uk. Urgent repairs to the oldest boat in their fleet of three has left a dent in finances and if you are able to contribute to this most worthy of causes, you would be assured of making a difference to deserving young lives (and of keeping Dick off the streets) for the foreseeable future. There are plans to add to the fleet and a boat has been identified but major funding is required.