Cowes based, UKSA- the youth charity that uses the power of the sea to transform the lives of thousands of young people each year- has celebrated its 30 th anniversary at Trinity House in London, with UKSA Charity Patron HRH Princess Royal as guest of honour.
As Charity Patron HRH Princess Royal was very complimentary of the waterfront centre in Cowes: “UKSA helps fulfil a whole range of skills we need in the maritime sector. There is something really inspiring about the place, and the opportunity that it offers young people.”
This event saw nearly 200 people in attendance, including the charity’s supporters, trustees, ambassadors and past students and the 30th anniversary of the charity also coincides with the 150,000th student being welcomed through the doors at UKSA. UKSA’s CEO Ben Willows said: “This is a momentous achievement for everyone involved with UKSA, from our dedicated staff, to our delivery partners and supporters, to our students. I would like to thank each of you for your continued support over the last 30 years as we have evolved from a centre offering dinghy courses to 1,500 children each year to a becoming the UK’s leading maritime training centre and transforming the lives of more young people than ever.”
The celebratory event was hosted at Trinity House, home of the organisation dedicated to safeguarding shipping seafarers, and who have a long-term partnership with UKSA to offer financial support for maritime training. In addition, Aberdeen Standard Investments, a long-standing supporter of UKSA, lent their support by sponsoring the evening’s festivities.
Aberdeen Standard Investments Global Head of Distribution Campbell Fleming said: “Since being founded in 1987 by Noel and Sylvia Lister, UKSA has not only inspired young people to get into sailing, it has transformed young people’s lives, so we’re delighted to be able to support their 30th anniversary celebration. We are proud to see the results from our support of UKSA and are pleased to have played a small part in changing lives – giving people new aspirations through the power of the sea.”
UKSA not only celebrated the 30th anniversary, but also launched their ambitious capital investment programme plans at the event. These plans will help more young people transform their lives at UKSA, thanks to improved accommodation and facilities for the 10,000 people that come through their doors each year.