The
Centre
‘ A Charity Changing Peoples Live's Through Sailing ’
Our Patron
Our Patron is Tracy Edwards MBE, the round the world yachtswoman. Tracy with her boat 'Maiden Great Britain' skippered the first all-female crew to race around the world and she fully appreciates and understands the benefits that can come from participation in sport, and sailing in particular.
"I was asked to become patron of The AHOY Centre when the charity was first started. After meeting with everyone and hearing their ideas and plans to turn an area of wasteland into a sailing centre for disadvantaged and disabled people, I was so impressed with the commitment, motivation and focus behind the project that I signed up straight away! AHOY is the only charity I have been involved with from day one and it has had a huge effect on how I see my involvement with young people and being a Patron. I watched as the footings were dug and the foundations went in. I watched the fundraising and gathering of equipment. I marvelled at the achievement of every single milestone that the Centre has set.
Unfortunately, I missed a vital couple of years whilst my daughter and I were in the Middle East but when we got back, we were invited to the New Year's Party on The Cutty Sark and that gave us the opportunity to catch up with everyone and also find out what had been happening. What had been happening was amazing! HRH The Princess Royal was just about to open the new lift and there were dinghys galore at the Centre.
The past two years have been extremely difficult for my daughter and I, and being welcomed back with open arms by everyone at The AHOY Centre has made this year brighter than it might have been. I also feel I have made some new friends with the same passion for passing on the joys and benefits of sailing.
I look forward with enthusiasm to becoming much more involved with The AHOY Centre in any way that may help, and to making some more new friends. However, I will be careful not to let Sarah persuade me to do any more 22 mile rowing races!!"
Tracy Edwards MBE
Through her own motivational organisation, Tracy 's philosophy is the belief that the lessons learnt in sport and adventure activities can be translated into leadership and team building in other areas of life, including the workplace. (For more see www.tracyedwards.com.)
