The Edmiston Foundation – 2024 in review

In order to achieve our ambitious goals, Edmiston has partnered with the UKSA and the Conservation Collective, where we provide critical funding and support in our mission to make a real difference within the maritime industry.

This report outlines the initiatives we have supported throughout 2024 and the successes of our partnerships.

Edmiston & The UKSA

The United Kingdom Sailing Academy – UKSA was established to provide opportunities for young people to broaden their horizons through life enhancing water-based adventures, education and training for careers at sea. Their foundation removes financial and social barriers by providing funding so that everyone from all walks of life can access their programmes.

This year we have been able to expand our reach and provide life-enhancing opportunities to more young people than ever before.

Leave No Child Behind

In 2024, the Edmiston Foundation enabled 120 children to participate in water-based adventures at UKSA through their Leave No Child Behind fund. This vital funding helps the UKSA cover the cost of delivering their programmes and also provides financial support for travel when needed, breaking down barriers for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Additionally, it helps supply essential items for children and young people who may arrive without them. These include swimwear, sunscreen, hats, hygiene products, and other toiletries. Through this funding, we can help ensure that every child feels prepared and supported, allowing them to focus on gaining confidence, learning new skills, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

“The children loved the games that they played whilst on the water. They also loved feeling a sense of achievement and realising that they were able to do things that they never thought possible. Lots of children commented on how they loved the independence of the activities, with a standout moment being when they were dinghy sailing and the fact that they could sail unaccompanied. I’ve seen confidence build and improvement in communication skills from many children, particularly from students with special education needs and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.”- Ruby Tennant, Year 6 teacher at Hartley Primary

Sea.Change Foundation Programme

This year, the Edmiston Foundation enabled over 160 children to participate in the UKSA’s Sea.Change Foundation programme. This programme is designed to equip young people with essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives, whether they pursue careers in the maritime industry or other fields. The programme combines practical water-based activities with classroom sessions, allowing participants to build confidence, develop resilience, and improve teamwork and communication.

By the end of this course, 75% reported a greater understanding of the maritime industry with a further 55% expressing a keen interest in exploring UKSA’s maritime pathways further.

“Before coming here, I didn’t think I was good at anything. I was so nervous about trying something new, but the instructors helped me believe in myself. Now, I feel like I can take on anything, and I’m not afraid to fail because I know I can keep learning and improving.” – Daisy Jenkins

Non-repayable Bursaries

With the implementation of non-repayable bursaries, Edmiston has been able to profoundly impact the lives of four exceptional individuals, empowering them to pursue their dreams and access transformative career opportunities within the maritime industry. With this funding, these students have overcome financial and personal challenges to embark on life-changing career pathways, including the Yachtmaster qualification and the prestigious Superyacht Cadetship programme.

“My experience at UKSA has been second to none. It provided me with the opportunity to grow personally while advancing my career prospects in the yachting industry. Through sailing on sea phases, reviewing course content, and learning new insights about the field both in class and around my environment at UKSA, I gained valuable knowledge and confidence that will support me as I step into this exciting industry. This experience also helped me develop in areas I hadn’t realised were needing growth.

I am deeply grateful to The Edmiston Foundation for enabling me to attend UKSA, and I now feel ready to embark on my journey with these skills.” – Aaron Farrington

Maritime Apprenticeship & Development Coordinator

The Edmiston Foundation has provided a proportion of the salary for the UKSA’s Industry & Recruitment lead. This pivotal role has been instrumental in providing structured pathways, mentoring, and industry experience to young people, ensuring they are well-equipped to embark on a maritime career. Through this position, the UKSA has been able to strengthen programmes like Sea.Change Foundation, further education, and apprenticeships, inspiring the next generation and addressing critical skills gaps in the industry.

Edmiston & The Conservation Collective

This year marks the third year of our proud partnership with the Conservation Collective, supporting foundations in the Balearics, Greece and the Caribbean. Our work focuses on two key approaches – regenerating natural habitats and protecting native species.

Posidonia Protection

This long-term project aims to improve the data availability on Posidonia meadows in the Ionian islands, identify areas that require immediate intervention and ultimately, drive the designation of protected areas for the preservation of Posidonia and the Mediterranean marine ecosystem.

This year has been heavily focused on education and awareness, with key messaging targeted at explaining the valuable role of Posidonia seagrass and showing how to protect it. This has been achieved through the use of billboards installed at ports and marinas across the Cyclades along with the creation of a Yachting & Environment Guide with tips for a more sustainable yachting experience.

Sustainable Fisheries

With the backing of solid data and engagement within the fishing sector, we aim to enable local fishers, maritime authorities, local businesses and consumers to collaborate on designing effective local sustainable fisheries, in line with global objectives for marine protection.

To date, 38 solar-powered vessel-tracking devices have been installed on artisanal fishers’ boats in Barbados, recording fishing data from 5,569 trips. 64% of all fishers in the Balearics (250 boats) have been engaged in sustainable fishing through workshops focussed on traceability and raising awareness. Additionally, 61 restaurants have committed to the Calant Xarxes Responsible Seafood Manifesto.

Our ultimate aim through our continued support of this initiative is to improve the safety and traceability of small-scale fishers to map the status of Barbados’ fisheries and to contribute to policymaking for Marine Spatial Planning.

Sea Turtle Conservation

This project aims to demonstrate that the value of sea turtles – and wildlife in general – is higher alive than dead and that a stable population of female turtles returning to nest on St Vincent’s beaches every year will bring an array of benefits to the local community.

Through this initiative, 1,845 turtle monitoring patrols have been carried out by 16 trained monitors over 14 beaches in St Vincent. Through this monitoring, 16 leatherback nests, 11 hawksbill nests and 1 green turtle nest and 10 poaching attempts were recorded and avoided during the 2024 season.

Make a donation

To make a donation to the Edmiston Foundation, please get in touch with our team today. To donate directly to the UKSA or the Conservation Collective, please visit their website today.