Sunsail’s Funding the Future Initiative 2026

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Support Your Sailing Club and Win Up To £6,000!

Welcome to Sunsail’s Funding the Future initiative!

We’re thrilled to announce the return of the esteemed Funding the Future initiative back for a 3rd year, dedicated to supporting sailing and yacht clubs across the UK.

This initiative aims to provide essential financial resources to clubs, to be used to enhance facilities, invest in equipment, develop innovative programs, and cultivate the next generation of sailors.

What is Funding the Future

Funding the Future is a prestigious competition giving RYA affiliated sailing and yacht clubs and sailing charities the chance to secure up to £6,000 in funding.

After a hugely successful 2 years the Funding the Future is back for a 3rd year, the initiative offers a grand prize of £6,000 for the overall winner, alongside £2,000 awards for two remarkable runners-up. Deadline 22 May 2026

Terms and conditions apply.

How To Enter

Who can apply?

Any RYA affiliated sailing or yacht club based in the United Kingdom can apply. If your club could benefit from funding, all you need to do is submit your entry telling us what you would spend the money on and why your club deserves to win. Be sure to include as much detail as you can to ensure our judges give your application the attention it deserves. 

Only one entry allowed per sailing club. 

Create Your Application

To enter, you will need to submit a compelling application, answering five set questions (250 words or fewer per question). Your application should outline your vision for utilising the funding and explain how it will benefit your club. The judges are looking for proposals aimed at improving facilities, purchasing new equipment, boosting membership through innovative programs, establishing youth academies, and for 2026 we want to hear if your club has initiatives to support getting women and girls out on the water. So, show us your club’s creativity and vision for the future of sailing!

Here are some top tips to help you create a successful application:

Understand the Purpose

Clearly showcase how the funding will benefit your club. Whether it’s improving facilities, purchasing new equipment, expanding youth programs, boosting membership or supporting getting women and girls out on the water, demonstrate a clear and specific plan for utilising the funds.

Be Concise and Specific

Stick to the word limit and focus on key points. Provide specific details about your proposed project or initiative, including timelines, budget breakdowns, and expected outcomes.

Show the Impact

Describe the positive impact your club’s project will have on the sailing community. Emphasise how the funding will enhance the overall experience for members and attract new participants.

Demonstrate Innovation

Stand out by showcasing innovative ideas. Share unique approaches to addressing challenges or opportunities within your club. Demonstrate creativity and forward-thinking in your proposal.

Use Clear Language

Ensure your application is easy to understand and free of jargon. Use plain language to communicate your ideas effectively and engage the judges.

Highlight Supporting Women and Girls on getting on the water

If you have initiatives that to support getting women and girls out on the water we want to hear it. Ensure you application talks about what you are currently doing, or looking to do to encourage women and girls out on the water.

Highlight Sustainability

Ensure your application talks about sustainability and how your project will have a positive effect on the environment. Describe initiatives such as reducing carbon footprints, using eco-friendly materials, or promoting sustainable practices. Showing a commitment to sustainability can make your application more compelling.

Be Passionate and Creative

Infuse your application with enthusiasm and passion for sailing. Clearly convey why your club deserves this funding and how it will contribute to the growth of the sport.

Proofread and Edit

Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Ask someone else to review it for clarity and coherence.

Submit you Application on Time

Don’t wait until the last minute to get your entry in! Give yourself ample time to complete the application and ensure it’s submitted before the deadline.

Submit Your Entry

You have until 22 May 2026 to submit your entries online or by post. The winner will be announced on the Sunsail stand at the Southampton Boat Show on 18 September 2026.

For more details on entering the competition or to review the terms and conditions, please read terms and conditions here, or email lucy.castle@thlmarine.com.

Join the conversation

Follow Sunsail on Instagram @sunsailholidays and show your support for this fantastic initiative with #FundingTheFuture.

Meet the Judges

Your submissions will be reviewed by an esteemed panel of judges, including:

• Dee Caffari MBE: Renowned British sailor and Sunsail ambassador.
• Mark Jardine: Editor of Yachts & Yachting Online.
• Gareth Brooke: RYA’s Head of Regions
• Katrina Lawson: Sunsail’s Head of Brand and Acquisitions
• Katy Stickland: Editor of Practical Boat Owner

Important Dates for Your Diary

• Launch for Entries: 21 February 2026
• Deadline For Entries: 22 May 2026.
• Winners Announced: 18 September at Southampton International Boatshow

Get Inspired

2025 winners Otley Sailing Club in West Yorkshire have shared how the £6,000 has impacted their club:

“It’s given us the confidence to expand our schools programme, enabling us to buy new safety equipment and fund instruction. During 2025 we will establish links with other primary schools in Southport, so that step by step the programme will be expanded. There are 18,000 schoolchildren between the ages of 8 and 18 in our community and we want every child to have the opportunity to have a go at the sport we love, taking advantage of the huge benefits of sailing in terms of mental, social and physical wellbeing and personal development”

If you have any questions about the entry process or require any additional information please email us at lucy.castle@thlmarine.com

Good luck!