Youth maritime charity UKSA has released its annual impact report, which reveals record figures for the charity for its 2022-23 year.

Isle of Wight-based UKSA reported 10,590 beneficiaries during 2022, with 33 per cent of those funded by UKSA, as it continues its mission to ensure there are no financial or social barriers to young people being able to take part in life-enhancing water-based experiences.

UKSA’s Sea.Change Foundation programme, a five-day residential aimed at 14–17-year-olds, welcomed nearly 300 beneficiaries in the 2022-23 year, with 18 of those going on to join its two-year Further Education programmes. As part of its professional training designed for students over 18 who would like a career in watersports, yachting or superyachts, it reported a 97 per cent pass rate for its careers students in 2022.

A record 72 Further Education students were enrolled at UKSA at the start of the 2022 programme,  with a 99 per cent success rate for those graduating at the end of the year and 98 per cent of year one students returning for year two.

Working with maritime employers, UKSA welcomed 12 apprentices aged 25 and under to start a two-year programme with the opportunity of full-time employment following successful completion.

During the 2022-23 period, UKSA welcomed 6,498 schools and groups, enabling young people to experience the importance of outdoor learning and out-of-classroom experiences. Forty per cent of those were fully funded as part of 28 residential school visits. UKSA reported a significant improvement in self-belief which was shared as part of the charity’s Skills for Life assessment. This includes communication, decision-making, participation, self-belief, determination and resilience.

“We are truly grateful for the funding which allowed us to bring 43 children to UKSA,” says Sally Hodgson, headteacher at Beacon View Primary School in Portsmouth, which attended UKSA for five days.

“Our families would not have been able to afford the trip without this sponsorship, as some would have had to choose between food, heating and the trip. We have seen our children present more focus, increased positive attitudes and a big increase in self-worth.“

Ben Willows, UKSA CEO, comments: “I’m really pleased to be able to share our latest impact report, which highlights not only some really positive statistics, but also shares some of the stories and positive changes we have had on so many lives. The continued support of our donors and supporters is vital in us being able to continue to transform so many lives, and for that we are so grateful.”

Earlier this year (April 2023), UKSA reported an 85 per cent increase in the number of women undertaking its Superyacht Cadetship from 2022 to 2023, in a trend that sees a positive shift towards increased diversity in the sector.

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