Sponsor cash helps Littlehampton sail club stay afloat

THE fight to save a Littlehampton-based sail training centre received a welcome boost after a much-needed sponsor pledged more than £1,000 a year to help.

The Arun Youth Aqua Centre (AYAC), in Hendon Avenue, has been battling against potential closure after West Sussex County Council slashed the group’s £1,150 funding grant by £600 this year, with a complete withdrawal of funds set for next year.

Now, the directors of the online retail company, Rinkit Ltd, based at the Lineside Industrial Estate, Wick, have agreed to sponsor the AYAC to meet the funding shortfall.

Rinkit’s directors Richard Goss and Rob Lowe decided to back the club after watching a recent training session there.

Richard said: “I am delighted to be sponsoring the AYAC. We value the huge contribution that the centre makes to young people in the area and we look forward to becoming involved in its busy schedule of water sports events over the next year.”

The company has agreed to plough approximately £1,200 of funding per year into the centre, describing its commitment as a “long-term investment”.

Richard added: “We will try to support the club for as long as it takes.

“I know how much fun sailing is but a lot of people in this area won’t get the opportunity to discover it, if the AYAC is forced to close. I also like the way the club is run and how it helps to give youngsters something to do.”

Last month, the centre raised more than £700 during a sponsored sailathon.