The Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) is delighted to welcome Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Kyd KBE, Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, as its new President.
Sir Jerry is a Royal Yachting Association Yachtmaster and a Member of the Royal Yacht Squadron, a Younger Brother of Trinity House, and a Distinguished Fellow of RUSI. He remains passionate about the critical value of youth development and children’s education to maximise their potential, build life skills and enhance their confidence. Sir Jerry was also President of Royal Navy boxing and Navy Ice Sports, both of which are exciting and testing activities to bring out the best in young people. Additionally, he was a regular volunteer skipper taking young naval personnel out for ‘tester’ sails around the Solent and the Channel.
ASTO, the membership organisation for sail training charities in the UK, exists to enable its members to transform lives through adventure at sea by developing life skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience. Last year, more than 11,000 young people and individuals with disabilities and additional needs sailed with its 31 member charities. Young people today face so many challenges in an increasingly hectic world and research from across the sector demonstrates that sail training has proven benefits. Getting outside and being physically active, learning new skills, connecting with others, and taking time out to enjoy the natural world around us, which can all make a lasting difference to mental and physical wellbeing.
Five years on from the Covid-19 pandemic, sail training has a role to play in long-term recovery from the effects of the pandemic and lockdowns. It enables transformation for participants at every level, from individuals honing their leadership skills, broadening their horizons and their understanding of others from different backgrounds. As well as young people who struggle in the classroom discovering that they can shine in a practical, non-academic environment, to individuals finding fun and friendship away from what can be challenging personal situations.
ASTO actively represents its members’ interests through advocacy and regulatory engagement, it also amplifies their voice and shares the impact sail training can have with wider audiences. In addition, the funding it provides through its bursary programme enables member charities to deliver powerful transformation with the beneficiaries they serve. Sir Jerry takes over from Rear Adm John Lang who stepped down earlier this year.
Having been deployed across the world’s oceans, from the Atlantic to the Gulf and Indian Ocean, Sir Jerry has commanded at various ranks in the Royal Navy which later included the role of Commander United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group in 2015, before taking command of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, the largest warship ever constructed for the Royal Navy in May 2016. As Rear Admiral in 2018, he took Command of the UK’s Maritime battlestaffs, before being promoted to Vice Admiral in 2019 and assuming command of all five fighting arms of the Royal Navy as the Fleet Commander. Following this, he undertook a number of shore-based roles centred on the Ministry of Defence in London including three years as the Military Assistant and Deputy Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff.
Sir Jerry said of his new role: “I am delighted and honoured to be taking over as the President of ASTO. As a lifelong sailor myself, I know the amazing work done by ASTO and all the sail training organisations up and down the country. Outdoor education, conducted in a safe and stimulating environment, including sail training, is a highly effective tool to improve young peoples’ lives; it builds their confidence, introduces them to new friends, as well as learning life skills and having some fun! I am looking forward to meeting as many sail trainers as possible and helping continue the wonderful work done by ASTO and all the UK sail training organisations, which do so much for the benefit of our young people.”
Mark Todd MBE, ASTO’s Chair of Trustees, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Sir Jerry to the team, particularly at such an exciting time for the organisation and when we will begin to share more of the benefits and successes of our work. Jeremy’s vast experience and passion for the impact sail training and residential adventures at sea can have, places him in an excellent position to support our forthcoming goals and help even more young people.”
ENDS
Pictured: Sir Jerry Kyd