Talented Tahir, 13, on the crest of a wave after he is given his own board
A TALENTED young windsurfer is celebrating after he was one of just 14 in the UK awarded a new board by a scheme which helps people to progress through the sport.
Tahir Mohammed, 13, a junior windsurfer at Burton Sailing Club, is among 14 aspiring sailors and windsurfers across the UK given a huge boost to their ambitions thanks to the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST) and the Royal Yachting Association’s grassroots Onboard programme for children and young people.
The JMST and RYA Onboard partnership supports those who display enthusiasm, drive, talent and commitment to the sport and who may not ordinarily have the opportunity or financial backing to achieve their goals, giving them exclusive use of their own boat or board for two years. The equipment is then gifted to their home club or training centre to benefit other young people in the future.
Tahir was selected from more than 50 nominations this year and has been awarded a brand new Bic Techno board and sail to take his windsurfing to the next level.
Tahir said said: “I am over the moon to have been selected for a John Merricks Sailing Trust Award. I only discovered windsurfing this year but already have high aspirations. I love being on the water, competing but most of all having fun.
“My parents shared the good news with me on my 13th birthday, so this is the best start to teen life I could ask for. I am looking forward to putting in the hard work and practice and I am immensely grateful to everyone at Burton Sailing Club for all their support.”
Tahir initially did a sailing course at the club in summer 2021 but then decided he wanted to learn how to windsurf and has since become passionate about the sport.
In September, Tahir borrowed club kit to compete at the British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Windsurfing Championships at Glossop Sailing Club. He is now looking forward to having his own windsurf board and sail as it will enable him to take his racing skills to the next level and compete at more events regionally and nationally.
Burton SC is an RYA Recognised Training Centre and British Youth Sailing accredited for its vibrant windsurfing section. In nominating Tahir for the award, John Gay from Burton SC’S Youth Training said: “Since joining the club following a Start Windsurfing course, Tahir has taken every opportunity to practice and improve his windsurfing, and has benefitted from additional coaching from more experienced members and instructors.
“He has a very determined and focused attitude.
“Taking part in the Regional Junior Championships was a big step for Tahir but he took it in his stride and his determination was clear to see.”
JMST was set up in memory of 1996 Olympic silver medallist, John Merricks. As RYA Onboard’s official charity partner, JMST has donated more than £300,000 worth of funding since the “boat and board” awards were launched in 2013, and each year at least one young sailor or windsurfer is selected from each of the ten RYA regions and Home Countries to benefit from the scheme along with their clubs and training centres.
Burton Sailing Club is based at Foremark Reservoir, near Repton, and offers a range of activities from training for beginners to regular racing, windsurfing and offshore sailing.
To find out more about Burton Sailing Club visit www. burtonsailingclub.co.uk or explore the RYA Onboard programme, which provides opportunities for children and young people aged eight to 18 to get on the water, at www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/ get-onboard-childrens-sailing