Jon Holt named Sailor of the Decade

Jon Holt started his sailing programme in 2014 at Greig City Academy, and went on to be a founder of the Scaramouche Sailing Trust

The founder of the Scaramouche Sailing Trust, Jon Holt, has been named the YJA MS Amlin International Sailor of the Decade.

The head of outdoor education at the Greig City Academy in Hornsey, London, Holt started a sailing programme at the school in 2014. His aim was to break down barriers and provide opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to sail and race successfully.

In 2017, Greig City became the first state school to compete in a Fastnet Race on their own boat, the German Frers 45, Scaramouche, coming 144th out of 362 starters. Money to renovate the yacht was raised by the students. Following their Fastnet success, Scaramouche sailor, Montel Fagan-Jordan, won the YJA Young Sailor of the Year Award in 2017.

Since then, the Scaramouche Sailing Trust has bought more boats, which the students have renovated themselves, competed in the 2019 Fastnet Race, and raced regularly in Etchells and 420s.

Holt was one of five sailors shortlisted for the inaugural award which recognises the achievements of those who have had the greatest positive impact on sailing.

He said his fellow nominees – Dee Caffari, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Sir Ben Ainslie and Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson – were his ‘idols’ and he was shocked to have won.

“Maybe it shows how big it is what we’re doing with sailing and the young people who we are taking out sailing at weekends,” said Holt, who has brought on board partners from within the sailing industry and beyond, giving many young sailors the chance to enjoy sailing and even find careers in the marine industry.

“As time has gone on with our project it has felt more important; we are showing people what can be done, we’re showing that you can get into the sport, and join the existing structures which are there – if you just dare to try. And that is what we have done,” he said.

The chairman of the Yachting Journalists’ Association (YJA), Clifford Webb, said while nominations are made by the public, the winner is picked by YJA members.

“It may surprise some that the ‘big’ names nominated were not selected, but our [..] members made their decision [..] and Jon emerged as the outright winner,” he added.