31/03/2026 Topic: Rhys Cooke (nominated for GC, 1st term) Rhys.Cooke

Hi Daria, So with the advent of starlink many more younger sailors are now able to set sail while maintaining employment. So we know this is a growing group within the cruising community. I think there are two types of young cruisers, people like me who have been sailing their whole lives and always wanted to do this and people who are completely new to sailing who have often be made aware of this life style though social media influencers. For the people that have been sailing for a long time, I think seeking partnerships with organisations like the tall ships youth trust (to name one off the top of my head) to provide awareness of our organisation to young people before they might buy their own boat and what we can provide like the youth sponsorship program. And for the new to sailing people I think working on how we can make the club more present in the minds of younger sailors is going to be vital, ideas for this could be, teaming up with some YouTube/Instagram channels to promote the OCC. I think many people that are turning to cruising have been influenced to do so by these channels. Thank you, Rhys

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