Setting sail on a bright future for young people

Members of Mumbles Yacht Club have already raised around £8,000 in their aim to hit the target of £10,802.

They're now appealing for local people and organisations to help with the final push through council fundraising platform Crowdfund Swansea. Their deadline is mid-August.

The platform also has a number of other Swansea projects seeking pledges from individuals and businesses.

The yacht club has also secured funding of almost £37,700 from national sport and physical activity organisation Sport Wales.

The two sources of funding have allowed the club to invest in a range of new sailing dinghies and other apparatus that will be ideal for young would-be sailors.

Yacht club Commodore Richard Woffinden said: "We want to encourage more children to learn to sail and to make progress once they've mastered the basics."

Council cabinet member Andrew Stevens said: "The yacht club's fundraising is a great idea and I'm glad that, as part of the crowdfunding effort, the council has donated £5,000 to the cause.

"Crowdfund Swansea has plenty of other projects that meet important community needs and I encourage individuals and businesses to consider pledging; they'll be helping projects go ahead in their own community."

The yacht club fundraising drive is one of a number on Crowdfund Swansea. Others include Swansea Schools Orienteering, Silver Surf and Boardwalk at Parc Llewelyn.

A push for £5,106 to organise three outdoor markets and an activity day in Gowerton this summer has already hit its target.

Crowdfund Swansea is managed for the council by crowdfund specialist Spacehive. It's part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Photo Children enjoy sailing at Mumbles Yacht Club. Pics: Mumbles Yacht Club