The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club has raised more than $11,000 in a campaign to make year-round sailing more affordable.

The Next Generation Sailing Fund generated cash through an Olympian dreams evening, as well as contributions from members and corporate donors, to surpass its goal of $10,000.

Sailing instructor Geovanni Hayward said the fund aimed to “break down the financial barriers that hinder the sport of sailing”.

Mr Hayward said: “We see so many kids come through our summer programme who have found a real passion for the sport but are unable to continue due to the high costs of year round programmes.

“I have seen first hand the passion and dedication that our first set of scholarship recipients show for sailing. These sailors have really demonstrated how much good this fund can do.”

The RBYC, which celebrated its 175th anniversary this year, handed out partial scholarships to eight young people this fall. Four were chosen from the RBYC Sailing Academy’s Summer Programme and the others from the Endeavour Graduates Programme.

It also provided 50 per cent funding for four sea cadets from the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps to complete their RYA Keelboat Level 1 course.

Mr Hayward said the RBYC Sailing Academy aims to expand its reach in the community.

He said: “Next year we intend to double the amount of scholarships awarded as well as foster more community partnerships.”