Community involvement by the Charter Yacht Society and their member yachts
The CYS is well known within the Community for its support of various initiatives, programmes and charitable causes.
Family Support Network FSN provides counseling and support services for all members of the community who experience, or are victims of, any of the major crises which befall the modern family, regardless of the family member’s age, creed, race, or gender.
Annual Reef Check Donation. The Reef Check Foundation was founded in 1996 by marine ecologist, Dr. Gregor Hodgson. The Foundation, based in Pacific Palisades, California is dedicated to research, education and conservation with respect to two ecosystems: tropical coral reefs and California rocky reefs. With headquarters in Los Angeles and volunteer teams in more than 90 countries and territories, Reef Check works to create partnerships among community volunteers, government agencies, businesses, universities and other non-profits. Reef Check goals are to: educate the public about the value of reef ecosystems and the current crisis affecting marine life; to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check's scientific methods who regularly monitor and report on reef health; to facilitate collaboration that produces ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide.
In 1997, Reef Check conducted the first-ever global survey of coral reef health that provided scientific confirmation that our coral reefs were in crisis due to over-fishing, illegal fishing, and pollution. The results, published in a scientific journal in 1999, shocked many marine biologists who had not realized the extent of human impacts on reefs. In August 2002, Reef Check released its first five-year report, The Global Coral Reef Crisis – Trends and Solutions, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa. Based on data collected by thousands of Reef Check volunteer divers in over 80 countries and territories, the report was the first scientific documentation of the dramatic worldwide decline in coral reef health over a five year period. The report concluded that there was virtually no reef in the world that remained untouched by human impacts, such as over fishing, pollution and climate change. Yet the success stories discussed in the report show that, with proper monitoring, management and protection, coral reefs can recover. It is up to us.
Donated a Wayfarer for the Royal BVI Yacht Club Sailing Youth The aim of the RBVIYC Water Sports Programme is to educate and train persons living in the British Virgin Islands in all aspects of safe, courteous and enjoyable use of the waters surrounding these islands, to promote safety and seamanship in and on the water and to encourage the growth of utilization of the water for recreation in manner beneficial to the environment.
Optimist for Young sailors at the BVI Watersports Centre Our headquarters are at Manuel Reef, Sea Cows Bay. A protected, flat piece of water naturally lending itself to beginner watersports but also providing a gateway to the Caribbean, coastal conditions of Sir Francis Drake Channel through its surrounding barrier reef.
We have 'working areas' for all ages and experience levels from 6 year old Oppie sailors through to ‘performance freaks’ needing space to fly spinnakers. The surrounding waters of Tortola both on the north and south sides are excellent sailing areas and can be explored in short, manageable sails. Stopping off at Peter, Norman or Cooper Islands are part of all the courses and are easily navigable, beautiful, destinations. Sailing as a fleet around the West End of the island is a half day adventure, arriving at Cane Garden Bay - the launching point for the stunning areas of Sandy Cay, Sandy Spit and the island of Jost Van Dyke.
For visitors taking part in full sailing courses or dinghy sailors just wanting to make use of our fleet as part of their scheduled holiday we can suggest accommodation and rental car options. Families can have fun as a group or perhaps enroll the children in some of our activities whilst you take an opportunity to 'lime' on a secluded, sun drenched beach...
Additional donations
$3000 Christmas Donation for the children of Montserrat
Community against drug addiction)
Rainbow Children's Home
Member Yachts of the Charter Yacht Society have recently contributed to the VIEC (Virgin Islands Environmental Council) and BVIHCG (British Virgin Islands Heritage Conservation Group) groundbreaking court case against the development of Hans Creek on Beef Island.
Yachts that have donated to this worthy cause include Promenade, Swish, Serendipity, Viking Dream, Sandcastle, Fantasy Island, Shellette, Free Ingwe, Aldebaran, Jet Stream, Endless Summer, Best Revenge 5, Caribbean Dream, Cuan Law, Belline2.
