Founded in 2017 by Greg Nasmyth and Samantha Rowe-Beddoe, the Jarhead Young Sailors’ Foundation has grown into a life-changing initiative, providing young people with the chance to experience the thrills and challenges of sailing. To celebrate its achievements, the Foundation hosted an Awards Night, bringing together participants, sponsors, and supporters to recognise its success.
The evening focused on the Foundation’s impact in inspiring young sailors and encouraging a love for the sport, while also acknowledging those who have supported its mission.
“The Foundation’s mission is simple but powerful: to make sailing accessible to those who might not otherwise have the chance,” explained Greg Nasmyth, co-founder of the Foundation. “Since its start, the Foundation has worked hard to remove barriers, ensuring anyone with a passion for the sea can follow their dreams.”
Through its school programmes, which introduce young people to sailing, the Foundation has become a key force for inclusivity in the sport. These efforts not only provide access to sailing but also teach important life skills like teamwork, resilience, and discipline.
Over the years, the Foundation has brought incredible opportunities to Malta, such as the visit of the iconic yacht Maiden with its all-female crew, which inspired many young sailors. The Foundation also made history by bringing celebrated sailor Nikki Henderson to lead the first all-female crew on a Maltese boat in the Rolex Middle Sea Race. These events have helped develop the skills of some of Malta’s top sailors, solidifying the Foundation’s reputation for fostering excellence and inclusivity in sailing.
Recently, the Foundation’s sailing programmes have seen impressive results, with crews achieving great success in prestigious races. In 2024, JYS Jan, skippered by Claudio Bugeja, came second in ORC Class 6 at the Rolex Middle Sea Race. Both JYS Jan and Jarhead performed strongly in the highly competitive IRC category, narrowly missing out on podium finishes.
The awards evening was supported by MMH Malta Limited, Pharma.MT Ltd, Camilleri Marine, Heritage Malta, Adam’s Fish Shop, Goodear Entertainment, Philippe Martinet Fine Wines, and Yachting Malta.
Jarhead Young Sailors Foundation Awards
Best Sailor Award RMSR:
- 2017 (JYS Jarhead): Zach Zammit
- 2018 (JYS Jarhead): Karl Miggiani
- 2019 (JYS JAN): Emilie Gregory
- 2019 (JYS Jarhead): Alex Siegler
- 2020 (JYS Jarhead): Emilie Gregory
- 2021 (JYS JAN): Patrice Pace
- 2021 (JYS Jarhead): Sean Valentino
- 2022 (JYS Jarhead): Gary Mercieca
- 2022 (JYS JAN): Andrea Vella
- 2023 (JYS JAN): Jake Mallia
- 2024 (JYS Jarhead): Pippa Bartolo Parnis
- 2024 (JYS JAN): Dimitrios Vertsonis
Special Awards:
- JYSF Star Skipper Award Schools Programme: Sven Reyckers, Jacques Savona, Thomas Stephen Kemp
- JYSF Star Skipper Award RMSR 2017-2019-2021: Richard Nicholson
- JYSF Star Skipper Award RMSR 2021-2022: Matthew Farrugia
- JYSF Star Skipper Award RMSR 2023-2024: Claudio Bugeja
- JYSF Star Brothers Award: Saul & Isaac Vassallo
- JYSF Star Commitment & Consistency Award: Emma Borg
- JYSF Star Most Miles Raced Award (2023/2024): Paolo Fortugno Farrugia
- JYSF Schools Program Star Commitment Award: Caiden Parascandolo
- JYSF Schools Program Star Young Sailor Award: Dunstin Gauci, Luke Portelli
