Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, MDL Marinas has once again opened the nominations for its annual Sail Training Awards, providing deserving youngsters with the opportunity to experience a week onboard a sailing yacht operated by Ocean Youth Trust South.

The awards are designed to recognise, reward and challenge youngsters who have shown exceptional accomplishments and qualities that have inspired or supported others. Since launching over twenty years ago, the awards have rewarded more than 130 young people, aged between 12 and 18.

This year’s six award winners will experience an unforgettable sailing experience on a journey from Ipswich to Southampton at the end of August.

MDL Marinas has also selected Ocean Youth Trust South as its chosen charity for its 40th anniversary year, with a series of fundraising events being planned, including raffles and prize auctions.

MDL’s Managing Director, Eamonn Feeney commented: “We’re proud of our continued commitment to Ocean Youth Trust South, and are delighted to be providing the charity with even more support this year through our 40th anniversary events. The Sail Training Awards are a very important initiative for us and we have so far helped well over a hundred youngsters to experience something truly exceptional.

“We would encourage people to think about nominating deserving young people they know, who would really benefit from an experience like this, as well as inviting other businesses to get involved with this very worthy charity. For many of our award winners, it’s the first chance they have had to get out on the water, and the sense of achievement for everyone involved is tremendous.”

Mark Todd, Chief Executive from Ocean Youth Trust South, added: “MDL’s support has been absolutely critical to us for many years. The staff in MDL marinas do a great job and go out of their way to be helpful and welcoming to vessels including our own John Laing. And the young people who come to us through MDL’s sponsorship are always exceptionally deserving – and some are truly inspirational. Ocean Youth Trust South is very proud to be working with MDL and honoured to be the chosen charity for their 40th year: with their generous support and that of their berth holders and marina tenants, we can go on to provide adventure under sail to many more young people from the widest possible range of backgrounds. We wish MDL a happy birthday and many successful years to come!”

Past winners have included young people who have been outstanding achievers, as well as those who have been involved in voluntary work, those who have never had the chance to travel abroad, and those with added family responsibilities.

Winners will be selected from the regions in which MDL Marinas are located; the South West, Dorset, Hampshire, Thames Valley and East Coast.

The deadline for nominations is Friday 26th April 2013.