Since 1984, we have helped over 700 young people learn to sail on a sea-going voyage. they have also learned about themselves and grown through the experience.
The James Myatt Trust is a registered charity (288543) run by appointed trustees and supported by Patrons.
how we work
Our honorary secretary communicates with us regularly. We meet twice a year, usually in March and October, to review and consider applications, make awards, review policy, discuss finances and ensure the trust works efficiently to achieve its mission.
the PATRONS
HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO, KStJ, CD
Prince Michael of Kent and James both served in the army together.
John H Hamilton OBE
A close friend of James and former chairman of the trust, he sailed with him on the 1962, 1964 and 1968 Tall Ships Races and served on a number of committees with him. He was a race director of the Sail Training Association from 1976 to 1992 and chairman of the Association of Sail Training Organisations from 1986 to 2000. John was a keen sail trainer throughout his career and a long serving volunteer trustee and skipper with the Rona Sailing Trust until his retirement. Author of the authoritative Sail Training, the Message of the Tall Ships.
Lord David Richards of Herstmonceux GCB, CBE, DSO
Keen sailor and retired senior British Army officer, formerly Chief of Defence Staff and professional head of the Armed Forces, David is a qualified yacht master offshore, a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron and Royal Cruising Club, and Admiral of both the Royal Artillery Yacht Club and the British Kiel Yacht Club. He is involved with a number of charities including Patron of the Armed Forces Moslem Association.
the TRUSTEES
Colonel Billy King-Harman CBE
Chairman of the trust, Billy sailed with James as a crew member on the yacht Tawau in the 1964 Tall Ships Transatlantic Race. On commissioning into the Gunners, he served alongside James. He sailed with Sir Robin Knox-Johnson on the first Cape Town to Rio race in 1971 and various other offshore races, including teaming up with Sir Robin again for a number of two handed Round Britain and Transatlantic Races. Now retired, he actively promotes sporting charities for younger people.
Janet Gauntlett
Janet joined the Tall Ships Races as the Race Director’s Secretary in 1983 (now called the Race Assistant) and in 1993 took over from Paul Bishop as honorary secretary for the James Myatt Trust.
Paul Bishop
Inspired by his first sail training voyage as a cadet at the age of 14, Paul went on to become a professional seafarer at the age of 21 and has competed in many Tall Ships Races in various parts of the world. He was honorary secretary to the Myatt Trust when he became the Assistant Race Director for the Tall Ships Races between 1987 and 1993. Paul has also worked for the Island Cruising Club, the Rona Sailing Trust and ASTO (UK Sail Training) before taking up his current role as Head of Race Directorate with Sail Training International in 2006 where he is responsible for running the annual Tall Ships Races. Author of Tall Ships and the Cutty Sark Races.
Mrs Fiona de Fonblanque
Married to James from 1968 until his death, Fiona gave him an enormous amount of support in all his activities and enthusiasms. She sailed and cooked on various sail training boats.
Lieutenant Colonel Nigel Lang
Nigel sailed during his career in the Royal Artillery including the OSTAR in 1976 in his Contessa 26, the Tasman twice and Brunei to Australia. He qualified as an RYA Ocean Skipper in 1983. Now retired in Lymington, he actively nurtures his interest in supporting sail training for young people.
TIM MYATT
Tim is James’ son. Although too young to have done any ‘serious’ sailing with his father, he remembers his encouragement of young people to take part in adventurous activities. Tim is an active sailor and runner when he is not preoccupied with his young family or work.
Vicky platt
Vicky is James’ niece. James made an impact on Vicky as a child with his enthusiasm and energy. She shares James passion for sailing and is a qualified yacht master and chartered accountant.