A YOUNG Team GB sailor has raised money for the RNLI with her radio-controlled yacht.

Bea West, 14, from Hurstpierpoint, donated £250 to RNLI Newhaven after she and her grandfather appealed for help with a school project.

Bea’s Year 9 class at Warden Park Academy in Cuckfield, were challenged to carry out a creative task of their choosing and keen sailor Bea chose to make an International One Metre (IOM) model yacht.

“I built the yacht in my grandfather’s workshop,” she said.

“It was very precise and tricky work, the glueing of each individual mahogany strip, in particular, took a great deal of time and concentration.”

The Argus: Bea spent six months building the model with her grandfather. Image: Noel WestBea spent six months building the model with her grandfather. Image: Noel West

It became apparent early on in the build, however, that parts for IOM model yachts were expensive, with keels alone costing around £300 and completed models up to £2,000.

But the model community came to the rescue with donations of spare parts, helping towards the completion of the six-month project.

Bea’s grandfather, Noel West, from Piddinghoe, said: “It was going to be extremely expensive to get it finished.

“Many IOM sailors contributed the parts that Bea required, including the keel, rudder, mast, sails and radio control gear. It really was amazing.”

To thank to community for their donations, Bea and Noel donated money to Newhaven’s RNLI, and took the model along to meet the crew.

Lewis Arnold, Newhaven RNLI coxswain and mechanic, said: “We are so impressed with Bea’s commitment and hard work. It is very blowy today out on our decking and her IOM rigging is weathering the storm.

The Argus: RNLI NewhavenRNLI Newhaven

“We are extremely grateful to Bea and her grandfather for their support of the RNLI, and helping us to save lives at sea. We wish Bea every success with her sailing.”

READ MORE: Newhaven RNLI receives new lifeboat to tackle emergencies

Bea represented Great Britain in the 2021 Optimist Team Centenary Regatta on Lake Garda in Italy.

“I sail a Laser now and hope I will have the opportunity to represent my country again,” she said.

“It’s really nice to know the lifeboat is there when we’re out on the water practising and racing.”