The Haven Academy is once again taking applications from boaters who have a project but not necessarily the funding to see it through.

Each grant offered is up to a maximum of £3,000 and the opening date for applications is the day the Southampton Boat show opens – the 16^th September.

The judges are looking for project ideas, connected with either inland or coastal waters, which demonstrates a real passion for boat build and restoration, boating innovation, or the boating environment.

The categories are:

• New build, or restoration of a boat or boating facility.
• Boating innovation resulting in the improved performance or safety of boating (for example, navigation aids or new ideas for safety equipment).
• Boating environment supporting initiatives for the environmental improvement of inland or coastal waters.

The grants awarded last year went to some very deserving projects, some of the previous winning projects are as follows:

• The Grade II listed dry dock at the National Waterways Museum in Cheshire has been cleared and the gates will soon be remounted. The dock will shortly again be able to play a pivotal role in the restoration and upkeep of boats in the locality.
• The restoration of ‘Marlyn’ now restored to a seaworthy state and given to the local Sea Cadets as a much needed training and support boat.
• The installation of a new winch for Dover Watersports will enable dinghies and boats to be moved safely up and down the beach.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of the Haven Academy judging panel (pictured, right), said:

Our motto this year is ‘Mission Possible!’ so if you have an idea for a great boating project that seems impossible to get started – or finished - then we want to hear about it.”

John Macaulay, General Manager at Haven Knox-Johnston, one of the UK’s leading providers in boat insurance said: “As fellow enthusiasts, we are delighted that our business is able to put something back, purely to fuel the enjoyment of boating. We are looking forward to eclipsing last year’s outstanding response.”

Applications open on 16 September, the first day of the 2011 Southampton Boat Show.

Application forms are available from the Haven Knox-Johnston stand F022 at the Southampton Boat Show, or by clicking on to www.boatinsure.co.uk/academy.

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2011, with the winners being announced during April 2012.