A young rower aiming to compete on the national and international stage has been named the winner of the 2026 Jersey Clipper Bursary.
Ryanna Clifford was awarded £1,000 to support her ambitions of competing at this year’s Coastal British Championships in Whitby and potentially the European Coastal Rowing Championships in Spain.
The 21-year-old, who is in her third year studying product design engineering at Loughborough University, said the funding would help cover travel and competition costs as she continues developing as a coastal rower.
Ryanna first discovered rowing through the Jersey Sea Cadets in St Helier Harbour before joining Loughborough University’s rowing team and later Jersey Rowing Club.
She said she hoped to represent Jersey at both national and international level while gaining experience in more challenging waters.
Ryanna added: “This year I aim to compete at the Coastal British Championships, testing myself against top athletes from across the UK.
“A key part of this ambition is the opportunity to row in different coastal environments, particularly areas such as the North Sea where conditions, swell patterns and navigation differ significantly from Jersey.”
The bursary’s £500 runner-up award has gone to Tyler Horton, a maritime engineering student and competitive sailor with the Southampton University Yachting Team.
The 19-year-old began racing in the 30ft Etchells class earlier this year through the Royal London Etchells Youth Academy and has already enjoyed success with Southampton University, including first place at the Rory Cheetham Match Racing Event and third-place finishes in both the University Sailing League and BUCS coastal yachting.
“This season I have the opportunity to continue my Etchells campaign on an academy boat and the Jersey Clipper Bursary award will help me with my travel, accommodation and boat charter costs,” they said.