The family of 22-year-old Romsey sailor James Male who was lost in the Atlantic last year have been fundraising to give youngsters the chance to get out on the water

Graham and Lorraine Male, from Romsey, presented five kayaks to the QE2 Activity Centre in Bursledon in memory of son James Male.

The 22-year-old outdoor instructor and experienced sailor was part of a crew of four who went missing in the mid-Atlantic last May.

They had been taking part in a regatta in Antigua and were sailing back to Southampton when their vessel the Cheeki Rafiki capsized about 720 miles east-north-east of Nova Scotia.

A search was initially called off but was then restarted following a UK petition signed by more than 200,000 people and pressure from the British Government.

But US Coastguards then found the upturned hull and a life raft still on board and no trace of James and his three fellow seafarers Paul Goslin, Steve Warren, both from Somerset, and Andrew Bridge, of Farnham in Surrey.

As reported by the Daily Echo last week, a Marine Accident Investigation Branch report has now found that the vessel capsized and inverted after its keel detached, which could have been caused by previous groundings and subsequent repairs.

The crew were probably fatigued and their performance was impaired, the report reveals.

In the wake of the tragedy, the centre said James’ parents wanted to do something so others could enjoy the activities their son loved so much, so they approached them to see how they could help as James was a keen kayaker.

James' parents Lorraine and Graham and sister Zoe

QE2 Activity Centre, in the Manor Farm Country Park, which has been running for more than 30 years, provides activities for adults and children with disabilities, both ashore like archery and indoor climbing and water-based activities on the River Hamble.

It launched an appeal in March to raise £1m to revamp its facilities.

The couple got to see how their donation, which also included paddles and buoyancy aids, would be used by taking to the water with centre regulars.

Graham, of Botley Road, said: “To see the confidence of individuals grow within an hour or so on the water was so rewarding and made all the fundraising we have done worthwhile.

“When we returned, the smiles and thanks said it all. James would have been so proud of today.”

Centre manager Phil Oates said: “James was passionate about outdoor activities and passionate about wanting to share those activities with others.

“These kayaks will give people with disabilities the opportunity to get afloat and experience the great sense of independence that comes from being in control of your own canoe.”

As previously reported, last week a Marine Accident Investigation Branch report found that the disaster may have been due to structural weakness in the boat.

The yacht’s operator, Stormforce Coaching Ltd, has made changes to its internal policies and taken action to prevent a similar incident happening again.