Kids Onboard

New grassroots initiative launched by the RYA

Onboard, the grassroots programme developed by the RYA to get young people into sailing, was launched on the 14 September at Southampton Boat Show by RYA President HRH The Princess Royal and Olympic medallist Nick Dempsey.

Onboard is a nation-wide programme that’s making it easier for young people to go sailing and get involved in local sailing activities.

In developing the programme the RYA looked at existing entry routes into sailing and, through consultation with a broad cross section of youth sailing providers, looked at the successful examples of young people’s participation that are currently being run across the country. From this the programme framework was developed and subsequently tested through two pilot schemes.

Onboard is a long term programme coordinated by the RYA, supported by the British Marine Federation and industry and delivered locally by RYA Training Centres and Clubs. The programme focuses on increasing non-family entry routes into sailing through closer links with schools sports activities. This will give more young people the opportunity to get out on the water.

The development of activities specifically for young people offering a variety of sailing for all skills and abilities will help to encourage regular participation. Increases in membership of young people will also work to encourage families as a whole out onto the water and into sailing centres and clubs.

The two pilot schemes carried out in the UK have been an outstanding success and Onboard is now becoming a reality, first in the South West and North and over the next 10 years, all over the UK. Over this period the programme aims to introduce a minimum of 500,000 children to sailing in the UK. The RYA anticipates that more than 10% will become regular participants.

Rod Carr, RYA Chief Executive, said “Sailing is great fun and gives young people a chance to develop confidence, independence and a real sense of purpose – but we know that it’s not always easy to get started. Onboard aims to encourage young people to experience the thrills, energy and friendship of sailing by providing an easy route to get on the water and stay there!”

Henri-Lloyd has become the first official partner for Onboard and will supply clothing to instructors and participants in the Onboard programme over the next three years. The RYA is delighted that Henri-Lloyd has ‘jumped onboard’, and the RYA are looking forward to working with them.