OFF THE MARK

Can you remember the first time you stepped on to a boat? As a sailor seeing your children take their very own first steps into the sport can be magical - those moments when we plant the seed we hope will blossom into a future love for sailing...

However,knowing where to start can feel like a bit of a minefield.Here are some fantastic opportunities that will make it easy for you to get your young people out on the water,and loving it!

e On oar A greatwaytostartisthrough OnBoard, theRYA’s grassrootsprogrammewhich offersyoungpeoplefromallbackgrounds thechanceto experience sailingthrough theirlocal sailingclub,centre,schoolor youthgroup.

OB lessons are suitable for anyone aged 8 - 18 and no experience is required to get involved.They usually take place between spring and autumn and can be from around 30 minutes to a few hours long. The basics can easily be learnt in a couple of weeks or over a number of sessions, and all activity is run at RYA accredited training centres,so it is completely safe.

RYA OnBoard operations officer, Hannah Cockle, explained: “OnBoard is all about connecting youngsters with their local sailing venues and providing them with the best possible start.

“For kids to stick with sailing it has got to be fun and it has got to be social. Kids want to be with their mates, so if their mates are sailing too it is more fun. As well as making friends and having heaps of fun they will learn to sail at affordable sessions with expert instructors and learn skills for life.” i e ong earning The bonus for parents is that the OnBoard programme also compliments school curriculums in many areas and is designed to provide lifelong learning skills including teamwork, problem solving and taking responsibility.

In 2019,the RYA,in partnership with the Andrew Simpson Foundation, launched a comprehensive research project to evidence the impact on young people following participation in the OnBoard programme.

The UCL report highlighted that OnBoard sessions contributed to the development of life skills such as creativity, creativity,teamwork, determination,communication, independence and confidence.It also identifies how sailing and windsurfing correlate with benefits from physical activity generally.

er schoo s an ho i a c s With the summer holidays here,clubs and centres nationwide are booking up their summer school and holiday courses. Taking a course at an RYATraining Centre is one of the quickest and easiest ways for youngsters to learn to sail,with most centres offering sessions for children from eight-years-old,sometimes younger.

The RYAYouth Sailing Scheme – from Stage 1 to Stage 4 – offers a safe and fun environment for children to learn and challenge themselves,all with the expertise of an RYA Instructor.

The courses give youngsters a basic understanding of how a boat sails, experience of steering and boat handling, as well as developing the range of skills and knowledge to become confident sailors able to rig,launch,sail in varying conditions and solve problems afloat.

What is also worth knowing is that a number of RYA recognised training centres accept childcare vouchers, so whether you are looking for an afterschool activity or something to keep them busy during the summer holidays, it could be a great option for your kids to spend more time out in the fresh air learning a new skill.

oin he c Sailing clubs are located in all areas of the UK and are an excellent way to get on the water for all the family.

Many have boats to hire or borrow for free,courses for all ages as well as youth and family weeks and thriving youth and junior sessions.

Hannah continued:“Sailing clubs can offer a fantastic range of on water activities for youngsters including paddleboarding, kayaking as well as windsurfing and sailing, so it is no surprise they are becoming attractive destinations for families and people of all ages,during the week as well as at weekends.

“The kids can learn the basics from‘cool instructors’while parents enjoy a cuppa in the clubhouse, and they are fantastic

Try a taster session before commiting longer term

Learning to sail is a great way to spend the summer holidays

OnBoard offers young people from all backgrounds the opportunity to get afloat

All the family can get involved with sailing... places for them to spend time with their friends both on and off the water.”

isco er ai ing If you fancy experiencing a taster session before you commit to a club or course, there are more than 100 venues (clubs and centres) running Covid safe Discover Sailing sessions welcoming all ages to come and have a go for little or no cost.

You do not need any previous experience to enjoy a taster session, and it is a great opportunity to check out the youth and junior or family memberships or courses that might be on offer.

en re ca s For those who can already sail… if you want to step into the slow lane or inspire your children with an‘adventure’this summer,do not miss the downloadable DinghyTrails which provide lots of ideas for dinghy sailing day trips in sheltered waters across the UK.

There are currently guides for Brownsea Island in Dorset, Great Cumbrae in Scotland,RutlandWater in the Midlands,Hickling Broad in the East,Milford HavenWaterway inWales, UllswaterintheLakeDistrictandmore.

Eachtrailcomeswithitsownmapand instructionsincludingdistance,safety, sailingtimesandlaunchsites.Theyare alsopackedwithinformation,details ofnavigationoranchorage,who-knewthat facts,insidervisits,wildlifespottingand stellarviewsorbestpicnicspotsandmore. Someevenlinktothenationalcurriculum.

FIND OUT MORE For more information on opportunities for youngsters to get into sailing visit the RYA website: www.rya.org.uk/startboating/boating-for-under-18s • www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/get onboard • www.rya.org.uk/training/under-16s • www.rya.org.uk/discoversailing • ww.rya.org.uk/knowledge/dinghy- trails

The RYA covers all forms of boating, including dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing, inland cruising and narrowboats and personal watercraft.