ONBOARD AT 20
knew that sailing and windsurfing were good for character development,’ Hannah explains. ‘Young people have great learning capacity and resilience, and sailing can be a challenging sport – it can be cold, windy and you’re on your own in a boat. ‘We wanted to frame the programme around
the idea that sailing and windsurfing are powerful vehicles for helping young people to build resilience, creativity and a growth mindset – but wanted to do some research to test the theory. So, we worked with Professor Lucas, an expert on how we learn. ‘From this we developed six character
attributes – teamwork, confidence, creativity, independence, communication and determination – that underpin our strategy. We ran instructor training and produced resources to help instructors bring those ideas into life on the water.’
Crucial life skills Within two years, Hannah says, the Department of Education released new guidance for schools that also recognised that, alongside academic learning, these life skills were equally important for success. ‘Sailing and windsurfing are uniquely posed
to help young people grow in character. It’s something we can all agree on.’ Hannah adds,
‘But, for me, the most important thing is that young people have a great experience on the water, which leads to a positive relationship with movement and activity.’
Designed for newbies At its core, OnBoard is designed to be both accessible and progressive: children start with zero experience and can progress up through the RYA youth schemes to gain qualifications. First-timers often arrive nervous, but the
programme is noted for its ability to build confidence and resilience until participants find themselves thriving. If they develop a lifelong connection with sailing, that’s great – but more than that, OnBoard fosters those key life skills, as parent Juanita attests. ‘I knew nothing about sailing,’ says Juanita, whose son Juan started OnBoard as a beginner. ‘But it has benefited Juan on every level. As he grew more proficient, his enjoyment and confidence increased.’ Unfazed by weather conditions, Juan sailed through freezing winters and pouring rain. He eventually joined in adult Sunday racing as part of his GCSE skills progression, in a Laser 4.7. He became keen to take on more responsibilities to support the instructors at the youth and junior sessions. Juan wants to eventually become a sailing instructor himself.
Above: OnBoard developed its programme to support young peoples’ growth as well as
learning to sail.
ONBOARD IN
NUMBERS
1,305,921 Ѓ˥˦˧ʠ˧˜ˠ˘
participants to date
336
OnBoard clubs and centres in the UK
88%
participants felt sailing showed them they could do new things
81%
felt more ˖Ѓ˗˘˧ ˜
themselves
rya.org.uk SUMMER 2025 25
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