Left: Over time, Juan grew in assurance.
He’s now training to become an instructor, with OnBoard’s help.
‘Maidenhead Sailing Club supported me by
mapping out the steps I needed to take and providing the opportunities, like instructor training days,’ Juan recalls. Volunteering at the youth and junior sessions also enabled Juan to achieve the skills section of his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. Juan’s passion was infectious; his mum
also caught the bug. ‘The club has a great community of passionate sailors and it’s so supportive,’ says Juanita. ‘Having witnessed the fun on the water and
the skill of the instructors in giving personalised direction and encouragement, I ended up volunteering as a trainee for Powerboating Level 1. And, during Juan’s instructor course, I ended up sailing!’ Juanita adds: ‘It always seemed impossibly complicated from the sidelines, but I thoroughly enjoyed it – being in the wind at speed was thrilling.’ After finishing his A-levels, Juan hopes to
develop his sailing skills, gain more experience as an instructor and impart a love of sailing and being outdoors. ‘I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without doing the youth and junior sessions and having the support of the instructors,’ says Juan. ‘So I would like to teach children sailing and share how it changed my life.’
Joy in leadership In fact, the instructors can feel the benefits just as much as the kids and parents. ‘You meet many types of people from
different backgrounds, you come together as a team, build friendships and learn so much in this industry,’ says instructor Ella Cantor from Rye Watersports. ‘It’s a beautiful thing. I love it!’ Ella first got into sailing and windsurfing about the age of 12, racing around the south
“I wouldn’t have done any of this without the youth and junior sessions and instructors’ support”
east in her little Topper. At 16 she decided to take on an instructing role and thrived in it. ‘What I mostly love about teaching is seeing
everyone’s abilities,’ Ella says. ‘Being able to help them sail, getting them to enjoy being outside and being confident on the water – that’s a massive thing. ‘Kids come to me, they’re really nervous, and
two days later they go home wanting to come back. That’s so rewarding.’ That sense of satisfaction is still with
Pip Woods who, 20 years ago, was the first OnBoard Development Officer and now sits on the RYA Board as well as being managing
Left: Onboard Manager
Hannah Cockle is keen for young people to enjoy being active through watersports.
rya.org.uk SUMMER 2025 27
Photo: Juanita Engelbrecht
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
