ONBOARD AT 20
FROM ONBOARD TO OLYMPICS
In just 11 years, Leo Wilkinson, 20, has ˣ˥˚˥˘˦˦˘˗ ˙˥ˠ ˂ʵ˔˥˗ Ѓ˥˦˧ʠ˧˜ˠ˘˥ to Olympic hopeful. He explains how
Pip Woods (right) has continued to work with young sailors following her time with OnBoard.
director of one of the UK’s largest RYA training centres, Rockley Watersports. ‘I’ve seen the OnBoard programme shape thousands of young lives. I’m so proud of how it builds confidence, teamwork, independence and resilience. ‘Seeing young people, who learned to sail
with me through our OnBoard club all those years ago, still sailing or in maritime careers is a real privilege – and a true reflection of OnBoard’s lasting impact.’
Looking ahead As OnBoard tacks into its next 20 years, it’s set to keep growing. Collaborations with organisations such as Swim England and the RNLI aim to promote water safety alongside sailing and windsurfing skills through the Swim Safe programme. These partnerships strengthen OnBoard’s commitment to safe enjoyment of water. ‘It’s like a pop-up session around open water
safety, with onshore games to teach the Water Safety Code,’ says Hannah, ‘and an opportunity to practise some self-rescue skills such as floating and treading water. It’ll help us connect with new audiences, break down barriers to participation and educate young people to stay safe around open water. Everybody wins.’ Hannah hopes to further develop instructors’
toolkits, too: ‘We’re teaching kids to be better learners and have a growth mindset – it’s useful for instructors to have that resource as well. ‘And we want to grow the number of sailors
being the backbone of clubs and becoming instructors and volunteers themselves.’ OnBoard is a community where sailing is infectious. And as we mark its 20th birthday, it’s clear that the lessons we learn on the water can carry us through a lifetime.
www.rya.org.uk/start-boating/get- onboard-childrens-sailing
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rya.org.uk SUMMER 2025
‘I started sailing with OnBoard when I was nine. I saw kids having fun on boats on the Thames and asked Mum, “Can I have a go?” For two years I sailed about twice a week at Maidenhead Sailing Club. I remember at the start saying to Mum that I didn’t want to race, I just wanted to cruise around. ‘Eventually I wanted to travel and thought maybe I do
want to race. I was always competitive and wanted to beat the other kids at it! After lot of persuading, my very kind parents bought me a Topper. I moved up through the RYA pathway in Topper and 29er squads – and now I’m in the British Sailing Squad 49er class. ‘I’m at university on a sports scholarship, so I train
alternate weeks. I spend a week or ten days at uni, then ten days sailing, which is pretty nice. We’ve been in Portugal this winter and I’ve just got back from Palma. The squad is supported by the RYA, programme funding and various sponsors, and I also do some coaching. ‘I definitely want to keep coaching after my competitive
sailing career is over; I really enjoy giving back to what got me into sailing in the first place. I coach the RYA youth squad and I learn a lot from it as well. ‘Sailing has also brought me so many skills. Logistics,
organisation, confidence… What hooked me in was that you’re fully in control. Even at the age of nine, you have this freedom to take charge and go any direction and speed you like. It makes you very independent. ‘Hopefully, I’ll have a lifelong career in sailing, starting
with some Olympic medals which could lead into things like big yacht sailing, the Americas Cup and high-level coaching. But first, I want to tick off the Olympics!’
Leo (right) with Ben Bradley ˔˧ ˧˛˜˦ ˘˔˥Ϡ˦ ˃˥˜˖˘˦˦ ˆЃ˔ Trophy in Mallorca.
Photo: Rockley Watersports
Photo: Sailing Energy/Princesa Sofia Mallorca
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