Sailing opportunities for schools given backing by RYA Northern Ireland
**RYA OnBoard Sailing Initiative Expands Opportunities for School Children in Northern Ireland**
In a bid to make sailing more accessible and enjoyable for school children, the RYA OnBoard programme, celebrating its 20th year, has been successfully introducing beginners to the sport across Northern Ireland [3]. This initiative, driven by RYA Northern Ireland, aims to foster a love for sailing among young people and provide them with the necessary skills in a fun, safe, and engaging environment.
Over the years, the programme has expanded its reach, promoting sailing within local communities, including schools, to encourage widespread participation [1]. Events such as the Women On Water initiative, supported by partners like RBCA in Belfast, further highlight RYA Northern Ireland's commitment to inclusivity and growth in sailing participation [4].
Ballyholme Yacht Club, a key RYA partner, runs events and training that support RYA initiatives and promote sailing opportunities at grassroots levels [1]. The programme offers taster days alongside follow-up opportunities for school children across Northern Ireland, with many children having their first experience on a boat [2].
The RYA OnBoard programme fosters physical activity, teamwork, and water safety skills among children. It helps develop confidence, resilience, and a connection to outdoor and marine environments. By engaging young people early, it offers a pathway into competitive sailing and lifelong recreational sailing [3].
Typically, participation requires access through schools or affiliated sailing clubs that partner with RYA OnBoard. No prior sailing experience is necessary, and children usually participate in supervised sailing lessons and races tailored to beginners. Safety is strongly emphasized with trained instructors and the use of proper safety gear [3][4].
Recently, P6 teacher at Killinchy Primary School, Claire McBride, expressed interest in repeating the experience, noting that some children had their first boat ride during the event. St. Ciaran's Primary School's Principal also expressed gratitude for the instructors and stated that the children loved the experience [2]. Feedback for the initiative has been overwhelmingly positive.
The success of the programme has been marked by widespread engagement and celebrated milestones such as 20 years of offering first-time sailing experiences [3]. The initiative's success is attributed to RYA Northern Ireland's 'Active Clubs' funding. Interested clubs or schools can contact Jessica Penney at jessica.penney@our website.org.uk to get involved with the initiative [5].
RYA Northern Ireland aims to inspire children to see sailing as accessible and something they can participate in at their local club. The organisation is working on creating partnerships with schools and sailing clubs and centres to make the programme more accessible [2]. The goal is to grow and become more accessible to schools, especially those that might not typically have access to activities like sailing [3].
In conclusion, RYA Northern Ireland's OnBoard initiative represents a significant effort to expand sailing opportunities to school-aged children by providing accessible, safe, and engaging sailing experiences. It benefits youth development, encourages inclusion (notably increasing female participation), and nurtures future sailors through structured pathways supported by local clubs like Ballyholme Yacht Club [1][3][4].
In the spirit of fostering comprehensive development among young people, the RYA OnBoard initiative encourages school children to engage in sailing activities alongside their education-and-self-development endeavors. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded upbringing, this initiative extends its focus to sports, introducing children to the thrill of competitive sailing within a safe and engaging environment.
