Teachers and youth leaders
Introducing children to sailing and windsurfing. Teaching them so much more.
Find out how to get involved with RYA OnBoard and learn to sail or windsurf
Learning, adventure, and life skills on the water
The OnBoard programme is carefully designed to further develop life skills and has learning at its core.
Learning to sail and windsurf can give children the unique opportunity to gain an extensive range of skills and benefits. The programme compliments the National Curriculum and supports a variety of valuable life skills that help to build confidence and shape personal development through new adventures on water.
OnBoard Session are delivered at RYA Recognised Training Centres by qualified instructors. Session plans are provided to ensure learning is supported throughout. Sessions can be adapted to meet the needs of the group.
What to know more? Read our Impact Report and search for your local OnBoard venue.
88% of young people that tried OnBoard felt they could do new things if they tried.
3 in 4 felt better able to do some things independently
4 in 5 felt they were better able to think creatively
Find an OnBoard venue
How does OnBoard work for Tollgate School?
At Tollgate School we want to provide disadvantaged children with learning opportunities beyond the classroom that will give them the skills to compete globally
Frequently asked questions
A typical starter session is around 2 – 4 hours including getting ready on land. Some sailing courses, such as RYA Stage 1, usually run over two days.
Most beginner sessions include all sailing equipment you need, such as boats, buoyancy aids, and wetsuits. Participants will usually just need to bring a towel, a change of clothes, and shoes that can get wet.
Getting your group on the water is simple! You can contact your local OnBoard provider using the 'where's my nearest' search function, or email onboard@rya.org.uk - we can then put you in touch with your local RYA team.
Yes! Safety is our top priority. All sessions are led by qualified RYA instructors at RYA Recognised Training Centres. The ratio is six pupils to one instructor and everything is overseen by a senior member of the team. Sessions can be adapted to meet the needs of the group. The centre will have all the paperwork too - including any risk assessments you might need.
OnBoard is designed to complement the National Curriculum by combining practical skills with personal development. Activities like sailing and windsurfing help children develop teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and resilience. Our sessions also link to STEM, PE, and outdoor learning objectives, giving teachers a fun, hands-on way to reinforce classroom learning while fostering confidence and life skills on the water.
Swim Safe with OnBoard
Swim Safe with OnBoard is a unique partnership between the RNLI, Swim England, and the RYA that equips young people with vital water safety skills. This supports Key Stage 2 requirements for swimming and water safety.
Delivered through local OnBoard venues, it introduces children to:
- How to stay safe around open water using the Water Safety Code
- What to do if they fall in
- Water confidence and sea survival skills
For teachers and youth leaders, Swim Safe with OnBoard offers a curriculum-linked way to combine water safety education with adventurous outdoor learning. It’s ideal for school enrichment weeks, PE programmes, or summer activities.
For more information on how to get your group involved email onboard@rya.org.uk
Creativity
Teamwork
Determination
Independence
Confidence
Communication
Resources
OnBoard is the Royal Yachting Association’s grassroots programme run at over 300 clubs and commercial sailing centres across the UK for junior sailing and windsurfing. Its aim is to provide safe, fun and equal access to sailing and windsurfing for anyone aged 8-18 through a structured and progressive programme.
Learning and personal development for young people with the RYA OnBoard programme.
