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ELEVATE:iQFOiL

ELEVATE:iQFOiL is the official social impact programme of the iQFOiL World Championship 2026 in Weymouth & Portland. 

The RYA and its partners will engage with a range of local community groups for them to experience and develop an enjoyment of the water and watersports. The aim is to deliver long-term, meaningful benefits for young people, volunteers, communities and the environment by embedding a range of activities and opportunities before, during and beyond the event. 

The programme harnesses the inspiration and momentum of a world-class championship to engage individuals across a spectrum of experience — from those who are inactive or new to watersports, to existing participants looking to progress their journeys through volunteering, training or employment. 

Delivery will prioritise depth of engagement over one-off participation, with multiple touchpoints planned that build confidence, skills and clear pathways into sustained involvement in watersports.

Aims

ELEVATE:iQFOiL aims to:

  • Increase access to watersports and physical activity for underrepresented groups
  • Develop skills, confidence and pathways into further education, volunteering and employment
  • Build a new generation of trained volunteers and environmental champions
  • Embed environmental education and sustainable practice across community sport
  • Leave a lasting legacy of increased participation, capability and local capacity

The programme

ELEVATE:iQFOiL is delivered through four interconnected strands:

ELEVATE:Skills

Creates pathways into education, training and employment by connecting schools, community groups and FE colleges. Students gain real-world experience through event delivery, activity sessions and environmental education, strengthening links between education providers and the marine sector.

ELEVATE:Volunteers

Develops the next generation of race officials, event volunteers and environmental champions, with a focus on under-30s, women and wind/wing participants. Training, shadowing and progression opportunities build sustainable volunteer capacity beyond the event.

ELEVATE:Planet

Delivers Marine and Beach CSI education to all programme participants, raising awareness of environmental impact and embedding sustainability into club activity. Volunteers, students and instructors are trained to continue delivery post-event. 

ELEVATE:Movement

Increases participation and physical activity through a structured programme of subsidised sessions, taster activity, discover sailing days and supported transitions into clubs. Delivery focuses on reducing barriers such as cost, travel and confidence, particularly for young people and families.

Legacy focus 

ELEVATE:iQFOiL is designed to leave a sustainable legacy through:

  • Increased enrolment on college and instructor training courses
  • A more diverse, younger volunteer workforce
  • Ongoing delivery of Marine CSI in local clubs
  • Increased club membership and regular participation
  • Community groups for whom watersports become part of their “new normal”
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