Are you ready to JUMP?
See the industry from the inside, not the sidelines with the RYA & SailGP Junior Upskill Mentor Programme...
Are you a young woman aged 16-25 looking to explore what careers might be possible for you?
JUMP is a brand‑new work‑shadowing programme here to open doors for young women across the marine, events and high‑performance sport sectors.
Created by the RYA & SailGP ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth this summer, work shadowing experiences are being opened across both organisations giving you the chance to go behind the scenes to learn, explore and be inspired.
Whether you’ve grown up on the water or never stepped foot on a boat, this is your chance to get hands‑on experience, meet inspiring mentors, and explore careers you might never have considered.
As a pilot programme, most placements are based in either Portsmouth, Hamble and Southampton however there are select opportunities also available in Ealing, Weymouth, Edinburgh, Ireland and Wales.
As part of the programme, we will match successful applicants with placements that best fit their interests and goals, so you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do — just what sparks your curiosity.
What you’ll get
Real experience. Real mentors. Real confidence.
Participants benefit from:
- 3–5 days work‑shadowing in July
- 1:1 time with professionals shaping the future of the industry
- Insight into major events, performance sport and marine pathways
- A supportive environment designed to build confidence
- A safe space to explore careers — no experience needed
Choose your area of interest
You don’t need to be an expert or even know how to sail. Just be curious. You’ll select what interests you, and we’ll match you with the right mentor.
Marketing & PR – for the storytellers
For applicants who love social media, creative ideas, writing, or communication, this area gives a taste of how organisations share stories, create buzz and reach audiences.
Training – for those who want to support Instructors
Ideal for young women interested in supporting instructors and coaching. You’ll get a look at how training around the UK is supported and delivered by the RYA.
Sport development – for those helping people get active
Perfect for people passionate about community, coaching, youth programmes or making sport more accessible. They’ll see how clubs, volunteers and young sailors are supported across the UK.
Brand & event – for creatives and organisers
Great for anyone who enjoys design, content creation, live events, logistics or making things look and feel amazing. See how big events come to life — from being on the ground at fan zones to filming to behind‑the‑scenes prep.
Racing & performance – for the sports‑minded
For women interested in sport, teamwork, technology or high‑performance environments, this is a chance to look inside the world of competitive sailing and major global sporting events.
Corporate affairs – for those who care about impact
Whether its sustainability, wellbeing, equality or making a difference, this area shows how organisations shape positive change through policy, access and safeguarding.
Ready to JUMP in?
JUMP is now open to young women with or without sailing experience. While some placements require prior knowledge, many do not.
Start your journey today. Your future could begin with this one step.
Application close: 12pm on 6th April 2026.
If successful, you will be contacted by either the RYA or SailGP with opportunities taking place in July 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed).
