OnBoard case study – Winsford Flash

Racing is one of the most exciting parts of sailing. While many young sailors can’t wait to get involved, taking those first competitive steps on the water can feel a little daunting.

That’s where OnBoard, the RYA’s grassroots programme, comes in. With fun, inclusive lessons and challenges, it’s designed to help clubs and young racers build skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the thrill of racing.

Winsford Flash Sailing Club, based on a 90-acre lake fed by the river Weaver in Chesire, have already seen the many benefits that come from using OnBoard. OnBoard has transformed their young sailors into confident, independent boaters who are eager and excited to take on new racing encounters, even up against more experienced racers.

“We introduce racing in a safe way with the OnBoard games,” says Junior Development Officer Victoria Skelding. “They’re a really useful way to introduce a little bit of competition - it’s fun, it’s not pressured, and it doesn’t matter who wins. We’re building their skills and confidence over time.”

Young sailor Adam found that OnBoard’s games really helped his racing confidence.

“With the OnBoard games, you’re not just thrown into racing and maybe being put off by more experienced racers,” he explains. “You have time to get used to it.”

Victoria has seen this confidence grow in many of her junior crew who have enjoyed learning new skills through their OnBoard sessions.

“They develop the key skills needed for racing – communication, confidence, and things like being together in a busy group that mimics the starting line. OnBoard gives them the ability to feel that going out there is a safe and fun thing to do,” she says.

Bethany, another junior sailor at Winsford Flash, gained a lot from her OnBoard sessions.

“OnBoard helped me get into racing. It has a fun side but it also has a competitive side,” she says. “It’s not as hard as a race and if you come last, it doesn’t matter, but if you come first you can still be really proud of yourself.”

By making full use of OnBoard’s range of activities and expanding further upon it with events like their junior regatta, Winsford Flash are growing the next generation of racers securing the future of the club. They use their annual junior regatta to showcase all sides of racing to their junior members and help them feel like they’re as much a part of the club community as any of the more experienced members.

“It’s not just about getting our young sailors involved in racing, but getting them involved in the club and community,” explains Victoria. “We’ve found that getting them involved in the wider club and helping them feel like part of the club gives them the confidence to join more established members on the racetrack and start racing. Now, they’re racing everywhere!”

Inspired by Winsford Flash and want to get your young sailors racing too? Sign up to OnBoard today.