The RYA Foundation is helping to open access to the water

The joy of being on the water is something everyone should be able to experience.

But for many, barriers such as cost, lack of access or insufficient equipment can stand in the way. The RYA Foundation is working to remove these obstacles, helping clubs and organisations across the UK make boating more accessible and inclusive. Through targeted grants that fund essential equipment, safety gear and volunteer training, the Foundation is enabling more people to discover the confidence, freedom and sense of community that sailing can offer.

At Arnside Sailing Club, a recent grant helped introduce 14 young people to sailing for the first time. Over the course of the session, the group learned to rig and launch boats, control speed, capsize safely and work together as a team.  Despite some early nerves, confidence grew with every tack and turn and all proudly earnt their RYA Stage 1 certificates. For many, the highlight was the capsize drill, where anxious giggles soon turned into joyful laughter.

“It was the first time I had been sailing and it sounded interesting,” shared one young sailor. “I learnt how to steer the boat, how to capsize and how to right a boat. And I made new friends. It was so much fun.”

For some, the experience was life changing. One participant, previously quiet and withdrawn, flourished during the course. With gentle encouragement from instructors, she faced her fears, capsized her boat, and climbed back in with a beaming smile. Her carers said that the experience had transformed her confidence, so much so that she purchased her own wetsuit and plans to continue sailing in her free time.

Further south, a grant to The Roseland Youth Sailing Trust is expanding opportunities for young people to experience life on the water. The funding supports their schools sailing programme, delivering free weekly lessons to more than 1,000 pupils from over 20 schools. These children come from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds in the region and without the Trust’s support they would never normally have the chance to access sailing or windsurfing. For many, it’s their first experience on the water and an activity that would otherwise have remained completely out of reach. 

These sessions are not only building confidence and self-esteem but also opening doors to future opportunities. Some participants have gone on to work in the marine industry as sailing instructors, superyacht crew or volunteers aboard Tall Ships.

At Swarkestone Sailability, a grant to purchase a new hoist has transformed accessibility for disabled sailors. The hoist allows wheelchair users and less mobile sailors to get safely and confidently onto the water.

“This has been hugely beneficial to our club and our sailors,” said a club representative. “It gives them the confidence of knowing safe, reliable equipment is in place for their future sailing adventures.”

Across the UK, the impact of the RYA Foundation’s grants is clear: building confidence, expanding horizons, and creating opportunities for everyone to discover the thrill of life on the water. But there is still more to do.

By making a donation to the RYA Foundation, you can help share the joy of boating with even more people. Removing barriers, opening doors and giving others the chance to find their place and passion on the water.

Please help us make boating accessible for all. Donate to the RYA Foundation today and be part of someone’s sailing journey.