RYA Beach Club connects over 300 children with the thrill of sailing during SailGP weekend

While the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth thrilled crowds with high-speed racing on the Solent last weekend (19–20 July), a powerful legacy of connection and inspiration was taking shape along the shoreline.

Hundreds of local children, families, and community groups engaged in immersive, hands-on activities bringing them closer to the water and the world of sailing than ever before.

At the heart of the action was the RYA Beach Club, which welcomed over 250 children to experience the thrill of sailing, wingsurfing, and interactive science over four days. Set against a seaside backdrop, the Beach Club offered a programme of inspiring activities delivered by the Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF), the 1851 Trust, Energise Me, and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

For many of the young participants, it was their very first time on the water. Under the guidance of ASF instructors, they took part in keelboat sailing and wingsurfing taster sessions, often overcoming initial nerves to discover a sense of achievement and confidence.

Bringing the science of sport to life on land, the 1851 Trust delivered interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) experiences including coding Sphero robotic balls around a racecourse and engaging in maths and physics sessions where young people designed, built, and tested model boats.

Each day, participants were treated to surprise visits from SailGP athletes, including Ben Cornish, Emirates GBR Grinder and America’s Cup; Emirates GBR Grinders Nick Hutton and Neil Hunter; Development Sailor Kai Hockley; and Emirates GBR CEO and Olympic legend Ben Ainslie Athletes shared stories, answered questions, and cheered on the young participants, further inspiring the next generation.

Many schools earned their places through the Hampshire Virtual Impact League, a creative classroom challenge run by Energise Me. Schools across the region earned points by completing activities that harnessed the power of the wind.

The Beach Club also welcomed young people and families from local groups including Urbond, Pompey in the Community, Motiv8, EnableAbility, Portsmouth Young Carers, and the Royal Navy, ensuring that activities were accessible, inclusive, and truly representative of the city.

Sir Ben Ainslie, Patron of the 1851 Trust and CEO Emirates GBR SailGP Team: “We want to support young people here in Portsmouth with opportunities to access these programmes, which are designed to break down barriers to education and broaden their horizons particularly through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) all inspired by the power of sport”

Susie Moore, RYA Regional Manager: "As a major event, SailGP is the perfect backdrop to connect the community with elite and grassroot levels of sport - inspiring younger generations to see the possibilities the water can bring.

Experiencing sailing and wingsurfing, children and local groups built confidence and a sense of connection to the water, many getting out on the Solent for the first time. With SailGP returning to Portsmouth in 2026, we can’t wait to link even more people with the coastline, showing the opportunities their waterfront city can offer.”

Josh Atherton, ASF Development Project Manager: “The Andrew Simpson Foundation strongly believes that partnership working significantly expands and diversifies opportunities in and around the water for young people. Drawing on the excitement of the SailGP event over the weekend, it was great to provide the local community access to new activities that they may not otherwise have the chance to experience.”

Jo Grindley, CEO, 1851 Trust: "We are excited to partner with ASF and the RYA to reignite the on-water programme that connects so well with our hands-on STEM education sessions. These partnerships are crucial in supporting young people in underserved areas who face barriers to education and opportunity. Through our free-to-access STEM Crew programme, we help teachers unlock potential, spark ambition, and inspire young people toward STEM, green, and maritime careers.

Our sessions focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork, with hands-on learning that uses the power of sport to provide real-world context. It’s critical for our economic and climate goals that students realise they can thrive in a STEM career and become the innovators of the future.”

Sharon Robertson, Head of Children & Young People, Energise Me: “By being part of this SailGP experience, we aim to give inactive local young people the chance to be inspired by a national event right on their doorstep. Our involvement goes beyond the headline event—we’ve invested time over the past three months engaging schools with sailing-inspired activities. From round-the-world challenges to on-the-water experiences, whole schools have been involved, not just the children here today.”

For those looking to learn more about sailing and how they can get on the water, visit the RYA's Start Boating pages.