A secret world of sailing in the city starting with the Urban Winds Project

Cities may not be the immediate backdrop that jumps to mind when considering getting on the water, but they are in fact home to a host of incredible people and activities that are opening doors to participation in our sport. 

As the newest part of the Reflections on Water campaign, here at the RYA, we are setting our sights on UK cities, exploring the secret world of sailing taking place in plain sight in our nation's urban centres. 

 Kickstarting the series is The Urban Winds Project in London, focussed on breaking down barriers to pursuing careers in sailing instruction and bringing together young people from all walks of life to create a future generation of leaders for the sailing community. 

 Often, attention in sports is focused on elite athletes, but projects such as this highlight the crucial role of instructors—the starting point for countless individuals on their sailing journeys. Whether graduates of the programme go on to have lasting careers in sailing or return to the sport periodically, they leave equipped with lifelong skills and opportunities. 

 Run at The Ahoy Centre in Greenwich and created in partnership with the RYA, the programme has produced over 40 newly qualified dinghy instructors across its first four years with many more receiving tailored support and development plans to continue their learning journey. 

 To qualify as a dinghy instructor, candidates must complete comprehensive training including RYA Powerboat Level 1 & 2, Safe & Fun, and First Aid Training. To take part, potential candidates for The Urban Winds Project are currently nominated by their respective centres, ensuring they are supported through the process. 

Ultimately The Urban Winds Project is about more than just qualifications—it’s about creating an inclusive future for the sport by ensuring those acting as role models on the water are representative of their surrounding areas. By providing access to free training, professional mentorship, and a structured development path, the initiative removes traditional barriers, ensuring that young Londoners from across the capital have equal opportunities to succeed. 

 Graduates of the programme have gone on to contribute their skills and leadership at various clubs and centres, including: 

Greenwich Yacht Club 

The Royal Docks Sea Cadets 

Welsh Harp Sailing Club 

Phoenix Outdoor Centre 

King George Sailing Club 

Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre 

The Ahoy Centre 

Shadwell Outdoor Centre 

Docklands Sailing & Watersport Centre 

Westminster Boating Base 

Learn more about the project first hand from it’s participants and Asher Robinson, RYA Sailing Developer and The Urban Winds Project Lead our video below