"Sailing gave me a place to feel good at something"
Before discovering sailing, Anna's life felt lonely and uncertain. After leaving school because she was struggling, she had little routine and few opportunities to connect with others.
Anna, who is autistic, first tried sailing at West Wilts Sailing Club after encouragement from her Dad. She was nervous and didn't enjoy her first session, but with the support of a good instructor she kept coming back — and fell in love with being on the water.
As she learned more, the things that once frightened her began to feel manageable. She found that sailings clear expectations, structure and a low-pressure environment helped her build confidence and independence.
Now a dinghy instructor and working towards being an RYA Senior Instructor, Anna supports other young sailors who feel nervous, helping them to work through their fears at their own pace.
Anna says sailing has given her routine, purpose and something to look forward to and a place where she can feel capable, confident and good at something.
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#MoreThanSailing
- A place to feel good at something
- Gaining confidence and independence on and off the water
- Offering belonging, routine and purpose