Chatham Maritime Watersports Centre (CMWC) is on course to inspire the next generation of sailors after joining RYA OnBoard – the national grassroots scheme making it easier and cheaper to get more young people on the water.

OnBoard gives anyone aged 8-18 the chance to learn to sail or windsurf by providing low cost opportunities for schools, youth groups and families to have fun afloat.

What sailing can do for young people goes beyond the notion of ‘sport’; it’s everything else that comes from being on the water in a boat or on a board.

As well as the physical and mental benefits of having fun in the fresh air outdoors, a landmark project between the RYA and Professor Bill Lucas, Director of the Centre for Real-World Learning and Professor of Learning at the University of Winchester, identified how sailing nurtures key life skills and character strengths in young people.

These strengths are confidence, teamwork, communication, determination, independence and creativity, and this is why CMWC is excited to get OnBoard for 2020.

Matt Small, Chief of Watersports at the Centre, said: “We are pleased to be able to participate and offer the RYA OnBoard scheme. Our Basin 2 location offers a safe and accessible environment for young people to learn. OnBoard fits very well with our mission to deliver inclusive watersports experiences and activities to individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, promoting health and wellbeing whilst encouraging personal and social development, building character, independence and resilience by enforcing a growth mind-set.”

Hannah Cockle, the RYA’s OnBoard Operations Officer, added: “It’s great to welcome CMWC to the OnBoard programme. Getting out on the water has a huge amount of benefits, no matter what your age, background or ability. We look forward to working with them and the local community to get as many people as possible enjoying our great sport.”

Run by sailing’s national governing body the RYA, OnBoard works to make sure anyone who wants to sail or windsurf, regardless of ability or background, can.

OnBoard isn’t about producing champions, although many youngsters do go on to excel in dinghy and windsurf racing, it is about local youngsters discovering what an exciting, challenging, sociable or simply relaxing outdoor activity sailing can be.

CMWC is a recognised RYA Training Centre, meaning it conforms to the highest standards of safety and quality,

Since 2005, OnBoard has helped over 900,000 young people try sailing and windsurfing and learn an activity that often stays with them for life.

Discover how you can get OnBoard at CMWC or find your nearest OnBoard club

For more information about how to get involved in sailing visit www.rya.org.uk/go/onboard.