Greenwich Hospital and the Royal Naval Sailing Association (RNSA) have launched an exciting new project to provide free sailing opportunities for young people from serving families across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Funded by Greenwich Hospital, RNSA – the charity providing sailing opportunities for the Royal Navy – will offer the chance for young people from Service families to join the ‘RNSA Youth Crew’ and enjoy free Royal Yachting Association Start sailing weeks throughout the UK, delivered in partnership with the Andrew Simpson Foundation.
The dedicated courses launch this Easter and aim to get hundreds of 11-17-year-olds sailing in 2024 and beyond. The courses aim to promote physical and mental fitness, foster a sense of community and encourage sea sense and safety awareness for those attending.
Deirdre Mills, Director of Greenwich Hospital, commented: “Sailing is exciting, builds new skills and enhances personal fitness and wellbeing. By making sailing rewarding and inclusive, our project will engage with and support naval families across the UK.”
The Sail Together courses include a core water safety element to support young people’s confidence in the water. Each certified course provides an opportunity to record and recognise achievements.
Philip Warwick, Chief Executive Officer, RNSA, commented: “This is a super exciting chance to support Service families and introduce them to the fun and many benefits of sailing. We will be doing everything we can to make these weeks fully accessible and inclusive to serving families across the UK with no previous experience needed to participate.”
The project will run for an initial three years, subject to annual review and take-up. The team involved will also consider follow-on pathways to help young people take up ‘Sailing for Life’.
