Get OnBoard
See the endless possibilities children's sailing and windsurfing can bring
OnBoard is the RYA's children's sailing and windsurfing programme. It offers children the opportunity to try watersports through their local club or centre in a safe, fun and structured environment.
Open to all children, OnBoard is a beginner programme that gets people on the water for their first time. Whether you would like to learn how to sail or windsurf, there is no experience or equipment needed to get you started. The programme is also progressive, so you can work your way through the RYA Youth Schemes.
As well as getting fresh air and exercise, children's sailing and windsurfing offer a wide range of invaluable life skills, from problem solving to confidence and teamwork.
Get involved
Clubs & centres
If you are already an RYA Recognised Training Centre, delivering youth courses, you can join OnBoard today
Join in
Teachers & youth leaders
Information on children's sailing including course information, character education and the National Curriculum
Learn more
Join the Rookie fleet
Once again, in 2023, the British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Championships will include a Rookie Fleet
Take part
Already a confident sailor?
Have you already begun your sailing journey? If you're wondering what's next we can share some advice
Where next?
Getting OnBoard is easy!
OnBoard is suitable for anyone aged 8-18 and no experience is required to learn to sail or windsurf. You don’t need any equipment and you don’t need to be able to swim.
Learning to sail usually takes place between spring and autumn and sessions can be from 30 minutes to a few hours. All watersports activity is run at RYA accredited training centres, so it’s completely safe!
If you’re thinking ‘what should I wear?’ then we would simply recommend being ready with some warm clothes and some old trainers!