Delivering meaningful, measurable change
Everything we do is shaped by four core pillars of impact. These guide our programmes, partnerships, and research, helping us create meaningful, measurable change in the lives of young people and their communities. From building confidence to shaping career pathways and protecting our natural environment, our work is designed to be inclusive, long-term and led by evidence.
Our work in action
Our projects, partnerships and research turn these pillars into practice. From local sailing programmes and national collaborations to evidence-based research, we’re building a network of impact that reaches individuals, communities, and the wider sector. Whether we’re equipping a young person with new skills or shaping inclusive policy through research, our work is focused, collaborative, and rooted in long-term change.
RNSA Go Sailing
Delivering a programme of learn to sail courses to support partners of Naval personnel
Sustainability Programme
The programme is designed to help young people gain a greater understanding of the natural world and give them the skills and knowledge to be more environmentally aware.
Health and wellbeing of young dinghy sailors
This study explores the physical activity, mental well‑being, and motivational factors associated with dinghy sailing among children aged 8-13.
Swim Free
Creating a new programme to deliver life-saving swimming skills to children and young people from Naval families
Into the Green & Blue Multi-Sport Collaboration
An ambitious community collaboration that aims to offer year-round access to blue and green activities that support health, wellbeing, and opportunity across Birmingham.
Community clubs
Regular clubs which enable young people to feel part of their local watersports community in an affordable and inclusive way.
Community Programmes
Designed to deliver positive social impact, particularly for individuals and groups who face barriers to accessing outdoor activities.
Wavemakers
WaveMakers is a pioneering initiative designed to build a more inclusive and representative Olympic sailing team by creating new pathways into the sport for young people from diverse and underserved communities.
RNSA Youth Crew
Delivering a programme of sailing weeks and residential camps to support children and young people from Naval families
Performance Academy Sailing Scholarship
Designed for junior and youth sailors who are actively competing in the UK sailing pathway, and who show dedication to developing their performance alongside our core values.
International Activities
International activities focusing on projects to create meaningful and lasting charitable impact
Athena Foiling Pathway
Athena Foiling Pathway participants benefit from Performance Academy’s world-class coaching and expertise, while support from WASZP enables them to get to grips with the art of foiling in the accessible, one-design dinghy in preparation for joining the highly competitive global WASZP circuit.
Research into understanding the impacts of lockdown on children and young people from the UK COVID-19 lockdown: Leisure-less experiences
This study explores how children and teenagers in the UK felt during the COVID-19 lockdown; especially about not being able to enjoy their usual free time and activities
The OnBoard Programme: A research evaluation for the Royal Yachting Association
A research evaluation of the RYA’s OnBoard programme, which aims to introduce young people aged 8–18 to sailing and windsurfing, particularly those from backgrounds that might not typically access such activities.
An exploration into the perceived benefits of regular recreational dinghy sailing for young people aged 9-13
This research project explores how regular participation in dinghy sailing impacts the health, confidence, and life skills of young people aged 9-13.
