Programmes

Designed to deliver positive social impact, particularly for individuals and groups who face barriers to accessing outdoor activities.

Designed to deliver positive social impact, particularly for individuals and groups who face barriers to accessing outdoor activities.
We believe sailing is more than a sport, it’s a catalyst for growth, confidence, health, and connection.

Delivered across our community sailing centres in Portland, Portsmouth, Reading, and Birmingham, each programme is underpinned by our commitment to health & wellbeing, inclusivity, and personal development.

Focus areas:

Programme information

We offer a range of charitable programmes tailored to meet specific needs in the community. These are free or heavily subsidised, thanks to the generosity of our funders and supporters.

Discover Sailing

For: Young people in year 5 & 6
What: Half day taster session for schools and groups
Focus: Introduction to sailing and confidence-building
Outcomes: Large groups of young people experience sailing, have a pathway to continue sailing should they wish to, and understand a basic water safety message.

Sailfit

For: Inactive young people who want the tools to lead a healthy and active life
What: 6 week programme with sessions each week
Focus: Active outdoor sessions and classroom learning combining sailing and physical fitness
Outcomes: Increase knowledge of a healthy lifestyle and good nutritional habits, sailing qualifications, and inspired to continue sailing and be active.

 

Aiming High

For: Young people with disabilities or additional needs
What: 6 week programme with sessions each week
Focus: Accessible programme that enables young people to manage challenges they may face in their lives.
Outcomes: Develop self-confidence, resilience and managing emotions, achieve sailing qualifications and increase access for individuals with disabilities.

Young Leaders

For: Young people aged 14–18 with potential to become future leaders
What: Sessions over a three year period that include Assistant Instructor Training, Leadership workshops and a subsidised RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification at the end of the three years (earliest 16).
Focus: Leadership training, watersports instruction, teamwork, and volunteering
Outcomes: Young people develop leadership skills, improve their sailing skills, have increased career opportunities and life chances due to RYA Assistant Dinghy Instructor qualification and enhanced CV.

We believe that everyone should be able to access and participate in sailing and watersports, regardless of background or ability. In 2024, 45,000+ beneficiaries were supported by the Andrew Simpson Foundation.

These sessions are such a thrilling adventure for our children and they always return to school full of stories and enthusiasm. Children that are normally very anxious are surprising us with their sudden adaptability. They can’t wait to come back each week”

Louise Sullivan
SENCO Lead, English Martyrs Primary School

All Community Programmes are subsidised by the Andrew Simpson Foundation, enabling young people from all walks of life to participate. Each Community Programme is outcome focused and works towards our fundamental mission of transforming lives through sailing.

If you are interested in one of our subsidised programmes or would like more information, please leave some details below and we will get back to you for a friendly, informal chat. Some of our programmes can be partially or fully subsidised by the Andrew Simpson Foundation and all of our Centre instructors are specialised in working with SEN children.

Our impact so far

With increasing numbers of young people facing stress, anxiety, and inactivity, our work offers a much-needed antidote. Sailing contributes to improved mental and physical health, social connection, reduced crime, and increased confidence.

70%

reported an increase in teamwork skills.

57%

reported a measurable increase in self-confidence

97%

of participants would recommend our programmes to their family and friends.

Related programes

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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.

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Community Programmes

Designed to deliver positive social impact, particularly for individuals and groups who face barriers to accessing outdoor activities.

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Community clubs

Regular clubs which enable young people to feel part of their local watersports community in an affordable and inclusive way.

Donate to the Andrew Simpson Foundation

Every single penny raised will help more young people get out on the water. Thank you for helping us to provide opportunities and support young people’s physical and mental wellbeing.