Enjoying Six Weeks of Exciting OnBoard Activities in Largs

Enjoying Six Weeks of Exciting OnBoard Activities in Largs

### Empowering Young Lives: The RYA OnBoard Programme Post-COVID

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) OnBoard programme is offering a fresh and invigorating pathway for young people, focusing on fostering confidence, new skills, and character development.

#### Accessible and Inclusive Engagement

OnBoard serves as an exceptional platform to engage local youth, emphasising that sailing is "fun, inclusive, and a great way to build confidence and learn new skills." By breaking down barriers, the programme ensures that sailing remains accessible to everyone, even in the face of disruptions caused by the pandemic[1].

#### Community and Collaboration Focus

The programme collaborates with community organisations and educational bodies to create enriching opportunities, offering young people a chance to explore new experiences in a supportive, outdoor environment. This collaboration increases access and helps inspire lifelong interest and engagement in water activities[1].

#### Encouraging Outdoor Physical Activity

Following COVID-19 restrictions that limited many young people's physical and social activities, OnBoard reconnects them with the natural environment and promotes an active lifestyle along the coastlines, which is essential for improving overall wellbeing[1].

#### Character Development

The RYA OnBoard programme plays a significant role in the personal growth and character development of young participants. It builds confidence and self-efficacy, encourages teamwork and communication, fosters resilience and problem-solving skills, and inspires ambition and future opportunities[1][2].

A six-week OnBoard programme was delivered at the Largs Sail Training Association (LSTA) from May to June 2023, where 12 young people participated. The programme, made possible through a partnership with Ayrshire Outdoor Partnership, Active Schools North Ayrshire, and RYA Scotland, aimed to embed sailing in the lives of the young participants and provide them with tools beyond their time afloat[3].

Instructor Eva Farnell noted an increase in the participants' confidence and improvement in their problem-solving skills, while Senior Instructor Yuan Wong agreed with her assessment of the programme's impact on the participants[4]. Vince McWhirter of the Ayrshire Outdoor Partnership praised the programme's success, noting the participants' enthusiasm, increased communication, and camaraderie[5].

The young participants have shown significant growth in confidence, now actively participating and enjoying activities at the sailing club. The programme paved the way for the participants' continued involvement through LSTA's cadet nights[6]. The OnBoard programme at LSTA focused on building personal attributes such as confidence, teamwork, communication, determination, creativity, and independence in young people[7].

These attributes are backed by research led by Professor Bill Lucas, Director of the Centre for Real-World Learning at the University of Winchester[8]. The success of the programme was a result of clear planning, community connection, and a shared belief in what young people can achieve with the right opportunities.

In support of clubs, schools, or organisations interested in embarking on a similar journey, the RYA provides guidance to become an OnBoard centre, access funding, and be part of the growing OnBoard legacy[9]. The programme not only nurtures sporting talent but also plays a vital role in enhancing young people's life skills, confidence, teamwork, and resilience, which are crucial qualities for their development and future success, especially as they emerge from the social and emotional challenges posed by the pandemic[1][2].

References:

[1] Royal Yachting Association. (2023). OnBoard. Retrieved from https://www.rya.org.uk/go/onboard

[2] Tall Ships Youth Trust. (2023). Impact. Retrieved from https://tallshipsyouthtrust.org/impact/

[3] Largs Sail Training Association. (2023). OnBoard. Retrieved from https://www.largs-st.org/onboard/

[4] Largs Sail Training Association. (2023). Instructors. Retrieved from https://www.largs-st.org/instructors/

[5] Ayrshire Outdoor Partnership. (2023). OnBoard. Retrieved from https://www.ayrshireoutdoorpartnership.co.uk/onboard/

[6] Largs Sail Training Association. (2023). Cadet Nights. Retrieved from https://www.largs-st.org/cadet-nights/

[7] Largs Sail Training Association. (2023). What We Do. Retrieved from https://www.largs-st.org/what-we-do/

[8] Centre for Real-World Learning, University of Winchester. (2023). Research. Retrieved from https://www.winchester.ac.uk/about-us/research-and-enterprise/centre-for-real-world-learning/research/

[9] Royal Yachting Association. (2023). OnBoard Centres. Retrieved from https://www.rya.org.uk/go/onboardcentres

1. The RYA OnBoard programme, rooted in sports such as windsurfing, offers opportunities for education-and-self-development by fostering confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in young participants.
2. Aside from nurturing water activities, the OnBoard programme aims to promote a well-rounded development in youth, providing them with life skills, resilience, and a love for the outdoors, making it an exceptional platform for both sports and personal growth.

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