At Guernsey Sailing Trust, we believe sailing is so much more than learning how to steer a boat or tie a bowline — it’s about growing stronger, braver, and more capable both on and off the water. Through our RYA-certified courses, children don’t just gain sailing skills — they build character.
Here are the top 5 benefits of learning to sail as a child — and how it aligns with the RYA OnBoard programme’s key character development traits.
1. 🚀 Confidence: From Nervous Beginner to Skipper in Charge
There’s nothing quite like the moment a child realises they are steering the boat. Whether they’re guiding a dinghy through a light breeze or trimming a sail, children quickly gain a sense of control, accomplishment, and pride. Sailing teaches them to trust their decisions, manage changing conditions, and celebrate their progress — all of which boosts confidence both on and off the water.
📌 OnBoard Trait: Confidence
2. 💡 Creativity: Problem Solving in Real-Time
Sailing is an active learning environment. No two sessions are the same — wind shifts, weather changes, and decisions must be made. Children learn to think creatively and adapt quickly to what’s happening around them, whether it’s plotting the quickest tack, improvising with ropes, or finding ways to stay dry and smiling in a sudden rain!
📌 OnBoard Trait: Creativity
3. 🗣️ Communication: Clear Talk, Calm Decisions
Whether they’re shouting “Ready to tack?” or guiding a friend on the tiller, sailing encourages clear and purposeful communication. Children quickly realise the importance of giving instructions, listening, and staying calm under pressure — skills that carry into the classroom, sports, and future leadership roles.
📌 OnBoard Trait: Communication
4. 🧭 Independence: Taking the Helm, Taking Responsibility
Learning to sail gives children a real sense of ownership and responsibility. From rigging their own boat to making decisions mid-sail, they discover their ability to operate independently in a safe and supportive setting. That moment they first sail solo? It’s unforgettable. Being able to control the boat successfully on their own requires determination to overcome challenges.
📌 OnBoard Trait: Independence + Determination
5. 🤝 Teamwork: Sailing Together, Growing Together
From buddying up in double-handers to hauling boats onto shore, teamwork is at the core of every sailing session. And when the wind is strong or a manoeuvre doesn’t go to plan, kids learn to persevere together — supporting one another with laughter, encouragement, and grit.
📌 OnBoard Traits: Teamwork
💙 Sailing Builds More Than Skills — It Builds Character.
We’re proud to deliver RYA OnBoard sessions here at Guernsey Sailing Trust that foster real, lasting development in young people. These six traits — Creativity, Communication, Teamwork, Independence, Confidence, and Determination — are essential in sailing, and vital in life.
Whether your child is stepping onto a boat for the first time or returning for their next stage of development, they’ll leave with much more than a sailing certificate — they’ll leave more capable, resilient, and empowered.
🌊 Want to Give Your Child This Experience?
Explore our summer sailing courses running from July 21 – August 30, 2025
☀️ From beginner pond sessions to advanced seamanship weeks, there’s a course for every child.
📩 Email: info@sailingtrust.org.gg
📱 Follow us @sailingtrust for clips, behind-the-scenes, and course highlights!
