By Isle of Wight Observer
Every primary school child aged nine to ten on the Island will learn to sail as part of their education by 2027, as an established programme providing free sailing lessons to Year 5 pupils expands across the Island.
The commitment follows continued growth of the Seaview Sailing Trust’s schools programme, which will reach 31 of the Island’s 37 primary schools this year, with full Island-wide coverage due by 2027. The expansion has been made possible through a new collaboration with UKSA, which will provide tuition for a number of schools at its Cowes base, resolving long-standing travel issues for West Wight schools.
The programme will be delivered by UKSA instructors to the same standard and structure as the Seaview Schools Sailing programme, and will be fully funded by the Seaview Sailing Trust.
Of the 31 schools involved this season, 26 will complete the programme with Sea View Yacht Club and five will attend UKSA. By 2027, pupils will receive a minimum of five free sailing sessions, each lasting three hours, delivered as part of PE by qualified instructors, with some receiving up to ten sessions.
Andrea Minton Beddoes, chairman of the Seaview Sailing Trust, said the aim was for all Island children to have the opportunity to learn to sail, helping them develop life skills and opening future maritime career pathways.
In 2025, 723 children took part in 4,446 free sailing lessons, a 41 per cent increase on the previous year. That number will rise this season to 949 children.
