News / The New Horizons Project
Waves of fun and skills for Bristol’s youth
A youth project is making a splash-tastic return to Bristol for its third year, as it gears up to train our underprivileged communities in the unique skill of sailing.
As part of the Royal Yachting Association’s (RYA) national campaign – Together on Water – The New Horizons Project will help young people between the ages of 10-20 to be trained in valuable life skills to open new opportunities for them.
Previously, Bristol-based groups like Black2Nature and DET Entertainment have been part of the project’s campaigns and are hugely appreciative of their effort towards the local communities.
is needed now More than ever
Senior equality, diversity and inclusion manager at Black2Nature, Lily Khandker, said: “It was a wonderful experience to have our young people, and their families discover a real love of being on the water.
Windsurfing, dinghy sailing, keelboats, and yachts – there are countless ways to enjoy time on the water
She continued: “I have really seen them grow and I can see how the skills they’re learning are going to be with them for life.”
The project is aimed at making the water accessible to those who might not have access to it, and as an initiative has hosted several subsidised and free introductions to sailing in the past for the Bristol area.
18 participants from these free sessions chose to diversify into intensive sailing training and have completed stage 1 of sailing certification, with 10 of them advancing to stage 2.
RYA regional manager and organiser of the initiative, Rob Howlett, said: “It’s amazing the impact that having access to water can have on people’s lives, and at the RYA, we want to make sure everyone feels welcome to experience this.
“The New Horizons project is all about giving people the chance to explore sailing and see the benefits for themselves.
“Young people in the UK and Bristol face so many challenges as they grow up, particularly if they haven’t had access to resources and so coming together as a community to facilitate new experiences is vital for growing their confidence and opening their eyes to new possibilities.”
The New Horizons Project ensures countless memories are made in the water
Apart from building friendships, confidence, and life skills like leadership, time management and persistence, the New Horizons Project is aimed at highlight the unexpected jobs that sailing as a skill can open up.
Sailing could get young people recruited in the travel and leisure industry or even harbours across the globe.
All photos: Royal Yachting Association and Martin Allen Photography
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