What the young generation think about The Future of Sailing
Hear from our panel of young sailors Live at the RYA Dinghy Show
What better opportunity than the RYA Dinghy Show, to catch up with a young panel of sailors about their thoughts on the Future of Sailing. Host Matt Sheahan, producer of World Sailing TV, discusses some of the challenges our panel face to keep sailing.
Youth 29er sailor Henry Jameson (17) talks about his love of sailing and how pressures of college work and life make getting enough time afloat a challenge. Olympic star Luke Patience, now in his early 30s, gives his views on the importance of having fun, at whatever level you are in the sport, and the magic and joy that engaged him in sailing. It’s a message we all need to share!
Sophia Benson recently took up sailing and is actively involved in running the Fireball class at Hayling Island SC. Coming into sailing at a later age, she recognises the importance of communicating with different generations in different ways. Social media might not be the best for the more senior Fireball fleet sailors, yet it’s the main way how she and the panel communicate with their own peer groups.
Hannah Cockle sailed and raced throughout her childhood, yet now is more likely to be out on her bike recording and sharing her performance via APPs and social media. Living in Southampton she has nowhere to store a boat, and few clubs offering the right sort of membership and environment to appeal to her and her friends. Being able to turn up and pay to use a boat, without having to own it, is something she feels could help her get back afloat once again.
Watch and replay all the Future of Sailing webinars and talks.
With thanks to Mark Jardine from Yachts and Yachting Online for his support and filming the panel, and Alistair Dickson, Director of Sport Development at the RYA.