It’s been a bumper year for Roseland schools sailing.
Seven schools sent their children sailing with us at Roseland Paddle and Sail: Gerrans, Grampound, Probus, Bosvigo, Tregony, Gorran, Ladock, Veryan and Grampound with Creed.
We asked teachers to evaluate the benefits and here’s what they told us.
Theresa Oakley, who’s the mental health lead at Gorran School, says: “Sailing has an enormous effect on children’s happiness and understanding of how being outside and learning new skills can be a positive way to live. The calming effect of water and the natural surroundings can promote relaxation and mental wellbeing. The children learn to appreciate the wind, tides and landscape; they laugh, have fun and challenge themselves. This encourages a gratitude for our beautiful locality.”
For Zoe Worledge of Tregony School, it’s all about the opportunity to grow: “Sailing is a sport many children would never otherwise try. It builds their confidence around the sea, fosters independence, and helps them appreciate what’s available in their local area. Week by week, I’ve seen remarkable growth in confidence, resilience, and teamwork. The children genuinely look forward to each session, and some are inspired to continue sailing beyond school. It’s a transformative experience.”
Chris Wallis of Bosvigo School says sailing at Roseland Paddle and Sail has been a highlight of the year: “Through hands-on learning, children who participated have quickly picked up the necessary skills to independently sail successfully and the satisfaction they have derived from this achievement is wonderful to see.”
The schools told us how learning to sail fosters specific benefits, including:
• Confidence: ‘Sailing requires learning new skills and problem-solving. As the children begin to master sailing, their confidence grows, and they learn to believe in their abilities.’
• Physical co-ordination: ‘Sailing involves balancing, steering, and adjusting sails, all of which require good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.’
• Teamwork and communication: ‘In many sailing lessons, children work together in pairs or small groups, learning how to accomplish a common goal.’
• Independence: ‘Children start off struggling to put a wetsuit on independently, but after a few weeks they are sorting out themselves and their boats and sailing in a triangle, discussing tacks and jibes naturally.’
• Physical and mental wellbeing: ‘Children look forward to the sailing sessions every week, especially as they become more confident.’
• Self-esteem: ‘This improves week on week and children are able to apply it to other challenges and areas of their life.’
All of this is down to the support of the private individuals and organisations who fund our schools programme and we are grateful to them all.
In particular we’d like to acknowledge two organisations who have supported us over the past 10 years of operation and who have this year again made a major contribution.
The Co-op Local Community Fund supports projects in their members’ communities that provide access to opportunities and resources for people to thrive. Co-op Members can choose the local cause they want to support through their membership.
The General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar, Trinity House is a charity dedicated to safeguarding shipping and seafarers, providing education, support and welfare to the seafaring community. Says Victoria Muir: “The opportunity to be able to get out onto the water, enjoy new experiences and learn about the opportunities that this can bring should be available to all and is at the centre of what Roseland Youth Sailing Trust delivers. The Trinity House South West Grants Committee were delighted to be able to support their programme again this year.”
We’re grateful to you both. In the words of Matthew Richards of Gerrans School: “Thank you very much for offering such a worthwhile programme. All children grew in confidence and resilience whilst developing sailing skills.”
