The newly delivered H15 sailing boats were provided thanks to the generosity of Yorkshire Building Societies Lasting Legacy Fund. The two boats have been named ‘Unique'; and ‘Valued’ to reflect the way we see the children and young people that OIAM works with. 

Jonathan Thewlis, Manager at the Keighley branch of Yorkshire Building Society, said: “We were delighted to be able to support the One In A Million Sailing Enrichment project. It was great to see first-hand, the benefits the two boats will bring to give children from disadvantaged communities a fantastic threshold experience”.

A total of 37 children from 4 OIAM Community Hubs, participated over the two-day launch at Doe Park Water Activities Centre, Denholme. This was a threshold experience for every single one of them, experiencing sailing for the first time. Most of the children arrived nervous and apprehensive but after 5 minutes of sailing they were having the thrill of their lives. By the end of the day, none of the children wanted to leave!

Millie Murphy said, “I was a bit scared at first but loved it, can we come again?”.

Whilst Kiran Griffin said “I loved getting in the water to power the boat forward”.

Isobel Sharp said, “that was awesome!!”

The sailing enrichment will help children and young people to raise self-confidence; develop personal discipline; nurture fun and adventure in a safe environment; actively promote how to work as part of team; learn practical skills as well as teach them how to sail!

A full sailing taster, enrichment and development programme is being planned for the children and young people, which leads to meaningful qualification pathways. Our Free School is even adding sailing into the Curriculum for the next academic year!