Neurodiverse Youth Sailing Course 2026

The East Anglian Sailing Trust has successfully run this free grant funded sailing course over the past three years and once again we will be offering six sessions on Wednesday mornings from April 23^rd 2026.

These sessions are aimed at young people aged 10 years and upwards who primarily have neurodiverse needs and are struggling with school, or not at school. The groups vary in size from six to a maximum of ten youngsters, with two or three sailing in a Sonar keelboat together with two experienced crew members. We are all DBS vetted volunteers from professional backgrounds with a passion for supporting young people through sailing. 

What you can expect

The first session is very much a gentle introduction to EAST, our accessible centre, and our facilities. We introduce our own booklet which is designed primarily for young people and has lots of information and activities as well as a logbook section.

When you first arrive we will provide a simple safety talk and a lifejacket, then take a walk down to the pontoon where our boats are moored. Parents, carers are welcome to join the young people when it's required.

If people are feeling able to do so, we will invite you to sit in the boats while beside the pontoon to get used to the movement, some of the parts of the boat, and how the sails work etc. We will go as quickly or slowly as each young person requires, but we will not actually go sailing on this session as familiarization is so important.

The next 5 sessions will involve gradual confidence building to learn basic sailing skills, at the pace of each individual young sailor. Taking the helm to steer the boat, learning the ropes to manage the sails, the effect of wind and tides etc. For some youngsters, just being able to enjoy being on the lovely river Orwell is a major achievement.

EAST has certificates including RYA certificates to award to everyone, and a fun last session to celebrate. We have two safety boats (RIBs) that accompany our boats on the river, our young sailors will get the chance to have a go on those too when weather permits.

The session days are:

Wednesday 23^rd April

Wednesday 30^th April

Wednesday 7^th May

Wednesday 14^th May

Wednesday 21^st May

Wednesday 28^th May

Please note that places are limited and that booking is essential. If you would like more information or to discuss suitability for a young person to join us please email us at: sailorsupport@e-a-s-t.org.uk