Sailing and Windsurfing

A water-based sport which involves racing through a predetermined course, and combines sailing with a surfing element. There are many different types of boat which could be used for competition, from dinghies to race boats.

What is sailing and windsurfing?

A sailing competition between multiple boats, or vessels, is known as a regatta. A regatta is often made up of a series of different race types, such as course navigation, time trials, or head-to-head races, with the best overall performer crowned the winner.

Much racing is done around buoys or similar marks in protected waters. This is known as ‘short course’ racing and is commonly seen at the Summer Olympic Games and in the America’s Cup, two of sailing’s most famous competitions.

Other formats include coastal or inshore racing which are done close to land, and offshore racing – which usually consists of a lengthy timed race through open water – the longest form of which would be a navigational race around the world.

Find out more about how to run sailing and windsurfing formats.

Equipment needed

Ribbon and stick (to determine wind direction)
Rounders posts
Cones
Benches
Resistance bands
Bean bags
Gym mats
Suitable space (indoors or outdoors)

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the National Governing Body for sailing and windsurfing in the UK.

See their full range of sailing and windsurfing formats suitable for schools.

Visit the RYA's website

Get involved

The School Games is inclusive to all young people and provides opportunities for everyone to get involved, either within school, against other local schools, or at county or regional level.

School Games Organisers

School Games Organisers (SGO) help schools coordinate appropriate competitive opportunities for all young people from Key Stage 2-4, to recruit, train and deploy a suitable workforce, and to support the development of club.