Paignton Sailing Club has won the top award in Sunsail’s 2026 Funding the Future initiative, receiving £6,000 for its Mums on the Water programme. The result was announced at Southampton International Boat Show and published by the RYA on 21 September.
The programme is intended to bring more women into sailing through female-led coaching, beginner-friendly tuition and subsidised sessions. Organisers also want the project to support confidence and wellbeing, making participation the central objective rather than competition.
A record field of clubs applied in 2026
The RYA says this year’s Funding the Future programme attracted 85 entries, a 35% increase on 2025. Applicants were asked to explain how their projects could increase female participation, improve inclusion and create lasting benefits for their local sailing community.
That made the selection process broader than simply choosing a club with the largest existing membership. Proposals were judged around impact, sustainability, long-term vision, creativity and the practical use of available funding.
The grant will subsidise beginner access
Paignton Sailing Club plans to use the £6,000 to provide coaching and tuition designed specifically for women who are new to sailing. Subsidised sessions should reduce the initial cost barrier while a female-led environment may make the first steps into the sport more comfortable for some participants.
The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on how many beginners continue beyond their introductory sessions. Retention, regular club participation and progression into independent sailing will be useful measures after the programme has had time to operate.
Why grassroots funding matters to small-boat sailing
Local clubs are where many people first encounter dinghies and other small sailing boats, so modest grants can have a direct effect on equipment access, coaching and volunteer capacity. Participation programmes also broaden the pool of future boat owners, race crews and club volunteers.
For Leisure Boat Guide, the project is relevant because it addresses the practical route into boating rather than focusing only on new products. Access to instruction, supportive communities and affordable first experiences can be just as important as the choice of boat for someone entering the sport.