STEM Meets Sail: How Portsmouth’s Youngsters Are Building, Racing, and Coding Their Futures
- Romy Kraus
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
RYA, ASF, and 1851 Trust transform access to sailing and STEM for local youth and community groups
This July, Portsmouth’s waterfront is set to turn into an electrifying playground of sails, science, and big dreams. Enter the powerhouse collab between the Andrew Simpson Foundation (ASF) and 1851 Trust — two organisations obsessed with breaking down barriers and showing young people what’s possible when curiosity meets the sea breeze. Backed by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Energise Me, their new community activation programme is set to light up minds and get kids wet (in the best way) alongside the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth. Think sailing, wingsurfing, robots, and model boats — all stitched together to inspire futures in STEM, sustainability, and maritime careers.
These aren’t just workshops. They’re adrenaline-fueled gateways into a world of endless horizons, tailored for school kids and local community groups who might never otherwise step aboard. From coding robotic balls to building boats that defy physics, this is about more than play — it’s about planting seeds for the next generation of innovators and ocean explorers.
THE LOWDOWN
4-day programme running 17–20 July at RYA Beach Club, Portsmouth.
Targets both schools and community groups, blending sailing and STEM.
Features wingsurfing, keelboat sailing, coding challenges, and model boat building.
Collaboration involves ASF, 1851 Trust, RYA, and Energise Me.
Built to smash barriers to water access and inspire STEM and maritime career ambitions.
"Partnership Working Expands and Diversifies Opportunities"
ASF’s big vision? Make the sea everyone’s playground. Their mission is crystal: strip away real and perceived barriers and open up sailing to all. By syncing with the hype of SailGP, they’re creating a once-in-a-lifetime chance for local youth to step into a world they might only dream about.
ASF has a legacy: through the 1851 Trust Rebels programme, they’ve already reached 8,000+ young people across the UK, mixing STEM sparks with on-water adrenaline.
“We are looking forward on drawing upon the excitement that the SailGP event will bring to the area, to provide access to young people to explore new activities they may otherwise not have the chance to partake in.” — Josh Atherton, ASF
"Sport Can Transform How Young People See Their Future"
1851 Trust is all about rewiring mindsets through sport. Their STEM Crew platform has reached 40% of UK secondary schools, making science and engineering feel like the coolest after-school club ever. The SailGP collab is a next-level playground to connect kids to green and maritime futures — pushing them to dream way beyond classroom walls.
Their approach is all about real-world relevance: hands-on activities that embed coding, design, and sustainability into something unforgettable.
“Our work is driven by belief in young people’s potential... We help teachers unlock potential, spark ambition, and create opportunities to inspire futures for young people in STEM, Green and Maritime careers.” — Jo Grindley, 1851 Trust
"Sailing is for Everyone — Fun, Inclusive, and Skill-Building"
The RYA is going full throttle to show sailing isn’t just a sport for the privileged few. With the Beach Club as a central hub, they’re making sailing approachable, fun, and confidence-boosting for Portsmouth youth. Their OnBoard resources add the secret sauce, empowering young sailors to see the sea as theirs to explore.
“Collaboration creates stronger, longer-lasting impact, and we’re excited to keep growing these partnerships to help power up Portsmouth and bring lasting benefits to the whole community.” — Rob Clark, RYA
"Portsmouth’s Coastline = An Epic Playground"
Energise Me wants every local kid to see Portsmouth’s coastline not just as a backdrop, but as a launchpad. Their goal? Get more young people moving, connecting, and falling in love with water-based activities — and maybe even build a lifelong habit out of it.
“By partnering with the RYA, Andrew Simpson Foundation and 1851 Trust we hope to increase access to and inspire lifelong participation and engagement with these activities.” — Sharon Robertson, Energise Me
QUICKFIRE
What’s happening for schools?
Schools from across Portsmouth will join on 17–18 July, riding the momentum of Hampshire School Games. Top performers get to dive straight into on-water and STEM adventures.
How about the community days?
19–20 July flips the focus to local community groups like Urbond, Pompey in the Community, and more. Plus, a walk-in STEM zone for families to get hands-on.
Why all this hype now?
SailGP brings energy, eyes, and a rare chance to hook young people into trying something new — and sticking with it.
