Priorities

At UKSA, our Vision is a future where the seas inspire and empower everyone to reach their full potential.

For over 35 years we have been committed to transforming young lives through the power of the sea. As a global maritime youth charity, we provide life-changing experiences and industry leading education that helps young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, develop the skills, confidence, and ambition to succeed.

Through our work, we strive to:

• Deliver Career Pathways: We offer clear, supported routes into maritime employment, from watersports instruction to futures in shipping, the navy, superyachts, and more. Our training leads to recognised qualifications and lasting careers.
• Build Confidence and Life Skills: Our programmes go far beyond technical training. They develop teamwork, resilience, leadership, and self-belief, qualities that prepare young people for life, not just work.
• Remove Barriers: Through our bursary and outreach programmes, we ensure that financial hardship, special educational needs, or lack of opportunity never stand in the way of a young person’s potential.
• Achieve National Reach, Personal Impact: Based on the Isle of Wight, we work with schools and youth organisations from across the UK. Last year, over 4,800 young people took part in our programmes, including more than 650 fully funded through our “Leave No Child Behind” initiative.
• Championing Inclusion: We’re proud to welcome young people from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities or from underrepresented communities. Every programme is designed to be inclusive, supportive, and aspirational.

We are delighted be recognised as the Maritime Solent Charity of the Year 2025. Sharing our work with Maritime Solent’s extensive and diverse network, will help us to build important partnerships with industry and education establishments on a global scale. Partnerships that will make a real and lasting difference, by helping us to remove barriers, create opportunities and inform our programmes, ensuring they meet future industry demands for a highly skilled workforce.

Together, we can empower the next generation of maritime professionals and equip them with the tools they need to thrive in life, work, and beyond. From raising awareness to direct impact, this support will help us continue to remove barriers and transform lives through the power of the sea. This partnership is about more than just raising funds-it’s about inspiring change.

UKSA – United Kingdom Sailing Academy – Cowes, Isle of Wight