Barton Marine announced as RYA OnBoard supplier
Barton Marine has been announced as an official supplier to RYA OnBoard (OB), the national grassroots programme created to make it more accessible for youngsters to try sailing and windsurfing.
For nearly 80 years, Barton Marine has been making and dispatching world-class blocks from its factory in south east England and is supporting OnBoard by providing eight ‘mega’ stand up paddle boards (SUPs) for young sailors to enjoy at OB festivals and events across the UK.
Since 2005, OnBoard has introduced more than 900,000 children to sailing and windsurfing in the UK, converting some 70,000 of them into regular participants.
Hannah Cockle, OnBoard operation officer says: “It’s so exciting to have Barton Marine on board. Since we first spoke they’ve been so keen to support getting children out on the water and the SUP’s are a perfect way to do this. There is really no experience needed to use a SUP so they are perfect for everyone, and of course great fun!”
The SUPs will also be used at the British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Championships in 2022.
Suzanne Blaustone, Barton Marine says: “Barton Marine is proud to be working with the RYA and their inspirational Onboard programme to get kids out on the water sailing. These big paddleboards can be crewed by a group of kids – so should provide hours of wet and wild fun during the OnBoard events – while also creating team-building skills and providing confidence to these young sailors.”
OB’s low cost sessions are designed to promote equal access to sailing for young people from all social and economic backgrounds.
