The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and SailGP have announced the launch of JUMP – the Junior Upskill Mentor Programme, a new work‑shadowing initiative for young women aged 16–25.
Marking International Women’s Day, the programme has officially opened applications (apply online here) with the initiative forming part of the RYA’s role as Event Purpose Partner for the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth this summer.
JUMP was designed to provide meaningful experiences across the marine, events and competitive sailing sectors, offering participants the opportunity to go behind the scenes to shadow professionals from both the RYA and SailGP in the lead up and around the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Grand Prix Portsmouth event.
According to 2024 global insights from the International Maritime Organisation, women represented just under 19 per cent of the maritime workforce surveyed. Meanwhile, the Global Maritime Forum estimated that in 2024 women made up less than two per cent of the global seafaring workforce.
Despite living in a country surrounded by water, many young women remain unaware of the diverse breadth of career opportunities available to them across the UK’s marine landscape. From media production and sustainability strategy to major event delivery, logistics and high‑performance sport, the industry offers far more career pathways than many realise.
JUMP will connect young women with mentors who have not only built successful careers in these spaces, but who are also actively shaping the future of the industry. By learning directly from experts who have navigated, challenged and thrived within these environments, participants gain visibility of what’s possible — and the confidence to picture themselves in those spaces too.
“We are proud to partner with the Royal Yachting Association to introduce JUMP, creating meaningful access to careers across the marine and global sports industry for young women. By connecting participants with mentors in the lead-up to the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in July, we’re looking forward to providing greater visibility and access for young women exploring a career in the marine industry,” said Iona Neilson, Head of Impact at SailGP.
“As a woman who has established a career in this industry, I know first‑hand how powerful it is to be given a chance to step inside the world you aspire to join. JUMP represents exactly the kind of change the RYA is striving to achieve —creating practical, hands‑on opportunities that show young women what is possible when they are empowered to explore careers the water can offer. I am excited to be personally taking on a shadowee and, alongside our partners at SailGP, helping to spark that early confidence that can set someone on an entirely new path,” said Sara Sutcliffe MBE, RYA CEO.
About JUMP
JUMP is open to young women with or without sailing experience. While some placements require prior knowledge, many do not — ensuring opportunities are accessible to those new to the marine environment and keen to explore what a future career in the sector might look like.
Participants will benefit from:
- Experience in real working environments
- Insight into how major sporting events come together
- Meeting mentors doing inspiring jobs
- A chance to explore different career paths without needing experience
- Build confidence in a supportive, female‑led environment
Shadowing placements will run across 3–5 days in July, with timings arranged directly with each mentor.
What work shadowing areas are available?
- Marketing & PR – for the storytellers – For applicants who love social media, creative ideas, writing or communication, this area gives a taste of how organisations share stories, create buzz and reach audiences.
- Brand & Event – for the creatives and organisers – Great for anyone who enjoys design, content creation, live events, logistics or making things look and feel amazing. See how big events come to life — from being on the ground at fan zones to filming to behind‑the‑scenes prep.
- Racing & Performance – for the sports‑minded – For women interested in sport, teamwork, technology or high‑performance environments, this is a chance to look inside the world of competitive sailing and major global sporting events.
- Sport Development – for those who like helping people get active – Perfect for people passionate about community, coaching, youth programmes or making sport more accessible. They will see how clubs, volunteers and young sailors are supported across the UK.
- Corporate Affairs – for those who care about impact – Whether it is sustainability, wellbeing, equality or making a difference, this area shows how organisations shape positive change through policy, access and safeguarding.
- Training – for those who want to support Instructors – Ideal for young women interested in supporting instructors and coaching. You will get a look at how training around the UK is supported and delivered by the RYA.
Applications & applying
Apply online on the RYA website at www.rya.org.uk/making-a-difference/reflections-on-water/jump. Applications are open until 6 April. Applicants simply pick their general areas of interest, and mentors will match successful candidates with suitable placements.
This is a brand‑new pilot initiative, and spaces are limited.
While primary opportunities are based across Portsmouth, Hamble and Southampton there are select opportunities also available in Ealing, Weymouth, Edinburgh, Newtownards (NI Ireland) and Wales.
New inspirational short film launched: In Her Element
To mark the launch of JUMP, the RYA Female Futures Group has released a new short film, In Her Element, created to inspire young women and highlight the opportunities open to them in the marine sector. Told through the eyes of seven‑year‑old sailor Kate, the film celebrates early discovery, role models, and the message that every big journey begins small.
“With In Her Element we’re showing young people, especially girls, that there is space for them in every corner of this industry. When they can see the full spectrum of what’s possible, they can begin to imagine futures that truly belong to them,” said Hannah Diamond— Chair of the Female Futures Group.
The film sits within Reflections on Water, the RYA’s national campaign celebrating people, progress and opportunities across the UK’s blue spaces. Launched in January 2025 as part of the RYA’s Together on Water strategy, the campaign amplifies lived experiences on the water, champions positive change and encourages participation for all.
