Ocean Citizen Update: Silas and Puffin Sailing

Our Ocean Citizen Award recipient Silas has been busy laying the groundwork for his project Puffin Sailing. His aim is to provide sailing tuition with a focus on environmental awareness, and the funding he receives from our Ocean Citizen Award will help him buy the boat he needs to get started. 

Silas told us that although it feels like progress has been slow, the project is gathering momentum now.

“The award has given me the impetus to create pathways that I otherwise wouldn’t have – interacting with charities, businesses and individuals that have provided support, encouragement, advice and insight,” he explained.

One of the reasons we loved Silas’ project is that sustainability is at the core of what he does – and what he aims to do with Puffin Sailing.

We were delighted to hear that he’s been talking to the sustainability team at the RYA and that he’s submitted his draft syllabus to them to get their input before finalising his programme for Puffin Sailing and purchasing his boat.

Silas also shared with us that while he’s been waiting to get Puffin Sailing off the ground, he has also been teaching and facilitating sessions with various sailing groups and leaving environmentally aware footprints with all of them.

“Whilst assisting with a local Schools Day, attended by primary aged children – many of whom have never been on the water before! – I was able to witness their excitement for the natural world, which was truly magical to see!”

 

Silas also impressed us with his dual goals of wanting to increase ocean advocacy and environmental awareness among those learning to sail, as well as to broaden access to the sport. 

He’s taken a further step towards supporting accessibility in sailing and raising awareness of all the sport offers after being selected as a member of the RYA Futures Lab. This youth ambassador programme, run by the RYA, is “a team of young leaders, creators and change makers, who will shape the future of sailing and outdoor adventure,” and Silas has thrown himself into the role.

He’ll be taking part in a 24-hour Dinghy Sailing Race with other members from the RYA Futures Lab in September, all to raise money for the RYA Foundation that breaks down barriers to boating through grants that widen access and support inclusion.

You can learn more about Silas’ challenge and support him here. 

We can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer holds for Silas and we’re looking forward to seeing Puffin Sailing take to the water!