The Royal Yachting Association and SailGP have unveiled JUMP — the Junior Upskill Mentor Programme — a pioneering work-shadowing initiative aimed at women and girls between the ages of 16 and 25. Announced on International Women’s Day, the programme is now accepting applications and forms a central part of the RYA’s involvement as Event Purpose Partner for the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, set to take place in Portsmouth this summer.
JUMP has been created to deliver hands-on experiences spanning the marine, events, and competitive sailing industries. Participants will get the chance to go behind the scenes and shadow professionals from both the RYA and SailGP during the build-up to and around the Portsmouth event.
The need for such a programme is underscored by sobering workforce data. According to 2024 global insights from the International Maritime Organisation, women accounted for just under 19% of the maritime workforce surveyed. The Global Maritime Forum’s estimates paint an even starker picture, suggesting that women comprised less than 2% of the global seafaring workforce in the same year.
Despite the UK being an island nation, many young women remain unaware of the wide array of career paths available within the marine sector. Opportunities stretch well beyond what most people imagine — from media production and sustainability strategy to major event management, logistics, and high-performance sport.
JUMP will pair participants with mentors who have forged successful careers across these disciplines and are actively shaping the industry’s future direction. By learning from professionals who have navigated challenges and thrived in these environments, young women gain a clear view of what is achievable — and the self-assurance to envision themselves following similar paths.
Iona Neilson, Head of Impact at SailGP, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We’re 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.”
RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe MBE shared a personal perspective on the programme’s significance: “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’s possible when they’re empowered to explore careers the water can offer. I’m 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.”
Importantly, JUMP welcomes young women regardless of their sailing background. While certain placements call for prior knowledge, many do not, ensuring the programme remains accessible to those entirely new to the marine world who are curious about what a future in the sector could look like.
Applications close on 6 April. Candidates simply indicate their general areas of interest, and mentors will match successful applicants with appropriate placements. As a brand-new pilot initiative, spaces are limited.
The primary opportunities are based across Portsmouth, Hamble, and Southampton, though select placements are also available in Ealing, Weymouth, Edinburgh, Newtownards in Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Alongside the launch of JUMP, the RYA Female Futures Group has released an inspirational short film titled In Her Element. Designed to motivate young women and showcase opportunities within the marine sector, the film follows seven-year-old sailor Kate and celebrates early discovery, the importance of role models, and the idea that every great journey starts with a small step.
Hannah Diamond, Chair of the Female Futures Group, commented: “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.”
The film forms part of Reflections on Water, the RYA’s national campaign celebrating people, progress, and opportunities across the UK’s blue spaces. Launched in January 2025 under the RYA’s Together on Water strategy, the campaign amplifies lived experiences on the water, champions positive change, and encourages participation for everyone.
