Moving with Pride

UK Sailing Academy (UKSA) is proud to be supporting the re-launch of Rainbow Laces and its new campaign, Move with Pride, a national movement focused on making welcome and belonging visible across sport, physical activity and everyday movement.

As part of this commitment, UKSA has signed the Proud Pledge, signalling our support for LGBTQ+ inclusion and our belief that everyone should feel safe, respected and confident to take part in sport, watersports and maritime careers.

What is Rainbow Laces: Move with Pride?

Rainbow Laces, led by Stonewall, is evolving into a national network that visibly signals welcome and belonging. The new Move with Pride campaign recognises a simple truth:

When people know they belong, confidence grows, and movement becomes possible.

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, sport and physical activity can come with additional barriers. Visible signs of inclusion help break down those barriers, making it easier for people to participate, stay active, and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of movement.

Rainbow Laces exists to make that welcome clear, so everyone can move, play and participate with pride.

Why this Matters to UKSA

At UKSA, we believe that inclusion is the starting point for participation. Whether someone is learning to sail for the first time, training for a maritime career, or discovering watersports, feeling welcome and respected is essential.

Sailing and watersports thrive on teamwork, trust and shared experiences. By supporting Rainbow Laces and signing the Proud Pledge, we are reinforcing our commitment to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels they belong.

“As a cycling world record holder and CEO of UKSA, I see every day how a visible welcome changes who shows up — and who stays. When people know they belong, confidence and aspiration grow. We’re proud to support Rainbow Laces’ Move with Pride and to make everyone welcome across watersports, sailing and maritime careers.”

Find Out More

The Proud Pledge

By signing the Proud Pledge, UKSA affirms that we believe:

Everyone should be able to confidently access movement, sport and exercise, and its benefits

Inclusion should always be the starting point

Everyone deserves safety and respect

Harassment and discrimination are unacceptable in all their forms

This pledge aligns with our wider values as a charity dedicated to changing lives through watersports and maritime training.

Why Train with UKSA?

When you train at UKSA you experience our world-class tuition and over 35 years of maritime industry insight.

  • Equipment and Support
    From our unique four-acre waterfront campus in Cowes on the Isle of Wight, we provide all the training, equipment and support you’ll need to make your dream career a reality.
  • Teaching and Soft Skills
    In addition to delivering the training you need to complete all your daily activities on board, we also pride ourselves on teaching the soft skills that will help you stand out from the crowd in a competitive market. This includes the professional behaviour, teamwork skills, positive attitude and personal traits expected on a 7-star yacht.
  • Expert Insight
    Our experienced tutors provide expert insight and hands-on instruction into what it takes to succeed in your first role in the industry. Alongside our guidance and tuition, you’ll also get the career support needed to secure your first role on deck.
Find Out More

Share your #MoveWithPride

Follow UKSA on social media to see how we’re supporting Move with Pride

Facebook Youtube Instagram