Health and well-being of young dinghy sailors

Abstract

Dinghy sailing, although frequently researched at elite and developmental levels, lacked research focused on the foundation levels in children. This thesis employed qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate the impact of dinghy sailing on children during a taster session, a beginner sailing course and those who were participating regularly on a weekly basis. While individualising each study to focus upon specific aspects, mental and physical wellbeing were common themes across all three studies. In Study 1, participants (n=66; boys n= 35 and girls n= 31) aged between 8-13 years (10.5 ±0.6 y) completed the Daily Reconstruction Method for Children (DRM-C) and Before and After Feeling and Thoughts (BAFT) questionnaire. Key findings consisted of a general increase in both happiness and enjoyment from pre-to post- taster session. Sex comparisons found boys utilised sport more to assist in mental wellbeing even though girls expressed greater changes in emotion during taster session. In Study 2 children (n=52) aged 10.3 (±2.7) y attended a RYA Stage 1 (n= 43), and/or Stage 2 (n= 27) course and participated in the DRM-C and BAFT questionnaire, as well as wearing wrist worn accelerometers and heart rate monitors. Overall, results in the morning sessions showed a decrease in emotions compared to afternoon sessions. In particular, the first afternoon (session 2) of both stage 1 and 2 recorded significant increases in happiness for both boys and girls. Physically, participants accrued 44% of their moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommended guideline during their stage 1 and/ or 2 course. Overall, increased levels of physical activity was found for boys compared to girls. In Study 3, youth sailors (n=12) with a mean age 11 ± 1.54 y, who sailed regularly (at least once a week) were interviewed to investigate a range of topics related to their journey in participation of dinghy sailing. Findings reported multiple positive areas present from starting to sail to regular participation including environment exposure, improved mental wellbeing, improved physical wellbeing, developed social skills, developed life skills, learnt sailing specific skills and assisted in school/ career ideas. The current study also found some negative areas including restraints in time and social factors, expenses, risk of injury/ hazards, and limitations in sailing performance to other areas of life. In relation to the recent document of Sport England for sports to establish evidence of benefits of sports participation, this study provides evidence to support the promotion of dinghy sailing for young people in physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, individual and social development.