The Army Sailing Association (ASA) is set to celebrate a record-breaking training season at the Inshore Sail Training Centre in 2025. What began as a visionary project to create a hub for Army watersports activities in 2014 is now on track to exceed all expectations, with over 1,400 soldiers expected to participate in a wide variety of watersports courses and events this year.
Army Sailing, Sailing, Thorney Island, Baker Barracks
Since its establishment, the Inshore Sail Training Centre has been at the forefront of ‘training the trainers, inspiring the beginners and exciting the experts’ in an array of adventurous and challenging activities. In 2014, the Centre provided 206 course places, and this rose steadily to 506 in 2024. Following the successful construction of a new logistics hub, course places are forecast to be 630 in 2025, equating to 3,500 training days, an increase of over 20% in one year. As the 2025 season approaches, the Centre’s impact on soldiers’ welfare continues to grow, enabling more soldiers than ever before to develop skills in a broad range of activities, including power boating, dinghy and keelboat sailing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wing foiling and stand-up paddleboarding.
This impressive achievement has been made possible through significant infrastructure improvements, notably the construction of a brand-new logistics hangar that has expanded storage, workshop, and classroom facilities. The new facility, affectionately named “Jed’s Shed” in honour of the Centre’s manager, Jed Cunningham, was officially opened on 3 April 2025, following generous donations from the Army Central Fund and Army Sport.
Army Sailing, Sailing, Thorney Island, Baker Barracks
The addition of Jed’s Shed has already had a profound impact on training. Safety has been significantly improved with the installation of a dedicated lifejacket servicing bay. The Centre’s equipment lifespan has been extended by 20% due to the new storage facilities, and the provision of a well-equipped workshop has increased the availability of equipment for courses. With these changes, cost savings of 20% are forecast over the next five years.
Moreover, serving soldiers attending courses or events at the Centre are on duty while at Thorney Island, with accommodation available on-site. This convenient setup allows units to send groups of soldiers to challenge themselves on new adventures while honing their skills in a variety of water sports activities.
The ASA has ambitious plans for the continued development of the Inshore Sail Training Centre. In the coming years, the Association aims to improve seasonal instructor accommodation and enhance access to the water, ensuring soldiers can take advantage of all opportunities, regardless of the tide.
Army Sailing, Sailing, Thorney Island, Baker Barracks
“We are incredibly proud of how far the Sail Training Centre has come and excited about what the future holds,” said Jed Cunningham, Centre Manager. “The dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved, from staff to participating soldiers, veterans and their families makes this such a rewarding place to work and train. This season’s forecast record-breaking participation is just the beginning.”
Caroline Crewe-Read, Director of the Army Central Fund, said:
“The construction of ‘Jed’s Shed’ will provide a much-needed new facility for the Army Sailing Association, enabling more soldiers and their families to take advantage of the huge range of watersports and activities offered at the Inshore Sail Training Centre. The Army Central Fund believes that participation in sport helps make soldiering more rewarding, and we are pleased to have been able to work with Army Sport to co-fund this exciting new development, which supports the long-term wellbeing of our serving personnel and their families.”
The ASA’s forward-thinking approach to training and watersports development ensures that the Sail Training Centre will remain a leader in Army Sport and adventurous training for years to come.
For further information, please contact Jed Cunningham | Centre Manager | Army Inshore Sail Training Centre (South) | Glebe House, Church Road, Thorney Island, EMSWORTH, PO10 8DS. jcunningham@britisharmysport.com – Tel: 01243 388315 | Mob 0751600177
