GPS Navigation Essentials: Equipping Students with Seamless Sailing Skills

Repton School Abu Dhabi has launched the SailGP Schools program, backed by Mubadala, bringing cutting-edge sailing science directly into classrooms. The initiative gives students hands-on experience with the physics, innovation, and sustainability principles behind the world's fastest racing sailboats.

The school held a special ceremony to celebrate student participation, with notable attendees including Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Sailing and Modern Pentathlon Federation, and Hadi Saeed Ziad Jafar Al Askari, First Vice President and Head of Sponsorship at Mubadala.

"This program offers students an exceptional opportunity to see how science and sport work together in meaningful ways," said Stephen Lupton, the school's director. "Beyond the excitement of sailing, it encourages them to think about innovation and sustainability principles."

Students got their hands dirty through interactive sessions that tested their balance on specialized boards and taught them how to handle wind forces on side sails. They explored how wind power, physics, and teamwork combine to control these high-speed racing vessels.

The program represents a growing trend in UAE education where traditional learning meets real-world applications. By connecting students with professional sailing technology, schools are preparing the next generation for careers that blend science, technology, and environmental awareness.

For the UAE's broader maritime ambitions, initiatives like this build local expertise in advanced sailing technologies. The country has been positioning itself as a hub for international sailing competitions, and programs like SailGP Schools help develop the technical knowledge base needed to support this industry long-term.

The partnership with Mubadala also signals continued investment in educational programs that align with the UAE's sustainability goals, particularly in areas where renewable energy concepts like wind power can be demonstrated through sport.