Sailing in educational contexts: a scoping review

Engagement with blue spaces has been linked to enhanced well-being. This scoping review examines the characteristics of educational contexts in which sailing is implemented for children and adolescents aged 8–19 together with the theoretical frameworks, pedagogical approaches and documented outcomes reported in the literature. Following JBI guidelines, a systematic search identified 100 studies, of which 13 met inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that sailing is implemented across a variety of educational contexts, although most existing research focuses on sail training. Findings suggest that sailing, particularly within sail training contexts, can support personal and social development. Although theoretical frameworks are frequently referenced, few studies present clearly articulated, pedagogically grounded programme models. Future research should examine how specific programme models and approaches may support children’s and adolescents’ social and personal development through sailing in different educational contexts.