Rutgerson gets local school kids into sailing

A few days each semester all children at the primary school in the small Swedish town of Marstrand leave their class rooms to get out on the water and learn about sailing and boat life. A unique school program sponsored by Rutgerson and implemented by the local sailing club.

Rutgerson’s home town, the pretty little town of Marstrand on the Swedish west coast, and it’s surroundings is known as one of Europe’s best sailing grounds. Though only 1300 inhabitants the community has a long history of hosting world class sailing events and raising great sailors. But it is also the only place in Sweden where local children get introduced to sailing in primary school.

The sailing program at Marstrand Primary School involves all children from age 7-13. It starts with fun and basic safety skills for the younger ones while slowly introducing more advanced activities and boat types as the children get more experienced.

– Sailing is part of the local culture and love for the sea is the greatest gift we can give to our children. One must also keep in mind that our school is located on a very small island. Learning to deal with boats and the sea is important for the children’s safety. Most of them come to school by ferry every day, says Head Principal Ann-Charlotte Johannesson.

It all started six years ago when the local sailing club, Marstrands Segelsällskap, saw a falling number of local kids in the club and got the idea to start at cooperation with the local school. The principal agreed under the condition that the sailing club came up with a program and organized all the activities. And so they did, first years with good help from state funds and local business, and from now on with local yacht equipment manufacturer Rutgerson as main sponsor.

– We are very happy to be able to give the local children the possibility to learn to sail, not only those who have parents with boats. As a local company in a small town it is also a way to secure our future competence. A technical interest and a good understanding of boating is essential in a business like ours, says MD Charlotte Rutgerson.

Rutgerson produces sail- and deck hardware to sailmakers and boat building business around the world. The company was founded in Marstrand by Göran Rutgerson in 1976, and is today one of the largest employers in town with a staff of approximately 30 people.

Download Press Release in Swedish: 2018-03-14