Autism on the Water: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

Autism on the Water is a finalist at the MY HERO 20th Film Festival. You can watch the film here: myhero.com/autism-on-the-water

Autism on the Water (AOTW) is a charity dedicated to raising awareness about the autism spectrum through sailing and boating, all free of charge. Launched by autistic sailor Murray MacDonald in 2016, the charity has flourished, gaining widespread recognition in the UK and beyond. Since its inception, Autism on the Water has helped over 1,000 people with autism experience the joy of being on the water.

AOTWMurray MacDonald

The organization doesn’t just offer fun boating experiences; it empowers individuals with autism through the therapeutic and recreational benefits of sailing. Autism on the Water has become a key player in the autism and sailing communities by providing a supportive environment that promotes personal growth, skill development, and social interaction.

The idea for Autism on the Water came from recognizing the significant impact sailing can have on individuals with autism. The sensory-rich environment of the sea, combined with the structure and teamwork involved in sailing, provides numerous benefits. Autism on the Water was created to offer accessible and enjoyable sailing opportunities for those on the autism spectrum, helping them thrive in new and enriching ways. Autism on the Water was set up in 2016 simply as a random Facebook page for raising awareness of autism - it started with no money, no boats, and absolutely no plan on where it might go, it was never intended to become a full-time "thing". Eventually, people took an active interest, and research was done to see if something similar existed within the UK, which it didn't. It was identified that being on the water can enhance confidence, problem-solving, and social skills which autistic people struggle with daily, as Murray MacDonald discovered himself growing up sailing with Oban Sailing Club. AOTW started the process of becoming a registered charity, offering free-of-charge sailing and boating opportunities as well as raising awareness of the spectrum through the sport.  

Mission

The primary mission of AOTW is to provide everything completely free of charge - whether it’s a community sailing session, a trip on the canal or an open day. Everyone on the autistic spectrum plus their carers and families, including brothers and sisters are welcome. All ages are welcome but the recommended minimum age is 5.

Murray MacDonaldAOTW

Benefits

Promote Confidence and Independence: Sailing requires a degree of self-reliance and decision-making. By participating in sailing, individuals with autism can develop greater confidence and a sense of independence.

Foster Social Interaction: Sailing is a team sport that necessitates communication and collaboration. AOTW provides a platform for individuals with autism to engage in social interactions, enhancing their social skills and building lasting friendships.

Provide Therapeutic Benefits: The rhythm of the waves and the focus required in sailing can have therapeutic effects, helping reduce anxiety and stress while improving concentration and physical coordination.

Programs

Autism on the Water offers a variety of programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of its participants:

Community Sailing: These sessions bring together families and communities from local areas for therapeutic sailing with no structure on the activity - simply life jacket on, engine on, untie and go! This provides a relaxing getaway for families with autistic children to have that brief break from the stresses of life and feel the relaxation of being on the water under a sail.  

Family Sailing Holidays: In 2025, AOTW will organize FREE sailing holidays where families can enjoy sailing together, promoting family bonding and allowing parents and siblings to share in the unique experience as well as exploring some of the most beautiful sailing waters in the world around the West of Scotland. (See below).

Competitive Sailing Opportunities: Participants with a passion for competition can join AOTW’s racing teams, which compete in local and national sailing events.

The impact of Autism on the Water has been profound. Participants have reported improvements in self-esteem, communication skills, and overall well-being. The organization has received numerous testimonials from families and individuals who have found sailing to be a transformative experience. Said Murray, "One such experience was a young girl with autism speaking verbally for the first time at the age of 7 after sailing with us, and that has remained today as one of our most magical success stories."

Photo credit: Yachting Images

Murray added, " Another notable success story is that of a young lady named Eilidh who joined AOTW with little confidence, few social skills and was very isolated from society after leaving school early. Through steady participation in sailing activities, Eilidh has learned to be a confident skipper and, in 2022, she competed in the Clyde Cruising Club's Scottish Series helming one of our yachts "Positivity" finishing 5th in class. She also raced on our Impala 28 as a crewmember and was part of our first race win with the boat. She has also transited the Caledonian Canal on board Confidence and recently passed her Competent Crew Course with the Rona Sailing Project which included standing watch during a night sail!"

While Autism on the Water has made significant strides, it faces challenges such as funding, awareness, and accessibility. The organization is continuously seeking partnerships, donations, and volunteers to expand its reach and offer more opportunities to individuals with autism.

Looking ahead, AOTW aims to broaden its programs to include more diverse activities, such as water sports and marine conservation projects, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, can find a place within the organization.

During 2024, their ‘commercially coded’ vessel "Confidence" is based in the charming seaside town of Oban where AOTW is offering numerous sailing trips around the area and a chance to participate in activities with the Oban Sailing Club. These activities range from picnics at local beauty spots to exciting local regattas and are all free of charge.

In 2025, AOTW will offer families with autism the opportunity to have a holiday on board the "Confidence." Recognizing the challenges that many families face when traveling, the organization aims to provide a stress-free holiday experience. Based in Oban, families will have the chance to explore beautiful destinations like the sheltered marina in Lochaline, complete with showers, toilets, and laundry facilities. They can also journey up to Tobermory, the iconic home of the popular TV show "Balamory," where visitors can see the homes of beloved characters or enjoy the famous Mishnish bar.  To find out more details, go to: www.autismonthewater.net/confidence

Photo credit: Yachting Images

Find out more: www.autismonthewater.net and on Facebook: /AutismOnTheWater. To contact the head office: Tel: 07713730523 or email: [email protected] 

About the MY HERO International Film Festival:

The My Hero Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing films that celebrate the power of the human spirit. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share inspirational stories of everyday heroes. Thanks to generous sponsors, prizes are awarded to elementary, middle school, high school, college and professionals in a variety of categories including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more.

The festival aims to inspire audiences to recognize the heroism in their own lives and encourage positive actions in their communities. Learn more.

Join us in celebrating 20 years of The MY HERO International Film Festival on November 16, 6pm @ the Ann and Jerry Moss Theater at New Roads School in Santa Monica, California. Find out more HERE.