BRITAIN’s only female sailing school has welcomed a campaign to encourage more women to take up the sport.

Annie O’Sullivan, founder of Cowes-based Girls For Sail, has backed Sport England’s new This Girl Can drive.

Annie, who launched the charity in 1999, said: “This campaign puts women at the heart of decision-making for how they exercise and it’s trying to break down the barriers that stop women from taking that first step to getting active.

“The campaign message is about just taking part, it doesn’t matter how, just doing it is what matters.

“I set up Girls For Sail for the same reason. I’m passionate about encouraging women to try a sport that isn’t always perceived as being female-friendly.

“But it is and we’ve proved it. We've taught thousands of women that sailing can be one of the most fun, liberating and confidence-building sports that they could try.

“That’s what I think the This Girl Can campaign is all about, encouraging women to overcome their concerns about trying something new and taking that first step.

“I applaud this campaign and its aims.”

This Girl Can has received backing from some of the biggest names in sport and broadcasting including Clare Balding, Dame Kelly Holmes and Sally Gunnell.

Girls for Sail will be hosting a taster event at the Royal Ocean Racing Club in London on February 26 for any women interested in getting into sailing.