With seven other centres in the north east this milestone is a huge achievement for the project and the region.

"Being approved as an OnBoard Centre is excellent for the club and being the 100th club makes it a little more special too," said Mike Shipway, training principal of Tynemouth Sailing Club.

"It confirms our standards of safety and teaching. We will be forging links with schools across North Tyneside throughout 2008-09 to give more local youngsters the chance to go sailing."

After presenting the plaque to Mr Shipway, Victoria Lenz, RYA sailing development officer, congratulated the club on its achievement.

"It is great to bring OnBoard to Tyneside and Tynemouth Sailing Club has worked hard to achieve OnBoard status.

"A national target to get half a million children involved in sailing has been set for the next ten years and these centres are part of a rolling scheme to bring sailing opportunities closer to the local community."

Rob Smith, physical education consultant for North Tyneside Council, echoed the community theme: "We are really looking forward to working with Tynemouth Sailing Club during the next school year.

"It is a fantastic opportunity, and youngsters across the borough will be able to tackle a challenging sport and learn new skills.

"We already have schools lining up to take part in taster sessions from September 2008 and we are more than ready to get 'OnBoard'!"

In the year of the Olympics it is worth remembering that sailing is currently the UK's most successful Olympic sport and that the UK is the most successful Olympic sailing nation – an achievement that can only be maintained by encouraging young people to take up the sport.

"We have to get past the commonly held view that sailing is expensive and inaccessible," said Rod Carr, chief executive of the RYA.

"Because in truth, a second-hand dinghy costs less than the latest computer gadget or games console.

"Nowadays we all have a duty to make it easier for kids to get out on the water, in the fresh air, getting healthy exercise and learning new skills.

"The RYA OnBoard scheme makes it easier for schools to approach sailing and windsurfing activities with the confidence of knowing that the OnBoard clubs are fully approved and insured."

As well as Tynemouth, OnBoard clubs in the north east are Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre (Stockton); Derwent Reservoir SC; Scaling Dam SC; Ripon SC; Tees and Hartlepool YC; and Newbiggin by the Sea SC.

For more details about OnBoard and how you can take part as an individual or as a school, contact Suzie Blair on 07771 642933 or visit the website at www.ruob.co.uk