West Sussex Schools and Youth Sailing Association was formed in the early 1960's by a group of people largely made up of County Youth Service staff, Teachers and Sailing Instructors who were interested in developing the wide range of sailing opportunities available in West Sussex for the benefit of both young people and of the sport of sailing.

More than thirty five years later the Association continues to develop sailing opportunities and activities, strengthened over the years by a steadily growing number of affiliated schools, youth clubs, community youth organisations and Sailing Clubs who have been able to benefit enormously from the partnership.

The WSSYSA is an RYA Recognised Teaching Establishment, and thus always works within the strict safety standards demanded by the National Governing Body. As an RTE the WSSYSA runs its own series of RYA qualification courses and issues the appropriate RYA Certificates in both dinghy sailing and powerboating to those who achieve the necessary standards. RYA Certificates are therefore available to those who successfully complete one of the many training courses organised by the Association or those courses organised and directed by qualified members of affiliated bodies.

WSSYSA maintain a fleet of 6 Toppers on one road trailer which are available to affiliated organisations for use in training Young Sailors using a properly qualified RYA Senior Instructor.

The primary functions of the WSSYSA are:
a) to provide training to enable adults to assist with the organisation and provision of sailing activities, and
b) to provide support to the existing sailing resources and to develop new opportunities for the young people of West Sussex.