July 2021
So it looks like things are opening up even more and hopefully lots of you are out on the water! Here’s a quick round-up of some things that are happening just now or coming up.
Guidance
The Scottish Government has once again looked at easing Covid-19 restrictions and the 19th July will hopefully be the date we can all move to Level 0 (this will be confirmed on Tuesday 13th July). As the pathway to ‘normality’ continues to open up with elements such as larger gatherings (outdoors) being planned for, along with a reduction and/or removal of physical distancing then it is really important for all clubs, centres and organisations to read through the latest RYA Scotland guidance (version 7.1) for boating – please note that although things are getting easier, and more is possible, there are still restriction in place!
If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with the team.
Support for Retention – Information Needed
We have been listening to conversations from clubs and centres and it looks like the increase in demand for sailing and outdoor watersports activities is beginning to materialise – some of that is due to the ‘staycation’ phenomena, or due to current members returning to the on-the-water activities, or due to previous sailors joining new/local clubs and also down to absolute beginners who are interested in getting involved.
Therefore, we are looking to see how we can support clubs, centres and organisations with retention – be that juniors, adults, racers or in other ways such as helping to support activity on the water, planning and development and instructor training. We are looking to see how we can do this most effectively, especially as restrictions ease and when it may suit you best.
So, can we please ask you to complete this short questionnaire to let us know what the demand is for helping clubs, centres, organisations with retaining members and/or customers. Your response shall help us gauge both the demand and what we can potentially provide. Thanks for your help!
Good luck messages for our Olympians!
The Tokyo Olympics starts on the 23rd July with the Sailing beginning on 25th – until 4th August. As our Olympians depart, we wish to congratulate Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club for their involvement in nurturing the early talent of the 3 Scottish Stars involved – Charlotte Dobson, alongside Saskia Tidey, in the 49erFX, Anna Burnett, alongside John Gimson, in the Nacra 17 and Luke Patience, alongside Chris Grube, in the 470 Men.
We would also like you to join us, at RYA Scotland and the National Lottery, in wishing luck to all of the British Olympic, especially the sailors, and Paralympic Athletes involved this summer by posting Good Luck Messages on social media on Thursday 15th and Friday 16th July 2021.
Please share your Good Luck Messages for Charlotte, Anna and Luke, on social media using the
#TNLAthletes and #MakeAmazingHappen hashtags
Let’s see who can get the most creative and help to send our sailors and the team onto the Games with the best of luck and wishes from all in Scotland!
OnTheWater
This week (7th July) British Marine launched a new campaign to support people getting #onthewater. At the heart of this is a new website, run by British Marine, that will allow those interested in sailing, boating and watersport activities to find out what is local to them.
As a supporter, RYA has secured the opportunity for all affiliated clubs/organisations and recognised training centres who have ‘pay and play’ and ‘opportunities’ for involvement to advertise on the website for free for 2021.
If you want to get involved, then please see the email sent out to all affiliates and recognised training centres last week or simply visit the OnTheWater website, click on the wave icon in the top right corner, select ‘Add Your Company’ from the navigation menu and follow the step by step guide to register – it should hopefully take no longer than 10minutes!
RYA Club Census 2021
Have you benefitted from a return of past members, have you retained all your 2019 members or have you had new people join? This is the chance to let us know! The annual Club Census was issued to all affiliated clubs and charitable organisations as well as Sailability centres in June 2021. We are looking to get as much information back about the organisations in Scotland, and particularly around how healthy (hopefully) the membership is looking this year. If you need more information or the census re-sent then please get in touch via email!
Dates for information – 2020 & 2021
Scottish Regional Juniors Championships 2020 – 25th & 26th September at Loch Tummel
Regional Gatherings 2020
- an event to take place in each of the 3 Regions (East, North & West) over the weekends of 23rd & 24th October and 6th & 7th November (dates and venues to be confirmed)
Affiliated Club Conference – Part 1 = online – Monday 8th November 2020 at 7pm
Affiliated Club Conference – Part 2 in Scotland – Sunday 6th March 2021 (venue to be confirmed)
Finally, we hope to be getting out and about soon, so please let us know if you have any events or sessions that we could drop into – we’ve missed catching up on what has been happening!
Take care and stay safe!
The Development Team, aka Robin, Georgia, Ryan & Liza