May 2022

This month is also sure to be an exciting one with interviews for the Regional Development Officer North role taking place and preparation for the launch of the RYA Scotland Volunteer Framework continuing. 

We are also looking to get out and about more and indeed have been visiting, or plan to visit, several organisations across Scotland over the coming weeks. If you would like us to pop along to your club/centre/organisation, then please drop us an email!

Discover Sailing

Open Days and linking into ‘Discover Sailing’ are key for many organisations this month. We are aware of a number of opportunities for people to get involved from across Scotland and you can find out more information about registering your event here. The dates for Discover Sailing have been extended and with the opportunity to get some free resources (please pay close attention to print run dates). It’s a great way to get new, and some past, members to your club!

Congratulations to Annandale SC and Largo Bay SC who have already held their Discover Sailing Events, as well as Cove SC and others who have also held Open Days for 2022.

Also, good luck to Castle Semple SC, Royal Forth YC and Elie & Earlsferry SC who’s Discover Sailing events are still to come along with clubs such as Solway YC who are also hosting an Open Day.

Steering the Course

RYA Scotland is looking forward to the Steering the Course Festival coming up between the 20th to 29th of May. We will be celebrating and promoting events across the country that showcase women and girls in our sport. Keep an eye out on out social media for some exciting content and inspiring stories.

If you have any activity that highlights women and girls, please tag us on social media or let us know! #SteeringTheCourse

Launch of the Volunteer Development Framework

One key piece of information that we are regularly hearing is around a lack or depth of volunteers and instructors. We are working hard as a RYA Scotland team to provide opportunities for the training of instructors, and we are also delighted to be able to launch the Volunteer Development Framework during Volunteers Week (1st-7th June 2022).  We are looking to support organisations with developing a sustainable culture of volunteering and we will be hosting 3 workshops in June to support the framework:

Please email us on development@ryascotland.org.uk or look out for further information on our social media to book your free place at these in person sessions.

Free Youth Keelboating Opportunity

We have been working with the British Keelboat League and A-Plan Insurance to offer a free place at the British Keelboat League Finals in September, as part of a Scottish Training and Keelboat Finals weekend on the 3rd and 4th of September.

Teams being entered for the Scottish final should consist of 4 or 5 sailors aged from 16 - 25 (inclusive) with a maximum of three male sailors.

The team should be able to sail a triangular course and handle a standard spinnaker as a minimum capability.

Team members should be members of the RYA, either as an individual or under a family membership.

The winning team must be available to attend the British Keelboat League Championship Finals at Royal Southern YC in Southampton, 30 September to 1 October 2022.

Information Evening – Tuesday 24th May at 19.00

If your club is interested in taking part, RYA Scotland will be hosting an online information session on Tuesday 24th May at 19.00. Feel free to come along and find out more.

Reserve your place by emailing admin@ryascotland.org.uk

You can also call James Allan (CEO at RYA Scotland) on 07824 887247 or Kevin Aitken (RYA Scotland Board Member) on 07778 788855 for a chat.

Instructor Course Information

Want a new challenge or fancy having the tools to help people learn and enjoy our activities. We are a support for life so why not give something back! Loads of courses and training available this year why not check out the links to find out more to start your journey -

Instructor Courses:

Information and dates of courses can be found here.

Senior Instructor Courses:

Booking for the next Senior Instructor Courses is now open -

New for this year is a combined support weekend for these on the 25th/26th June which will be free to people booked on to either of the courses. Please share ASAP to anyone in your teams that may be interested.

Contact the RYA Scotland Coaching Team for any more information or support.

Youth and Junior Champs – 18/19th June at Largs Sailing Club

This is one for the clubs with junior and youth dinghy and windsurfing sections – so please pass on the information to those involved with this section of your club.

The RYA Scotland Champs are now open to enter and the following will have championship fleets – Optimists, Toppers, Technos, 29ers and iQFOIL.

There will also be a regatta fleet, with a support coach, for Optimists and Toppers which is a great opportunity for those new to raining or those wishing to gain more experience in this event. 

To book a place then please visit here

People, Places and Communities – Strategic Plan 2022-2025 

RYA Scotland has initiated an entirely new regional and local approach to how we support boating in all its facets across Scotland.  Our intention is to radically change the understanding of the impact boating has on people, places and communities.

The new strategy places an emphasis on championing the protection of the marine environment and making our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion explicit.  It builds on the success of the previous model of ‘A Place for Everyone’ and recognises we can be more connected to people, places and communities by working more locally and being visible in the places that boating happens across Scotland.

You can read the full People, Places and Communities: 2022-2025 Strategic Plan here.

Finally, if you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to get in contact with the team. We hope you to catch up with you all soon!

Take care and stay safe!

The Development Team, aka Georgia, Laura, Kristy & Liza

10/05/2022