I took some leave to race at the ISO class Euro Cup in Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, France at the end of July, and saw some of the windsurfing T293 & T293Plus World Championships while I was there. Well done to all the south-west sailors who attended the event, and especially to Milo Shaw from Poole who came 3rd in the under 15s.
Census
Census responses are coming in, and we’re heading towards our 85% goal, which will make the data we receive representative of the whole region. Please make sure that your club, whether it’s big or small, sends a report – there are good reasons to do so:
- From your information, we can look at your club’s trends, see what support you need and what stories you can tell. And of course, you can look at your figures and review them for your club’s benefit.
- In the longer term, the census information is likely to have an effect on the funding we receive to help projects in the region. The overall census data not only influences the funding the RYA receives from Sport England but also strengthens the lobbying voice of the sport.
Your census form was sent by email from Victoria Lenz to the person at your club who completed it last year. If that person has handed over the role to someone else, and you can’t find the email, please contact me or Victoria for another copy.
Non-executive director wanted for RYA Board
Are you, or someone you know, engaged with grass roots sailing? The RYA is looking to appoint a new non-executive director at this year’s AGM in November. It’s keen to receive applications from enthusiastic and forward-thinking candidates with deep insight of grass roots dinghy sailing, performance pathways or experience of elite sports at a strategic level.
I would love to see some of the amazing people who know how important grass roots sport is to clubs here in the SW apply for this. The deadline is 06 September.
Volunteer for the Formula Kite European Championships 2023
The Olympic kite foiling extravaganza event takes place from the 16-24 September at Eastney Beach, Portsmouth and there is a range of volunteering opportunities both on the water and ashore.
You don’t need to be an expert – have a look at the volunteer descriptions for further details about the roles, required qualifications/experience as well as dates/times. As an event volunteer you will receive a packed lunch for each day you volunteer as well as an event ‘goody bag’.
Fill in the form to get involved, and if you have any questions, contact racing.events@rya.org.uk
A save the date reminder for our Regional Conference
As I mentioned last month, our Regional Conference will be on 04 November in Taunton. It’s going to be broader than ever before, supporting Sailability sites, Race Officers, class associations and club committee members. Some of the workshops will be specific to those individual groups, and others will be relevant to everyone. Save the date now, and if you’re thinking of bringing colleagues with you, take a look at this story about three people from one club who attended last year, and what they got out of it.
Junior racing news from Regional Performance Manager, Duncan West
Regional Training Groups
Deadlines for applications for the Regional Training Groups are in September. Don’t wait though – make sure your young sailors find out how to get selected for the 2023 – 2024 RTGs now!
The selection policy has been updated with regard to the dates and venues of indicator events, so please check the latest version.
Race Coach courses
Lots of instructors have qualified over the last couple of months, but very few will be able to deliver race training. If you are keen to do that, you can do a Race Coach course, and it’s possible to jump straight to a Level 2.
There’s a dinghy RCL2 course available to wrap up your summer at Bowmoor Sailing Club on 09/10 September, and another at Exe Sailing Club on 07/08 October. These two-day courses look at different areas of coaching and how to apply coaching skills in a practical series of on-the-water exercises and they’re open to all. Book now.
There’s also a windsurf RCL2 course on 02/03 September and a windsurf RCL3 course on 14/15 October, both at WPNSA. Find out more and book.
RDO Rob Howlett
07876 330374
rob.howlett@rya.org.uk
