Hello,
The start of this month has been extremely busy gearing up for the arrival of the Formula Kite European Championships 2023, which are currently taking place in our region.
Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t been kind to us. At the time of writing, a wet and windy start has meant that racing has been placed on hold, although this didn’t stop some riders from getting out on the water for some freestyle action in the stormy conditions. We still have some competition days remaining so fingers crossed we see some action out on the water.
I have been helping the riders to inspire and connect with our local school children, who were thrilled to meet Maddy Anderson, Lily Young and Ellie Aldridge at the Andrew Simpson Centre, Portsmouth – a big thank you to the Centre. The children enjoyed asking questions and also got a lesson in kite flying from the British Sailing team athletes – what an awesome experience!
This weekend is Finals Weekend – which is completely FREE! so do please come on down. It will feature high speed racing and fun for the whole family in our Event Village. It will be great to see you there. More info here.
Do please note that spaces are limited for the Have a go FREE wingsurfing sessions, which are available for anyone aged 8 and over, so do please book ahead here.
RYA Connected
RYA Connected is our new regional knowledge sharing and networking event, which replaces the regional Conference.
This all-new format is designed to appeal to a wider audience and is suitable for anyone running activities at a club including committee members, instructors, volunteers and race officers. PLUS training centres based within clubs, Sailability groups and class associations.
The day will include lots of workshops to choose from, some will be specific to individual groups, and others will be relevant to everyone. Growing and developing your team of volunteers, instructors and race coaches.
Plus forums, discussions and presentations taking place, as well as excellent networking opportunities with the South team, clubs and key experts.
The day will include:
- Creating an attractive offer so you can recruit and retain members
- Building a thriving competitive sailing scene
- Running safe and successful events and activities
- Reducing your operating costs whilst also reducing your organisation’s impact on the planet
- Opportunities to discuss the big opportunities and challenges in 2024
- Sharing ideas for running training centres
It will be a busy day and an excellent opportunity to tap into RYA expertise. Book and find out more information here.
Planning for 2024!
Although we are still in the thick of activity in our region and winter still to come, before you know it next year’s season will be upon us.
Now is the time to start identifying any Instructor training gaps you may have. If you need any Instructor and Race Coach courses to run over the coming months then do please start to book these in, before trainers get all booked up and are then not available when you need them the most. Planning is key to being prepared. Duncan West is more than happy to talk to clubs to help so do please contact him.
Maintaining engagement
Thinking of the more immediate future, with the evenings drawing in and activity declining, now is also the time to start thinking about how you can engage with your members and what winter activities you can offer.
As we all know, our clubs are not just about sailing. They can offer a fantastic social scene too, allowing everyone to come together. Do you have a social programme in place so that everyone can enjoy being together over the winter months? There are all sorts of events you could organise, including requesting talks from an RYA expert to those from other organisations. For example, Brading Haven Yacht Club has been in touch with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust for a talk.
And do remember – maintaining communication and offering a variety of experiences for members to stay engaged with your club throughout the coming months will make a big difference when members receive their renewals in the New Year.
RYA Club Membership Census Survey
Thank you to each and every club that completed the annual membership census. I will be in touch with clubs to discuss results soon.
And finally,
Can you please submit your PY returns for 2023 here. The more up-to-date information that we receive, the more accurate the numbers will be for racing next year – so we really do appreciate your support.
Until next time,
Susie
