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Our Regional Development Officer Steve Mitchell writes:
RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show 2023
This year’s show was buzzing and thanks to the regional clubs who met me following on from previous club visits or planning future ones. You can read a report on the show here
Club of the Year finalists
Congratulations and well done to London Corinithian (picture at top of page) and King George Sailing Clubs who were presented at the Show as Club of the Year finalists
Young Instructors training programme in London
We have a programme running, funded by Thames Active and the Sport England and RYA Together Fund, which aims to take the 18 students aged 16-20 currently participating to Dinghy Instructor qualifications before summer. It is managed by the AHOY Centre with Asher Robinson taking the lead for the RYA delivering the training alongside Nick Spence and Zak Riat. The students are from the AHOY Centre, Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre, Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre, Greg City Academy and Westminster Boating Base. This is all aimed at building a local workforce to address the shortage of instructors. The funding covers equipment, First Aid, Powerboat Level 2 and Instructor courses
Forward going we hope to roll out this model, where clubs/centres in an area combine to run courses, in other areas of our region.
Regional Training Day
Join your regional team for a day of personal learning and development at the Regional Training Day (formerly Instructor Training Day) on 11 March at Queen Mary Sailing Club. This is for anyone involved in the practical delivery of activities supported by the RYA small craft schemes to help you get set for the season ahead. Expertise will be on offer to enhance and inspire your knowledge and practical skillset. Find out more and book
Nominations open for 2023 RYA Volunteer Awards
Why not celebrate the outstanding contributions of your club/centre’s volunteers by nominating someone for the awards
Photo – The Turner family are presented at last year’s Volunteer Awards.
ClubZone info on volunteers and OnBoard
Speaking to clubs they continue to want more information to support workforce development, specifically volunteer recruitment and retaining existing volunteers. There is a lot of helpful information in the ClubZone section of the RYA website. The ClubZone area was once password restricted but it is now fully open so do take a look at this page and in particular, as we approach the new sailing season, the areas on volunteers including the volunteer planning workshop, how to recruit and manage your volunteer team, volunteer training and more.
For club members aged 14-24 club activities including volunteering, participating, and developing skills can count towards The Duke of Edinburgh Award. Find out how
Also in ClubZone is lots of helpful information about RYA OnBoard such as how to join, how to grow junior membership and participation, and OnBoard resources including digital session cards so please take a look.
Instructor courses
Another reminder about the following courses. Booking links will be live soon.
Dinghy Senior Instructor
- Bewl Water Outdoor Centre 22/23 & 29/30 April 2023
- Queen Mary Sailing Club 7/8 & 14/15 October 2023
Power Boat Instructor
- Dover Seasports 25/26 February & 4/5 March 2023
- Arun Yacht Club 23-26 October 2023
Funding
Is you club/centre looking for funding? Then please visit Funding Opportunities
Free ticket to Southampton International Boat Show for RYA members
…..plus 50% discount on two additional tickets. Offer ends 11 April
News from our region
Rye Harbour Sailability fundraising brings new dinghy
Share your stories
We’re always looking out for stories to pop on our web site and send to your local media, and snippets (two or three sentences) to promote your events or show what you’ve been doing, with photos (landscape format) and links. Or why not send us a short video (15-100 seconds, landscape format) done in one take on your ‘phone to share on our social media. All should have some RYA/regional connection. Other clubs can enjoy your achievements and benefit from your experience. Send us your story
