Norfolk Schools Sailing Association exists to teach young people to sail and delivers the RYA programme from novice to dinghy instructor. The main programme for young people runs from Easter to October, with Instructor Training and Volunteer Development throughout the winter. All teaching is delivered by RYA qualified instructors and is overseen by the principal Mr Jeremy Mills. NSSA deliver over 20 courses to 180 children and young people. In addition NSSA offer a small number of adult courses and the RYA OnBoard scheme to local schools and youth groups in the summer term.
NSSA Filby is a unique organisation, offering the young people of Norfolk sailing tuition in a relaxed environment on a beautiful piece of water. This contribution was recognised by The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service granted in 2019 and no less than 5 of the team have received the RYA Volunteer Awards for Lifetime Commitment in recent years.
HRH The Princess Royal accompanied by Mr Chris Dicker, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk and Norfolk Schools Sailing Association President, were welcomed to the centre by Ms Sue Head, who had overseen the building project on behalf of the NSSA Trustees. These new facilities are the culmination of 17 years of planning and fundraising to develop NSSA Filby Centre. The project began with the purchasing of the land from Norfolk County Council, followed by concept designs leading to the appointment of Munnings Construction Ltd to deliver the project.
These new facilities are to replace the original, temporary buildings which had been in place for the last sixty years. In addition to providing modern, accessible and fit-for-purpose changing spaces, they have improved the storage of the safety fleet, created a dedicated workshop, a working office for the volunteer team and a social space for everyone to share.
HRH The Princess Royal was able to meet young people taking part in sailing activities on site. These included an OnBoard school group, a group of core members in Toppers and some of those from a special project funded by the RYA to support Unaccompanied Asylum-seeking Children. The Princess Royal went on to meet some of the sponsors and supporters who had funded the project as well as further NSSA Volunteers.
Commodore Andy Goff thanked The Princess Royal on behalf of the organisation and invited Her Royal Highness to open the new premises by unveiling a plaque. The Princess Royal concluded the event with a few words commending the work of NSSA in furthering the sport of sailing and enriching the lives of young people.
Robbie Bell, RYA Regional Manager in the East, said “It’s always a pleasure to visit NSSA at Filby and meet with their dedicated volunteers, the work they do inspires hundreds of young people which has had an incredibly positive impact on the Broads community.”
For more information about how to get out on the water in the East Region, visit www.rya.org.uk/startboating.