Hi everyone,
RYA Training Conference
This weekend I attended the national RYA Training Conference. This year the event combined all RYA Training schemes so there was a tremendous mix of Instructors, Trainers and Principals representing Recognised Training Centres from across the UK and much further afield. It was really interesting to hear from all manner of experts over the two days, not least from the UK Hydrographic Office about their transition from paper to digital formats. The RYA is working towards a Digital First approach for content within the practical training schemes, this is to better reflect the way people use their craft and equipment in practise, so we’ll start to see this being rolled out over the next few years, exciting times.
Club Development Workshops
During this week I will be hosting a club development workshop at Royal Harwich YC. This has been organised by Harwich Area Sailing Association, and with around 15 clubs in attendance, we’ll be exploring some of the support the RYA can offer those clubs, and use the opportunity for plenty of discussion around the topics that matter most to the clubs in the room. I will be joined by my colleagues Paul Wren (Regional Performance Manager) and Jane Ellison (Disability Development Officer) and therefore we will be able to provide information on a wide range of topics. If you are interested in chatting to any of us, or having one of us come to your club to discuss your development needs, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show
Looking further ahead I am pleased to be attending Farnborough International once again this year for the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show at the end of the month, which this year promises to be even bigger and better than last year. I look forward to seeing many of you there over the weekend – if you do have the opportunity to come and say hello please do so, and if you’d like to arrange a meeting to discuss your club, please do get in touch either beforehand or during the event. I am particularly looking forward to the RYA Club of the Year Award ceremony and wish Blackwater Sailing Club all the very best, fingers crossed for the win, but whatever the result Blackwater SC have thoroughly deserved their place in the final, having managed a continuous period of development that has made a significant difference to their membership over recent years.
Regional Training Day
On 12 March I am running the Regional Training Day. I’ve mentioned this in previous Blogs, but I am pleased to say that bookings are now live (book here). A reminder that this year the event has been opened up to any instructors or volunteers involved in the delivery of activity at their club, Sailability group, or Training Centre. Follow the link above to view the full agenda and book.
Regional Courses
I would also like to remind you that we have an extensive list of regional courses taking place over the coming months; these include: Racing Instructor, Advanced Instructor, Multihull Instructor, Keelboat Endorsements, Powerboat courses and much more. Please check out our web area and social media feeds.
Tell us your stories
Please do get in touch and let us know how your plans are progressing for the season. I would love to visit your club and have a chat with you. Alternatively, if you have some stories to share with us that you think may benefit other clubs, or you’d just like to shout about, please give us a few basic details via our new form, and our Regional Communicator, Holly Hancock, will be in touch.
Best Wishes
Robbie
