It was really nice to see so many south-west clubs and trainers at the Training Conference last weekend. Having a catch-up is so helpful and enjoyable and I hope everyone found it useful. It’s always good to get some CPD, especially for instructors – read on for details of this year’s Regional Training Days and other training opportunities.
Regional Training Days
We have two SW Regional Training Days for 2023. One will be on 12 March at Roadford Lake and the other on 25 March at Rockley Watersports. They are for anyone involved in the practical delivery of activities supported by the RYA small craft schemes and participants can choose whichever venue works best for them.
A comprehensive programme of workshops will be offered across the small craft schemes – Power, Dinghy, Board sports – as well as Race Coaching. The theme for all participants will be ‘Creating a great participant experience’ and it will shape the whole day. Find out more and book.
The Regional Training Day offers you an opportunity to develop your club and your people, so please share these details with everyone who will benefit.
Look out too for more information about our regional CPD sessions that will continue the RTD theme – please follow our Facebook page and Twitter feed for all the latest announcements and booking links.
If you would like help in setting up specific training courses at your club/centre, please contact me.
Other training for instructors
We are running the only pre-season Multihull Endorsement course in the region from the Windsport Office in Mylor Harbour on 18/19 March. This course is for RYA Dinghy Instructors who completed their instructor course in dinghies, but who want to teach in multihulls. We’ve made the price as reasonable as possible at just £120 for the two days.
We also have just two spaces left on the Senior Instructor course we’re running at South Cerney Outdoor over the weekends of 25/26 March and 01/02 April. This is suitable for volunteers, who are eligible for 30% off the price, making it just £245. Get in touch with me for the discount code.
Booking information for both courses.
Cruising conference
The RYA South West Cruising Conference is booking up fast! It takes place on Saturday 11 March at the Noss-on-Dart Marina – right in the heart of South West cruising country. The packed programme covers topics relevant to everyone, from those who stay local and coastal, to cross-channel cruisers and adventurers further afield. There will be a busy exhibitor area to visit too.
Club Winter Forums
As I detailed last month, we have six dates confirmed for the 2023 SW Club Winter Forums. We will be looking at your members’ motivations and how you can plan your club around them. Some clubs are making this opportunity available to any member of their club – there’s no limitation, so if you have members who are interested in club planning, bring them along and help influence the direction of your club.
In other news
I will be out and about in the region delivering the Winter Forums so please make use of my travel time by inviting me in to meet you. With 180 clubs and 145 training centres in the region, I have still not met everyone and really enjoy visiting clubs to hear about what you are up to and see if there is any opportunity to help. Maybe we could chat about the new Sport England funding. If you’d like to meet up, let me know.
Junior racing news from Regional Performance Manager, Duncan West
Race Coach L2 training for the spring and summer is now underway, with courses at North Devon Yacht Club and Exe Sailing Club. If you want to host a course at your club, email me or call 07747 111447 and I’ll talk you through the process and get it organised.
The Race Coach L3 course is ideal for coaches who regularly run race coaching and, since doing their RCL2 course, have started to reflect on what works and what’s challenging in their coaching. To be considered for this course you will need at least two years of post-RCL2 coaching experience.
Find out more about both courses and the application process for L3
The Regional Junior Championships booking will open at end of February to coincide with the Dinghy Show, so look out for details on the SW social media, and in next month’s blog.
RDO Rob Howlett
07876 330374
