The new RYA Affiliation process is now in full swing and my key message to clubs this month is that there is lots of support available to help you.
It’s very new to all of us and although a change like this can feel daunting, it’s all about ensuring we provide a safe and welcoming environment which enables more people to enjoy being on the water.
There are now greater expectations placed on national governing bodies and sports providers from regulatory and funding bodies, as well as participants, to ensure that correct procedures are in place.
The new online RYA Affiliation Portal provides a structure for the future to support this and a wealth of information and opportunities for clubs.
Two-way communication
The new affiliation cycle starts next month, April 2024, and all new and existing affiliates are being asked to commit to working towards revised affiliation criteria for 2025. This includes actions relating to safeguarding, health and safety and inclusion.
The RYA Affiliation Portal enables clubs to submit and store essential information and documents – it will also help the RYA to better support Affiliates and see where more resources may be needed.
It should be really good going forward but it is a new platform and a different way of operating, so whatever you do, please don’t struggle with this new RYA Affiliation process. If you have any questions, do feel free to contact the RYA Affiliation Team who will be very happy to help.
And to support your club’s journey, remember we have an ongoing series of RYA Connected events and webinars, with upcoming topics including volunteering and creating an offer that meets the needs of different types of potential members.
I’ve also pulled together some useful links for you!
Sign up for our Regional Training Days
Booking for the first of our Regional Training Days is now live with an exciting schedule planned for you at Swansea over the weekend of 23-24 March.
This is for instructors, coaches and volunteers – AND open to anyone who would like to learn more about cruising and/or career pathways, so please do take a look.
The Saturday will include a focus on motorboat and yacht cruising, including RYA Competent Crew, Day Skipper and Cruising Instructor skills.
And for powerboaters, there will be a shorebased navigation session and on-water skills and drills, with the two groups then coming together for a trip down The Gower.
We have also lined up two really good evening talks now open for booking at £7.50 a ticket:
- Milford Haven Coastguard: Route calls to pass passage information, RYA SafeTrax and what happens when there’s a mayday
- British powerboat sailor and adventurer Alan Priddy whose experience includes circumnavigating the world by yacht, navigating a RIB around Scotland, Ireland, Britain and completing a record-setting Atlantic crossing.
Another optional extra is that powerboaters wanting to do more on the Sunday, will be able to learn about search and rescue patterns, and use radar on the water.
All in all this is set to be a popular weekend: BOOK NOW for our Swansea dates!
Hester