Despite the imperfect weather, we are seeing lots of activity on the water throughout Scotland: junior training weeks, racing and regattas, including the 75th anniversary of West Highland Week, and the tall ships visiting Shetland.
In July, we were excited to welcome Rhys Gorman to the RYA Scotland Development Team as Regional Development Officer for the East. Rhys brings to the team years of experience on the water and a personal interest in developing people. Be sure to say “hello” to Rhys if you see him out at regional or national events this season. East Region clubs and centres can make contact at rhys.gorman@ryascotland.org.uk.
RYA Scotland Participation and Development Committee Volunteer Rory McKinna, helped to organise a Disability Sailing Weekend at his club – Clyde Cruising Club Dinghy Section – along with the support of Laura Cowan and Leon Ward, RYA Disability Development Officer. The event was also supported by the Hansa UK Class Association who travelled up to Bardowie with six boats to help accommodate lots of people on the water. The Saturday provided an opportunity for instructors and volunteers to learn how to support individuals with a disability to feel safe, secure, and encouraged to benefit from being on the water. That training was put into practice on the Sunday with a number of people with a disability and their families, who were not put off by the weather, taking to Bardowie Loch in a Hansa.
Thanks to all the clubs who have already completed the 2023 RYA Club Membership Census. If your club has not completed the census, please do as soon as possible. This information is vital for the RYA and RYA Scotland to produce a picture of membership across both the UK and Scotland and tracking the health of our sport over time. The results are valuable to us as organisations, and the intent is that they are useful for clubs too. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your RDO.
The August Connect Call was a great conversation around the environment and sustainability. Thanks to those who attended and shared your expertise, ideas, and good practice. The next Connect Call will be Wednesday 6 September at 7PM on Zoom, discussing safeguarding. Please plan to attend and bring your relevant questions as safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Please also share with your RDO any suggestions for call topics or any feedback about the calls.
Speaking of the environment: have you made the Green Blue Pledge? The Boating Pledge allows you to show your commitment to making your boating more environmentally sustainable by pledging to respect, protect, and enjoy our inland and marine waters. Clubs and centres can also request a Pledge Promotional Toolkit to use in your own media communication and promote the Pledge to members and customers.
Register now for the 2023 Onboard Introductory Festivals:
These events aim to gather young sailors for first time experiences or their first event away from their home club. The focus is on creating a fun atmosphere and bringing sailors together from across their region. Register now and watch for final details nearer the time.
Nominations are still open until 28 August for the 2024 RYA Club of the Year Awards in the following categories:
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Community Club of the Year
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Green Club of the Year
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Active Club of the Year
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Young Persons’ Club of the Year
The Overall Club of the Year will be selected from the four category winners. Take just a few minutes and nominate an exceptional club today.
RYA Scotland is always taking nominations for our Impact Awards. Who has made an impact on your time afloat recently? Who do you know that deserves recognition for their efforts in somehow getting people on the water or developing a club or the sport in general? Take just a few minutes and nominate someone today. You can visit the RYAS YouTube Channel to see some of our recent winners and watch for regular additions.
Finally, the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering awards close on the 9th of August and are another great chance to celebrate those who make a difference across all sports in Scotland. Nominate now.
Funding update—here are a few options for clubs to consider:
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National Lottery Awards for All Scotland (Please ensure your RDO is aware of any application for this funding as they will likely be consulted during the review process.)
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Aldi Scottish Sport Fund (Open until 20 August for Dundee, Tayside, Perth, Kinross, and Fife)
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Peter Harrison Foundation – Opportunities Through Sport and Physical Activity
sportscotland continues their photo of the month competition on Instagram. They want to share photos showing the joy of taking part in sport and physical activity and showcase the variety of ways in which people participate. Anyone can enter their photo throughout the month using #sportscotlandphoto and #SportForLife, as well as tagging @sportscotland_. Members of the Young People’s Sport Panel will select a top three each month which will then feature in a vote on their Instagram story. Show the joy of sailing and windsurfing and share your photos!
The sportscotland #SportHour has moved to an 11AM timeslot on the first Monday of each month. The theme for August was the environment. This is an informal LIVE Twitter conversation and a chance to discuss the incredible sporting landscape in Scotland, including ways to get involved in sport, explore new opportunities, and hear from the sporting community on a wide range of sporting topics. Even if you cannot join the conversation on the day or until later, have a look to see what everyone says.
Please do not hesitate to make contact if you have questions or areas where we might be able to support. Send us a message at Development@RYAScotland.org.uk.
All the best from The Development Team – Laura, Brian, Rhys & Liza
07/08/2023
