Hello,
August of course is always a busy time for our region, it’s always great to see so much regular and new participation from residents as well as from those travelling into our region, perhaps taking part in one of our world-class sailing events.
The summer holiday is always a popular time for children taking to the water and perhaps enjoying their first sailing experience. This can be seen in the fact that our OnBoard resources are currently proving very popular, the OnBoard meg sups and event gazebo are in great demand, which is great!
It’s fantastic to hear that so many clubs in the South are having a fantastic busy season, and especially when it comes to a new generation getting out on the water.
Can you help?
2023 Formula Kite European Championships
As previously reported, the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships will be taking place in Portsmouth, on Eastney beach on 16th – 24th September. (race day starts on the 19th)
I am looking for volunteers to help at this exciting event. We have a range of opportunities both on the water and ashore so please do not feel like you need to be an expert in this new discipline.
In particular, we are looking for people to help support the environmental and STEM sessions taking place. These activities, which are aimed at children and young people, will include helping them to learn about social impacts and their local environment. For example, volunteers will be able to help them look at samples of the water taken from Eastney Beach under a microscope. All of this activity will take place from a specially created Beach Classroom on Eastney beach.
So what are you waiting for – sign up via this online form here and you can be involved in the first international Formula Kite regatta to be held in the UK since the exciting new discipline was added to the Olympic roster.
Last call – RYA Club of the Year Awards closes soon!
Don’t forget to enter your nomination for the RYA Club of the Year Awards before Monday 28 August! There are four categories to choose from:
- Community
- Green
- Active
- Young Person’s Club of the Year
Nominations are welcome from all of the sailing and boating community and can be made by submitting a few words on why the nominated club deserves to be recognised. All nominated clubs will then be invited to provide more information for the Awards Panel to consider. Each club only needs one nomination to enter. More info here.
Deadline approaching – RYA Membership Census
The deadline for RYA Membership Census is Sunday 13 September. Thank you to everyone who has already completed their data – this really is one of our most important and useful resources as it helps to inform and shape our work in the region. If your club can’t locate your email please do contact me.
FREE website and social media review
Is your club looking to work on your website and social media presence? We have a fantastic opportunity for four clubs in our region to receive a FREE website and social media review from Marketing agency, Social B. The agency will be able to look at your online presence and give expert advice for a route forward for your club to follow.
So if you are currently looking at your club’s online presence and looking to implement change and make improvements to your website and social media, then please contact Polly Schafer by Tuesday 22 August to take advantage of this really valuable pathway offer, which is valued at £500.
Save the date – Regional Conference
Our Regional Conference will be on the 2nd December 2023 again at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. This year’s event will have a slightly different feel as it’s going to be broader than ever before. It will be supporting Sailability sites, Race Officers, class associations and club committee members. Some of the workshops will be specific to those individual groups, and others will be relevant to everyone.
And finally… Could you be a new non-executive director of the RYA Board?
The RYA Board is looking to recruit a new non-executive director at this year’s AGM in November. If you, or someone you know, would like to help drive the RYA during this new strategy period then we want to hear from you. In particular we are looking for someone with a high level of insight into grass roots dinghy sailing, performance pathways or experience of elite sports. More information can be found here.
Until next time,
Susie