Hello,
Firstly a big thank you, from myself and the Regional team, to everyone who came to our RYA Connected event in Southampton this month.
With nearly 100 delegates it was the largest attended South regional conference to date. It was great to see so many new and familiar faces, all who were able to network together, along with over 20 RYA staff, throughout the day.
The day kicked off with everyone exploring the volunteer journey. Representatives from Tudor SC, Hythe SC, Hayling Island SC, and Andrew Cassell Foundation, along with RYA Chief Executive Sara Sutcliffe and Leon Ward from the South region, discussed just how important it is to identify people’s abilities and use member’s skill sets for the various volunteer role that fit people’s expertise.
We then broke up into our smaller sessions which included a range of presentations, forums, pop-ups and workshops. There was a wide range of subject choice, so everyone really was able to pick and choose the right session for their organisation.
Just a few to mention included running safe events with Duncan West, boosting membership, training and volunteering, finding funding, legal issues, data led membership promotions, plus the OnBoard programme with Polly Schafer and RYA OnBoard Manager, Hannah Cockle. RYA Director of Sport Development, Rob Clark, also gave a very insightful update on the affiliation process.
Please do put next year’s date in your diary – Saturday 30 November 2024.
New RYA South Regional Chair
During RYA Connected I was also pleased to introduce our new RYA Volunteer Chair, Richard Gunn, former Commodore at Tudor Sailing Club. I was also able to thank our outgoing Chair, Mike Samuelson. And again, I would just like to thank Mike for all his hard work during the last three years. Richard is contactable on this email address: chair.so@rya.org.uk
South Regional Training Day
Save the Date! The South Regional Training Day on 16 March at Thorney Island Sailing Club will help deepen your knowledge, confidence and experience in delivering the RYA small craft schemes and also offer you the opportunity to broaden your skillset. There’ll be workshops covering personal and teaching skills in power, sail and wing/wind). Look out for booking details soon.
RYA Training Conference
The RYA Training Conference is an excellent opportunity for RYA Instructors and Training Centre Principles to get together and find out all the latest updates from the RYA and wider industry. It will again take place at Hilton Oxford Belfy, on Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 January 2024. Register here
OnBoard in the South
I would like to give a very warm OB welcome to Bembridge Sailing Club – our latest club to join the OnBoard programme.
And please do put 3 February 2024 – the OnBoard Development Day for 2004 in your calendar.
Training and courses
Senior Instructor courses will shortly be going live on the RYA website and advertised via our South social media channels. Please do look out for them.
The RYA South Regional Team will be taking a break over the Christmas period, so I’ll take the opportunity know to wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy New Year.
Until next time,
Susie
