Hello,
The new RYA Strategy Together on Water, was launched recently via a live stream on Facebook. I hope everyone, like me, is feeling energised and ready to take part in the long-term vision of a connected, inspired and inclusive sailing and boating community.
The next five years will certainly have its challenges, but I am more than confident that the clubs and network here in the South region are ready to help build the foundations as we address the perception and challenges of making sailing and boating truly inclusive and accessible.
Two projects in the South are taking place which address the issues of making boating truly inclusive to everyone. Working with Energise me (a charity which champions physical activity throughout Hampshire and Isle of Wight) both projects have engaged with families from ethnic minority communities that might not have previously considered sailing a sport for them.
In Southampton, St Deny’s Boat Club is keen for their club to reflect their community, and by working with Southampton Watersports Activity Centre (Active Nation) were able to develop a connection with a group of women (pictured above) who have been learning to swim. They, along with their families, came to the club for a taster day. We hope they will continue to learn to sail through fully funded courses at SWAC as well as become more involved with St Deny’s club moving forwards. The photo at the top of the blog shows the group out on the water at SWAC.
Whilst in Portsmouth, Locks Sailing Club recently held a taster day for their local community, who they are keen to connect with and hope to expand this project. Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre (ASSC), again working with Portsmouth City Council, also held a taster day and is offering funded courses for interested families.
2023 Formula Kite European Championships
I am also extremely pleased to report that over 400 children from the South will be connecting with the upcoming 2023 Formula Kite European Championships, which will be taking place on Eastney beach in Portsmouth on 16th – 24th September. (race day starts on the 19th)
This is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with the local community of Portsmouth, and to be involved with helping youngsters learn more about the range of watersports available on their doorstep through this event. Children and young people will take part in a variety of sessions. From looking at the science behind the sport answering the question of ‘How do power-kites work?’ and ‘How do foils work?’ through to our actions have consequences and inspiring care of the natural environment by looking at samples of the water from Eastney Beach under a microscope. And of course they will also be getting active with a wingsurf on the water session as well as an ashore power kit flying session. All of this activity will take place from a specially created Beach Classroom on Eastney beach. I can’t wait!
Can you help?
I am looking for volunteers to help at the event. You don’t need to be a kiting expert or have volunteered before; we have a range of opportunities both on the water and ashore. As well as taking part in this exciting event, you will also receive an event ‘goody bag’ as a thank you. It’s really easy to sign up via this online form here.
Stay up-to-date with procedures
We have received reports of a number of near misses, as well as several enquiries around safety policies and procedures. Keeping up-to-date with techniques and using the most up-to-date syllabus is always important, and especially so at this time of year. Can I encourage all clubs to look at your workforce, how everyone is performing, and to keep on top of what is being delivered.
Encouraging skill development for volunteers in clubs is a really good way for people to stay up-to-date with current procedures. If your club feels that some skills development sessions in particular areas would be useful, then please do get in touch with me and we can look to support this with appropriately qualified people.
RYA community funding tool
I would really like to highlight that the RYA is here to help support clubs and centres with funding opportunities and there is a fantastic resource available called the RYA community funding tool. This tool will help your club or centre find the right funding partner, as well as provide advice about getting ready for funding applications. Working with Idox, please do check out this community funding support website and there is also a wealth of information on this RYA website page here too.
Sport England Club Matters also offers a variety of free workshops that help develop skills, improve knowledge and can help develop your club. Sessions include looking at participant experience through to developing a marketing strategy workshop and exploring leadership teams. Discover more sessions are how to take part here.
OnBoard in the South
I extend a warm welcome to Warsash Sailing Club and Gurnard Sailing Club, who have both recently joined the OnBoard programme. Youngsters at Warsash have already been focussed on determination (one of the OnBoard attributes which also include creativity, teamwork, communication, independence and confidence) getting upwind during their OnBoard sessions.
OnBoard provides clubs with a variety of resources which can help you with your session planning. You can take a look at the OnBoard sessions cards and sailing games and challenges that are available here. OnBoard registered clubs will receive handy waterproof versions for instructors to use whilst out on the water.
Find out more about how to get involved with OnBoard here.
Regional Training Groups are now open!
Both South BYS Regional Junior Championships have now successfully taken place. Dinghies at Oxford Sailing Club and windsurfers took to the water alongside South West sailors at Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club at Axbridge Reservoir. A big thank you to the clubs, volunteers and parents involved.
I know that Duncan West, Regional Performance Manager is already busy planning next year’s events – as well as looking at applications for young sailors who took part in the events and would now like to take part in the Regional Training Groups (RTG).
Open to Oppie, Topper, RS Feva, ILCA 4 and Bic Techno sailors, the RTG aim is to train up a group of junior racing sailors who are really focused on wanting to improve their skills and challenge themselves to be the best they can be. To apply please visit the webpage here.
RYA Club of the Year Awards
Don’t forget to enter your nomination Nominations for the RYA Club of the Year Awards! With four categories to choose from Community, Green, Active and Young Person’s Club of the Year. More info here.
RYA Membership Census
It’s that time of year again…the RYA Membership Census has now gone out to club contacts. If your club can’t locate your email please do contact me.
This really is one of our most important and useful resources because it is used to inform and shape our work in the region. The deadline for completing this year’s census is Sunday 13 August – it is helpful if clubs can also fill it in near the same date as they completed it last year.
And finally…
Don’t forget to the put the South Regional Training Day in your diary. It will be on Saturday 16th March, once again at Thorney Island SC. Overnight accommodation is also included – perfect if you want to catch up with colleagues beforehand.
Until next time,
Susie
