At the time of writing, I am busy with all the last minute preparations for our upcoming Regional Training Day. There will be lots of on-the-water and land-based activities and sessions for a wide range of disciplines so I’m looking forward to seeing everyone. I’ll report back next month on how it went.
RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show
This month was, of course, a busy one with the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show taking place. It was certainly very busy, and I was able to talk to lots of committee members and volunteers from clubs and centres across our region, as well as engage with lots of members of the public.
It was a delight to see so many clubs recognised for all their endeavours through the RYA and Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year, supported by Gallagher, which was awarded on the Suzuki Main Stage during the Saturday. As I’m sure you’ve seen on social media, Lymington Town SC received the Trophy, a very much deserved win. The Club reached the Final last year – fantastic that they brought it home this year. JOG Yacht Racing was also recognised, so it was great to have two clubs from our region through to the final again.
My congratulations also go to two young sailors, Henry Martin from Portchester SC and Charles Wood from Warsash SC, who were winners of the 2022 Rooster Southern Topper Traveller Series. Both were presented with their winners’ jackets by ILCA7 sailor Sam Whaley at the Show.
In 2018, Henry Martin was the South region OnBoard and John Merricks Sailing Trust recipient. It really is lovely to watch Henry’s sailing journey.
My congratulations also go to Hattie Rogers from Lymington Town SC for winning the YJA Yachtsman of the Year Award.
Talking of recognising individuals, the 2023 Volunteer Awards nominations are now open! There are five categories to choose from, all celebrating the exceptional commitment and achievements of our volunteers. You can nominate here.
OnBoard in the South
Polly Schafer continues to visit and provide support to our South OnBoard clubs. She is pictured here at Yarmouth SC, whilst the photo at the top of the blog is the OnBoard Skill Development Day at Royal Victoria YC on the Isle of Wight.
Instructor Development
We have two Instructor OnBoard Development Day Courses coming up, one on 20 March at Calshot Activities Centre (book here) and another on 25 March at Emberton Park Sailing Club (book here) Both costs £25.
These days are open to all Instructors working with Juniors – you do not need to be involved with the OnBoard programme.
We have both dinghy and windsurf Race Coach Level 3 courses available, please note that candidates need to attend both weekends of the chosen course. Book here. This course does has an application process, which can be found here.
Course 1 – Dinghy specific – weekends of 22-23 April and 6-7 May at WPNSA/RYA Portland House.
Course 2 – Windsurf specific – weekends of 20-21 May and 14-15 October. Venue TBC.
If your club would like to run a Race Course Level 2 course please do get in touch with Duncan West to organise this. Email Duncan or call him on 07747 111447. More information on race coaching can be found here.
A FREE Person Centred Coaching Workshop will take place on Monday 13 March at Andrew Simpson Centre (Reading). The day is suitable for anyone involved in RYA activity, whether from a club, centre or Sailability venue, and would like to learn more about how to deliver on the water sessions for people from diverse communities. Book here.
Events in the South
Bookings are now open for the South Regional Junior Championships. The Windsurfing event is 10-11 June at Bristol Corinthian YC, Axbridge Reservoir. Book here.
The dinghy event is the following weekend of 17-18 June at Oxford Sailing Club. Book here. As always, this event is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to try out sailing at a new venue. There will be the Championship, Coached Regatta and Rookie Fleets to enter into.
Following on from my 2023 Formula Kite European Championships announcement in last month’s blog – if your club is interested in getting involved then please do let me know. It will be taking place on the waters off Eastney Beach in Portsmouth from 19–24 September.
And finally…
For limited time only, RYA members can take advantage of an exclusive FREE ticket to the Southampton International Boat Show, plus up to two half price tickets. The free ticket must be redeemed before Tuesday 11 April 2023. Find out more here.
Until next time,
Susie
