Racing 

Sailing is one of Britain’s most successful Olympic sports.  In powerboating, Britain’s Steve Curtis has won the Class 1 World Championship a record eight times. 

The RYA administers the international racing rules of sailing (including windsurfing).  For powerboat racing the RYA coordinates National and Club racing through our affiliated powerboat racing clubs.

In doing so we aim to

• To provide the framework for everyone to enjoy racing in whatever capacity and to whatever level the individual desires
• To ensure that the sports welcome all people and treats them equally
• To ensure that those who experience racing are encouraged to continue

To achieve these aims the RYA undertakes a variety of activities including:

Portsmouth Yardstick: is a scheme operated jointly by the RYA and its affiliated clubs. It is designed to help clubs organise fairer racing between boats of different classes and types.

RYA Racing Charter: is a set of guidelines designed to help make racing more fun, fair and welcoming for competitors and organisers at all levels

Race officials: the RYA provides training for race officials and safety marshalls. 

Course setting: the RYA ensures that all courses set for powerboat racing throughout the UK are safe and take environmental considerations and other watersports in account

Licensing: powerboat racing is a challenging sport and the RYA works to ensure that drivers have the requisite skill, experience and fitness necessary to undertake this sport.  

International representation: the RYA seeks to promote UK interests and the interests of the sport overall through the UIM, the international federation for powerboat racing and ISAF, the international sailing federation.