Strong Winds blow in new Regional Development Officer 

"We are delighted to welcome Sam to the North East," said Steve Gibbon, Chairman of the RYA North East Region. "We look forward to working with him to drive the development of the sport here in the region."

2014 will be an exciting year for watersports in Yorkshire and the North East as the new Regional Development Officer, Sam Usher, takes over the helm.

30 year old Sam is a Yorkshireman, born and bred and having worked for sailing schools as far afield as Dubai and Indonesia, he is thrilled to be back in Yorkshire where it all began.

"I started sailing at Runswick Bay Beach and Sailing Club, first crewing for other people, then sailing single handed in a Laser," explained Sam. "My late father and I did quite a lot of sailing together on a variety of boats, while my mother watched. Then she thought, if you can't beat them, join them. Now she enjoys the simple pleasure of getting out on any stretch of water, sailing single handed whenever she can. Maybe my first convert!"

"I love sailing and my goal is to convey that passion as widely as possible throughout the region. We have some fabulous clubs and facilities which I will help to support and through these clubs we will develop a healthy network of sailing opportunities for everyone."

"Sailing is one of the few sports that can offer something for all ages and abilities; it can be relaxing and calming or thrilling and exhilarating, it's really your choice. Plus, it doesn’t have to cost much to start sailing, as many clubs run open days with sessions for all; there really is no excuse not to get out on the water and give it a go!"

"I feel we need to raise our profile up here too, within the sailing world. Bringing more events up here, away from the south. We have the facilities, locations and potential to host some prestigious events and once the elite competitors come up here they will be hooked."

"Finally, I would like to work with clubs, centres and commercial partners to develop a pathway for people to enter into employment within the boating world, with the use of apprenticeships and internships. This should develop employment opportunities within the region's marine based sectors."