Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

Brianne Wright started sailing in her teens and quickly realised she wanted to lead a life on the ocean. “Sailing is what I love and it’s what influenced me to follow this career path in the first place.” Brianne applied for a training grant through the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster® Scholarship with a goal of redirecting her maritime career away from motor yachts and back to where her real interests lie – sailing. Since being awarded the grant Brianne has completed the RYA Coastal Skipper course and RYA Yachtmaster Offshore Sail Certificate of Competence. She says that the qualifications and experience she has gained through the scholarship have enabled her to start working as a Mate on a 35m staysail schooner. The next round of applications close on Friday 20 September. Apply today - http://rya.org/wr2p50ThvJ5

Can you help lead the RYA? We’re looking for two enthusiastic and forward-thinking candidates to join the RYA Board. If you have a deep insight of grass roots sailing and performance pathways, or experience taking a strategic approach to sustainability covering environment, social and governance issues then we want to hear from you. Find out more and apply today - http://rya.org/oIgs50ThuLs

Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce that we are officially partnering with HotelPlanner.com a leading travel technology platform and hotel booking engine. Offering exclusive perks to our members, HotelPlanner will provide excellent hotel rates for both national and international travel, including the various events that we organise at the RYA. Find out more - http://rya.org/BxJq50Tgwvm

📣 Today, the Secretary of State for Defra, Steve Reed OBE MP, announced plans for new legislation which gives increased power to regulators to tackle companies who pollute and make it easier for them to be fined. As one of the founding members of the Clean Water Sports Alliance members, the RYA, were in London to hear the news and welcome the announcement of the new Water (special measures) Bill and promises of further reform. The Secretary of State’s speech, was full of promise of a review of the water sector to introduce a ‘radical new reform’. However, we know action moving forward from this will be key. Phil Horton, RYA Sustainability Manager said: The Secretary of State’s speech was a welcome statement of intent to reform the water industry so that it delivers for people and the environment. The Water (Special Measures) Bill is a good start, and a recognition of the need for change, but the real work starts now. The RYA and the other member of the Clean Water Sports Alliance look forward to on-going discussions with Ministers and Officials to ensure that their future plans for the industry meet the demands of our members for a safe, clean environment where they can enjoy being on, in or under the water.” #ClearAccessClearWaters #CleanWatersportsAlliance #WaterBill #EndSewagePollution

The RYA Connected Conferences kick off this October! Bookings are now open for the 2024 RYA Connected Conferences - the premier event in our series designed to bring together RYA clubs, class associations and other affiliates, including Sailability venues. Join us to connect with peers, gain valuable insights from experts, and engage in focused discussions that will help you to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone and ensure your organisation thrives. Find your local event and book your FREE place today - http://rya.org/O8bB50TfxWh

The theft of outboards appears to be growing, with organised and opportunist thefts on the rise. Thefts can impact on water activity by reducing participation, creating dissatisfied members or customers, and causing a loss of income. Insurance experts Gallagher provide guidance to help your organisation prevent or deal with a loss - http://rya.org/TigP50SMlOj

Will Holland spent much of his childhood on the water taking part in many different watersports, but he’s always been passionate about sailing. As he grew up, Will became a leader for the Sea Scouts and qualified as an RYA Powerboat and Dinghy Instructor, running RYA courses and sailing sessions for other young people. After being awarded a grant through the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship, he went on to complete a number of RYA courses and exams, working towards his RYA Yachtmaster qualification. He says: “The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for someone at the start of their career in the small commercial vessel sector like me. I don’t believe I would have made such progress without it.” Applications close on Friday 20 September. Find out more and apply today - http://rya.org/Kjgq50T9zws

Returning to Bristol for a third consecutive year, the New Horizons Project helps local young people gain skills, find job opportunities, and have exposure to a world they may have never had access to – sailing. Part of the RYA’s national campaign to bring people Together on Water, the project is focused on unifying communities by introducing young people to sailing, equipping them with valuable life skills and opening doors to new opportunities. The New Horizons Project has already hosted subsidised and free introductions to sailing sessions in the Bristol area through partnerships with local community groups such as Black to Nature and DET Entertainment. Find out more – http://rya.org/Frr950TaOIB #TogetherOnWater All Aboard Watersports

“Working on the water, there are lots of different paths you can take – it’s not just the military or superyachts! There’s everything from commercial skippering on wildlife survey boats, to working on fish farms, dive boats and many more.” After being awarded a grant through the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship, Marine Biologist and Oceanographer Sarah Reed was able to progress her career in the marine industry completing a series of RYA courses and qualifying as an RYA Yachtmaster. The next round of applications close on Friday 20 September. Apply today - http://rya.org/uShV50T9zuY

The RYA Training Conference supported by Gallagher is back for 2025 with a new format and venue! Join us on Friday 21 February 2025 at Farnborough International for a full day of industry updates, networking, and interactive sessions. Bookings will open later this year. We hope to see you there - http://rya.org/846850T8JXs #SaveTheDate #TrainingConference