Together on Water

By RYA CEO Sara Sutcliff and Chair Sir Michael Arthur

We’re reflecting on another busy year here at the RYA. It’s been over a year since we launched our Together on Water strategy which sets out a clear vision for a ‘connected, inspired and inclusive’ sailing and boating community.

This long-term-vision sets out how the RYA will work in partnership to connect more people than ever, from all locations and backgrounds, with everything the water has to offer.

We wholeheartedly believe this is the right direction for the times we live in and the future of the RYA. We are working harder than ever before to help more people feel welcome, included and inspired. If we are to expand participation, diversity and performance in our sport and break down barriers to create a safe environment for all, then it is essential we work together.

All OnBoard

The RYA is already making real progress on this journey. In July we were delighted to join forces with the RNLI and Swim England to offer thousands of extra spaces to their free-swimming programme Swim Safe which teaches 7-14 year olds to stay safe in open water.

It can be very daunting for young people to start sailing if they don’t feel confident in the water at the beginning. They’ve probably never worn a buoyancy aid before, and they may not understand that these will keep you afloat.

Starting with 15 RYA recognised training centres, additional Swim Safe sessions will now be run through RYA OnBoard, the RYA’s programme that introduces young people across the UK to sailing and windsurfing at a low cost.

RYA OnBoard continues to grow across the UK with more than 300 training centres offering beginner sailing sessions for youngsters, through schools, clubs and youth groups. With learning at its core, OnBoard sessions are carefully designed to further develop essential life skills. The programme celebrates its 20th birthday this year.

RYA Futures Lab

With competing priorities and barriers to getting afloat, now more than ever, the RYA wants to understand the demands on young people to ensure our sport is as thriving and is relevant in years to come.

As we implement our Together on Water Strategy, it’s essential we connect with people with different lived experiences. We need fresh perspectives that reflect the realities of our next generation and the needs of today’s youth.

Later in the year, the RYA will be sharing more about the young ambassador programme RYA Futures Lab which is designed to help us to engage with young people across our sport to ensure their views and experiences are bought into the heart of everything they do.

The Sailing Pathway is Evolving

For the last 20 years, the RYA has had one of the best talent pathways in the sport and in 2023, the RYA Racing Committee commissioned a review of the British Youth and Junior Sailing Pathway.

We recognise that the world and the sporting landscape is changing and it’s our mission to make junior and youth racing more affordable, accessible and engaging, and to improve the performances of aspiring young British talents.

Progression and increased engagement is about creating fun and affordable locally based environments for young sailors and the new RYA Pathway Club initiative is being launched at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show.

Olympic Games

From grassroots right through to the world stage, we couldn’t not mention that this summer we celebrated our Team GB sailors who fought for every point during a challenging two weeks in Marseille, coming home with one gold and one bronze.

The medal tally saw Britain finish sixth overall in the sailing competition with two female medallists in the new and exciting board classes.

Reflections on Water

Finally, the RYA has just launched the Reflections on Water campaign uniting and embodying the people, progress and opportunities connected to the UK’s blue spaces. Our yearlong campaign shines a light on pioneering sailors, coaches, groups and initiatives that are making a difference in the boating and watersports community.

We are proud that the RYA is providing leadership by actively encouraging, developing and supporting boating from grass roots right through to world class performance sailing at the highest international level.

We firmly believe that both are essential for the long-term health of the UK boating and watersports community and we are keen to identify and work with partners that wish to join us in contributing to this endeavour.

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