Funding boost for grassroots sailing 

The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) today welcomes the news that they have been awarded a £9.6m grant by Sport England to develop grassroots sailing programmes in England.

The funding which has been earmarked for developing the sport over the next 4 years (2009 -2013) will be used to increase the number of people taking to the water and their enjoyment and frequency of participation.  Plus, identifying and supporting the progression of talented sailors into the sport’s elite programmes.

Rod Carr, Chief Executive Officer of the RYA said: “This is fantastic news; we are delighted with the increase in funding for the sport and look forward to discussing the finer details of how the money will be allocated with Sport England in the New Year.”

The funding will be utilised across the many grassroots projects run by the RYA, focusing on increasing adult and youth participation.   Programmes that will benefit from the funding include; Sailability, OnBoard, Team15, Volvo RYA Champion Club and volunteer initiatives, amongst others.