RYA Instructor Conference a great success 

Some 200 Instructors from across the world attended the annual Yachtmaster Conference

Some 200 RYA Yachtmaster® and Cruising Instructors from across the UK and as far afield as New Zealand converged on Bournemouth in Dorset over the weekend (30-31 January) for the annual RYA Instructor Conference.  

Now in its 25th year the conference allows the RYA and RYA Instructors to get together and discuss topics pertinent to Instructors out in the field, enjoy a selection of key note speakers, as well allowing the opportunity to socialise and network with like minded people.  

Spread over two days, day one opened with a lively and interesting talk from Paul Bossier, Chief Executive of the RNLI, followed by an informative session from Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff; National Hydrographer from the UKHO.   

Delegates then broke off in to groups to discuss a number of hot issues, including the future development of the day skipper shorebased course and how to increase participation in motor cruising, amongst others.  All the groups generated a plethora of ideas which will help shape the future of the RYA training programme.  

Day one ended with a spectacular presentation from world renowned marine photographer Rick Tomlinson, treating delegates to a breath-taking photographic tour of the Volvo Ocean Race and many other awe inspiring marine images.  

Feedback from the group discussions kicked off day two, followed by briefings on the new RYA Instructor membership, partner programme and an update on RYA activities.  

James Stevens, RYA Training Manager who hosted the event along with Simon Jinks, RYA Chief Cruising Instructor said: “The Instructor Conference is a great opportunity for us to get first hand feedback from our instructors and tackle any issues that may be arising.  It gives Instructors the chance to get together and discuss those issues relevant to their role.”  

As well as the speakers and break-out sessions there were a number of specialist exhibitors present throughout the weekend including the likes of Ocean Safety, RNLI, The Green Blue and Royal Institute of Navigation providing guests with special offers and information.  

First time attendee at the conference Rab Mulholland from the Royal Signals Yacht Club said: “I would definitely recommend the conference; it’s a great opportunity to meet your peers, discuss issues and be part of the ongoing debate in the development of the courses.   

“It’s good to engage one-to-one with the RYA and it’s as much about the informal chats which are just as productive; sharing best practice and experiences, as the more formal aspects of the conference.”

Closing remarks came from RYA CEO Rod Carr who pointed out the importance of the conference to the RYA and that it is clearly important to Instructors who come back year on year.  

James Stevens concluded: “I would like to thank all the Instructors who attended this year’s conference and thank them for the frank and candid input at the discussion groups and for their continued hard work delivering RYA courses and training at all levels across the country and the world.”