About the RYA
RYA stands for Royal Yachting Association. Set up in 1875 as the Yacht Racing Association, the RYA has since become the national governing body for dinghy, motor and sail cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative body for inland waterways cruising.
The RYA exists to get more people into boating and watersport activities, promote safe boating practices and raise the standards of yachting and sailing in the UK through its network of more than 2,400 RYA recognised training centres in more than 58 countries, and more than 1,500 RYA affiliated clubs.
The RYA acts as a voice for boating, by representing recreational boating interests
Our programmes, such as OnBoard, Sailability & Discover Sailing help to grow and broaden participation in boating.
We help Britain’s brightest sailing and windsurfing talents fulfil their potential.
Our schemes are run through 2,400 RYA recognised training centres the length and breadth of the UK and in 58 countries around the world.
The 2024 AGM was held virtually and live streamed from the RYA in Hamble on Friday 29 November 2024. A recording of the AGM can be found here.
The RYA Board of Directors is comprised of a mix of non-executive and executive directors and includes a Senior Independent Director; Misha Engineer and a Board Lead on Welfare & Safety; Polly Handford. Find out more here.
Find out more about our official partners and how we work with them.
The RYA is committed to upholding the letter and spirit of the Bribery Act 2010
How to raise concern if you believe that there is serious malpractice within any part of the RYA
View our policy & guidelines, plus what to do if you have a concern
Learn about the RYAs approach and policies to ensure fair and equal treatment for all
The RYA Safety Management System is a systematic approach to managing safety
Read the RYA Sustainability Strategy and find related policy documents and resources
Read about our commitment to responsible tax conduct in the RYA Fair Tax Mark Statement
Responsibility for the Association's activities is delegated to a number of policy committees. Learn more here
For events where the RYA is the organising authority
