September news shorts
Training Committee vacancies
The RYA Training Committee is seeking new voluntary members
The Training Committee is the policy making body for RYA Training and plays a key role in determining the future direction of our schemes. It meets three times per year, usually in Hamble.
Members serve for a fixed term and are selected on their competency in specific boating disciplines, ensuring we maintain representation across the entire range of RYA training schemes.
We are committed to ensuring that RYA training is open, accessible and inclusive for all. In recognition of this commitment and to support our goal of increasing diversity amongst participants in sailing and boating, it’s staff and committees, we are particularly keen to hear from those with hands-on experience of delivering or receiving RYA training within diverse communities.
If you feel you have the relevant skills and knowledge to add value to this important body, and in particular have experience in the areas below we would like to hear from you:
- Sail and/or Motor Cruising schemes
- Shorebased training
The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 10 December. Please email expressions of interest including a brief summary of your boating and RYA instructing background to victoria.jacobs@rya.org.uk for the attention of the Training Committee Chairman.
Changes to RYA Race Training courses
Following a recent review of the racing courses delivered by RYA clubs and centres, changes have been made to the syllabus and course names.
The changes have been implemented to modernise the courses, bringing them up-to-date with current racing activity and introducing common syllabi for youths and adults.
The RYA Racing courses now include:
- Start Racing
- Club Racing
- Regional Racing
The courses replace the Adult and Youth Start, Intermediate and Advanced courses, which will cease with immediate effect. All relevant publications, logbooks and inspection documents will be updated over time.
For more information please refer to RYA Training Notice TN36-21
RYA Award for Royal Institute’s first female president
Cynthia Robinson, the recently elected and first female President of the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN), has received the prestigious RYA National Award in recognition of her commitment to the institute.
Cynthia became a Yachtmaster Examiner in 1994. She has conducted around 200 Yachtmaster exams and delivered as many RYA practical training courses as her weekends and holidays have permitted.
Key to instigating the Institute’s Royal Charter, Cynthia has been outstanding in promoting the art, science and practice of navigation, making a significant impact on the RYA and boating. After retiring in 2018 and receiving an OBE for her work, Cynthia pursued her dream of ocean sailing, while remaining an active RYA instructor and examiner.
RYA welcomes new Director of External Affairs
Mel Hide has been announced as the RYA’s new Director of External Affairs, following predecessor Howard Pridding’s decision to retire from full-time employment.
The RYA’s External Affairs team has a diverse remit – providing legal advice on all aspects of boating and related issues from purchase, registration, consumer disputes, salvage, safeguarding and VAT to name just a few. The team also works tirelessly to ensure that legislators, regulators and other authorities understand, and take account of recreational boating activity.
Mel is a public relations professional with a broad perspective and extensive strategic communication experience gained across retail, government and not for profit sectors.
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