May news shorts
RYA welcomes new Chief Executive Sara Sutcliffe
Earlier this year we welcomed Sara Sutcliffe MBE as our new Chief Executive. With more than 20 years experience in the sports sector, she brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and passion with her.
“As we continue to emerge and adjust out of an unpredictable two years, I find myself reflecting on the challenges the association faces and how we might find the answers,” says Sara.
“Climate change, the impact of Brexit, a pandemic and now the conflict in Ukraine are far-reaching and not surprisingly, there is a shift in our values and beliefs. With this in mind, it is only right that we ask what the future of boating looks like and define the role the RYA should play in it.
“I’m excited to be leading the RYA through that process and look forward to sharing our progress with you.”
RYA training conference
Did you miss the virtual RYA Training conference in February? The 2022 RYA Raymarine Training Conference supported by Gallagher attracted more than 1,200 RYA instructors, appointment holders and training centre principals - with delegates joining us for the virtual event from more than 40 different countries worldwide.
Richard Falk commented: “The agenda at this year’s conference was an incredibly diverse and interesting one. From Ian’s [Walker] inspiring insight into the British Sailing Team’s experience in Tokyo and look ahead to the 2024 Olympics, to some thought-provoking CPD from our expert presenters,” commented Richard Falk.
“There have been some important discussions around the current challenges faced by centres as well as how to take advantage of new trends and opportunities.”
Find out more in our conference round up, or visit our YouTube channel to catch up with recordings of all the sessions.
Raymarine discount scheme
Raymarine UK are pleased to announce that RYA registered training centres can claim a discount of 45% for new Raymarine installed products.
To take advantage of this offer please visit your local Raymarine service dealer and when placing your order with your local dealer, simply quote your RYA account number.
The Wing Training Scheme is here
Earlier this year we officially launched our new Wing training scheme.
The four progressive courses; Learn to Wingsurf, Improve your Wingsurfing, First Flights and Sustained flights were first piloted in 2021, and have taken off with a growing number of centres now delivering the scheme.
The Official Test Centre (OTC) in Dorset was one of the first RYA training centres to gain recognition for the Wing courses in 2021. Director Tris Best said: “The people we’ve had coming to the centre and having a go at winging are from many different backgrounds.
“The obvious one is windsurfers and sailors, but we’ve also had lots of people that are stand-up paddleboarders or completely new to water sports."
“It’s just an easy way to get people interested and excited about going on the water on a regular basis.”
Find out more about the scheme, centre recognition and instructor training
Shorebased instructor courses return to the classroom
We are excited to bring the following courses back into the classroom:
- 08 July, Teaching in the Classroom Course
- 09 July, First Aid Instructor Course
- 11-12 July, Navigation Instructor Course
- 14-15 July, SRC Assessors Course
These courses will be held at Sailing Logic in Hamble.
For more information and bookings, visit the RYA Instructor Courses Online Booking System
‘Two-part’ Dinghy Instructor course will remain for 2022
During 2020-21, the two-part Dinghy Instructor course was introduced as a temporary adjustment to assist the continuation of instructor training during the Covid-19 pandemic. The adjustment contained the following two parts:
- Part 1: A three-day Dinghy Instructor Course using single handers only, which also included the moderation
- Part 2: Two day, 'top up’ instructor training course in double-handers, un-moderated, which was delivered once the restrictions had eased adequately.
Overall, your feedback supported retaining the two-part course as a permanent option. This form of delivery will be retained for the remainder of 2022 to allow further testing and review.