2025 speakers
RYA Training Conference supported by Gallagher
The RYA Training Conference is an annual event for RYA instructors, appointment holders and training centre principals. Here are some of the speakers and sessions expected to take place this year.
Frank Fletcher | Chief Executive Officer, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust
Frank has been CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust since 2005, which inspires young people aged 8-24 to believe in a brighter future through sailing and outdoor adventure. For many young people, picking up from where they left off before cancer is not possible. When treatment ends, our work begins.
Frank is also a voluntary non-executive director of the Luna Foundation which is dedicated to improving the support for children and young people after a parent or primary caregiver dies by suicide.
Before his appointment at the Trust, Frank worked at the United Kingdom Sailing Academy, a youth charity utilising the power of the outdoors to transform young people’s lives.
Myles Farnbank | Lecturer at University of Cumbria
Myles currently works at the University of Cumbria based in the outdoors studies department. Also, working as a freelance consultant, trainer, and guide. He is an experienced wilderness guide with many years of sea kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and mountaineering in some of the world’s wildest places. He is committed to the principles of ecotourism contributing positively to communities and wildlife in the places that he works.
Niall McLeod | RYA Head of Competition & Technical Services
As head of competition & technical services for the RYA, Niall McLeod is responsible for managing the RYA's certifying authority activities. Over the past 2 years, Niall has been heavily involved with the MCA's development of the new sport & pleasure code of practice as part of its technical working group ensuring the views of the RYA's network are represented. He is currently leading the RYA's response to the public consultation.
Phil Horton | RYA Environmental and Sustainability Manager
Phil manages the RYA’s sustainability team. As part of his role, he supports The Green Blue programme and oversees the development and delivery of the RYA’s sustainability strategy and the carbon pathway to zero. Phil is a chartered engineer with an MSc in environment and development. He worked for 12 years at the centre for alternative technology and latterly as project manager for the Wales Institute for Sustainable Education building. He then spent several years working for a renewable energy workers’ co-op focused on wind, solar and hydro developments, before joining the RYA in 2018.
Real-world application of #DigitalFirst across all schemes
James Davies
A multi-disciplined instructor, trainer, and examiner, I have contributed to RYA projects, including e-learning development, trainer course delivery, and shorebased course design. Passionate about sharing knowledge, I often engage audiences on topics ranging from skiing, my beloved dogs to #DigitalFirst initiatives - though not always in that order!
Joe Wallington-Lardi
As a passionate RYA instructor for the past five years, following my rewarding career with HM coastguard, I’ve had the privilege of serving as both a Yachtmaster instructor (Sail) and a shorebased instructor trainer with the RYA. I thrive on the variety these roles provide, especially the chance to mentor new instructors and help seasoned sailors expand their teaching qualifications. I’m excited to connect with you at the RYA Training Conference 2025 to share insights and explore innovative ideas, particularly around our 'Digital First' initiative. Let’s shape the future together!
