London and South East blog January 2020
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Regional Development Officer Steve Mitchell writes:
What a year 2019 was!
Here in the New Year I would like to thank the regional team who work hard to support affiliated clubs and organisations across the region for their effort and energy throughout 2019.
For those of you who did not attend the recent Affiliated Club Conference here’s a snap shot of what has been achieved.
Here’s our Regional Plan which feeds our priorities.
You should have also now received your ‘Club Pack’ for the purpose of feeding back into our strategy as presented at the conference. We are keen to see as many clubs as possible feed into this process so do get involved.
We were pleased to improve the sustainability of our conference this year with several significant changes including introduction of bamboo lanyards and recyclable name badges, complete removal of single use cups and less photocopying. Our target for 2020 is to continue to review our approach to sustainability at as many regional events as we can.
RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year 2020 supported by Gallagher
Good luck to Feltham SC who have been short listed for this year's RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year 2020 award. The club is also one of the five finalists recognised for their achievement in ‘Innovative and Forward Thinking’. Here’s more information and how to vote for our friends at Felpham SC.
Winter forums
We will be focusing on three key area this winter including, growing female participation, reducing membership churn and growing club membership by adapting what we offer potential members. The sessions are free.
- 11thJanuary – Datchet Water SC
- 19thJanuary – London Corinthian SC
- 8thFebruary – Worthing SC
- 15thFebruary - Downs SC
For more information and to book contact Steve
RYA regional Cruising/Racing Conference
…at Sovereign Harbour YC in Eastbourne on 12 January aims to provide interesting and cutting edge talks and workshops to inspire sailors for the upcoming season, providing a forum for networking and discussion on topical issues. Book now
RYA and Yachts and Yachting Dinghy Show
Have you booked your tickets yet for the Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace on 29 February to 1 March?
From the Chair
Our regional team chair Helen Hofmann writes:
A new decade brings new challenges as well as opportunities. Climate change and sustainability are at the forefront and as a boating community we surely have a special responsibility for local and global waters. Kate Fortnam, RYA Campaign Manager for the Green Blue project is encouraging clubs to appoint environmental officers to raise awareness not just of biosecurity issues, but the reduction of single use plastics at events etc. Small steps can make a difference, and everyone can play their part. The Green Blue logo can be used on club and training centre websites to help promote awareness, so please do make the most of that opportunity - RYA area reps can help further with this
Having celebrated in a new year, we also look forward to other anniversaries this year, not least 200 years of the Regents Canal in London and a celebration of boating there, but also the remembrance of the sailing of the Mayflower to the New World 400 years ago. The Mayflower and its crew had connections to the London and SE region ultimately setting sail on its transatlantic voyage from Plymouth.
Regional Instructor training
The regional RYA Instructor Training Days are a brilliant opportunity for personal and professional development. With updates from RYA Training and the Regional Development Officers, as well as expert coaching sessions and various on-the-water and shore-side workshops. A chance to engage with top coaches and networking with other instructors in our region. Queen Mary SC 7 March. Please make a date in your diary, booking will open later.
December headlines
Vote for Felpham SC to be Club of the Year
London and South East Affliated Club Conference
Young Bognor Regis sailor gets new boat thanks to JMST
New JMST boat for promising young Eastbourne sailor
Awards and royal presentation for London and South East volunteers
Association of Thames Yacht Clubs (ATYC)
Here’s the December newsletter from ATYC.
Regional fleets
We have a regional fleet of Oppies, Teras and Fevas available to support your youth training, racing, and club cadet regattas. Find out more
What’s on
See what’s on in our region and have your event listed.
We hope to see you on the water soon.