RDO Blog - December

Robbie Bell's Blog for December
 

Hi everyone,

I hope you are all enjoying the Winter season.

Whilst this time of year is traditionally the quietest time on the water, there�s been plenty of activity going on behind the scenes, with planning for the coming season being a priority.

RYA Volunteer Awards

Firstly, huge congratulations to the volunteers that received RYA Volunteer Awards from HRH The Princess Royal last month in a ceremony in London. Some nine volunteers from eight Clubs and Organisations received National, Regional, Community and Youth Awards � a video of the awards ceremony can be seen here

With volunteers being the backbone of club activity, we�d love to see more of the vast number of deserving volunteers being nominated to help recognise their efforts, especially as nominations are now open for the 2018 awards � please see here for further information.

London Boat Show 2018

Thinking ahead to 2018, the year starts with the London Boat Show. Free tickets are available for RYA members - Get your free ticket here

Sailability Networking meeting

Disability Development Officer Jane Ellison�s networking meeting for Sailability groups and clubs interested in Sailability/Inclusivity is due to be held on 10th January 2018, from 12pm-3pm at EAST in Levington. It is for all existing Sailability Sites and groups/clubs who are interested in becoming Sailability accredited. Booking is required so please contact Jane on ddo.east@rya.org.uk to reserve a place.

Club Development Workshops

From a development point of view, we�ll be beginning the year with Club Development Workshops. Currently in the planning phase, we are hoping that these will include a suite of opportunities for clubs to learn more about ways in which the RYA can support their activity, from information on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) through to Race Management.

RYA Dinghy Show 2018

Tickets are now on sale for the annual event at Alexandra Palace Dinghy Show tickets

Push the Boat Out for the whole of May 2018

PTBO activator sign-up is now live:

Push the Boat Out in 2017 saw�44 clubs taking part and an average of 106 people at each event. If you think this is something you�d like to get involved in or perhaps you�d like to do something on a smaller scale, we�d welcome targeted events that take place during the month which give people an opportunity to try sailing in an enjoyable and safe environment, with no event too small � contact me for more information.

Save the date � RYA Zone Championships will be 29/30th September 2018

The RYA East Zone Champs will be held at Grafham Water Sailing Club on 29/30th September 2018. 2017 was a great event seeing 86 young people taking part in Optimists, Toppers and the Regatta Fleets. Whilst catering for more experienced sailors too, it�s also a great event for newcomers to racing, and would be a great goal for a season finale � so put it in your diary now and aim to take a team in September. The Regatta fleet is targeted specifically at those racing for the first time, and at the moment we are looking into the possibility of young sailors being able to charter boats for the event.

Keep in touch!

Don�t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook - and keep sending us your stories of achievements, new membership initiatives, and events through which you have encouraged newcomers into sailing.

With very best wishes for a great Christmas and New Year,

Robbie