RDO Blog August 2022

Hi everyone,

Club Visits

As the sun continues to shine, I have been fortunate to visit a number of clubs over the last few weeks, with trips to Harwich Town SC to support their Instructor development, Walton and Frinton YC to check out their summer programme, and Whitlingham Adventure to hear about how they’re adapting to the staycation trend, I’m looking forward to visiting more clubs in due course and hearing about all the good work that’s been going on. If you’d like to have a catch-up, or have a specific challenge you would like to discuss, please email me.

Sporting success – and the importance of grass roots activity

It has been an excellent month for sporting activity in general, including the success of the England women’s football team and for all that took part in the Commonwealth Games. Collectively, these are a reminder of how important club activity is at a grass roots level and I feel very lucky to work in the East Region, where we have so many examples of some really inspiring activity, whether that’s one of the women’s sailing groups, the engaging and progressive junior sessions at so many clubs, new formats and disciplines being adopted such as a keelboat academy, or the delivery of really great racing and cruising events across the area. It all makes a difference and it wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers, thank you all.

RYA Club Membership Census

As the deadline for the annual Club Membership Census arrives, I would like to thank all the clubs that have submitted their data so far. It’s been good to see that many of your clubs have coped well with this year’s demand, but, as yet, it’s too early to see clear patterns; we need to do more analysis and of course every bit of information helps. Therefore, if you have not yet had a chance to do so, please complete the online survey to help us understand the health of our affiliated clubs, if you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Looking ahead to the Affiliated Club Conference and Cruising Conference

I’m currently working with the regional team to finalise details for both the Affiliated Club Conference and the Cruising Conference, both taking place over the weekend of the 26/27 November at the Royal Hospital School, Holbrook. The Affiliated Club Conference is for anyone involved in delivering or organising club activity, and this year we’ll take a look at how members’ motivations change and how clubs are adapting to this. The Cruising Conference is open to RYA Members and non-members with a cruising interest, there will be sessions ranging from inspirational talks through to practical updates. More information will follow on both events.

Keep in touch

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter,Facebook and Instagram - and keep sending us your stories of activity this season.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of this month and manage to make the most of the good sailing conditions.

Robbie