RYA Northern Ireland hero - sailing boat in front of a cliff face
Latest news
News
Northern Ireland Sailing Team named for 2024/25 as winter training kicks off
06 Dec 24
News
Individual Grant Scheme launched to support access to sailing in Northern Ireland
26 Nov 24
News
We’re all in: Apply for funding to boost volunteering at your club
25 Nov 24

RYA Northern Ireland host a number of events throughout the year. Find out more about our events.

Information & advice
Go Boating

RYANI runs a number of initiatives to support the development of sailing in Northern Ireland. Whether you are looking to get on the water for the first time, or coming back to the sport, there is something for you in Northern Ireland.

 
Representation

Learn how RYANI is working to ensure boating and sailing is represented at all levels of local government.

 
Clubs and Centres

For more information and advice to help you run your club or training centre

 
Safeguarding

Learn how RYANI is making sailing safer for everyone

 
Equality and Diversity

RYANI advice on Equality and diversity

 
COVID-19 & Return to boating

For key information on the Coronavirus Regulations and Guidance in Northern Ireland

 
Environment

Find out more about how we can help protect the environment through initiatives and advice.

 
Navigating the Future

The five year strategic plan for sailing, windsurfing and boating in Northern Ireland.

 
RYA NI Women and Girls Research Project

Experiences, barriers & facilitators in the Northern Ireland sailing women and girls' pathway

 
Find a club or centre
Start a new search
Instructor

Instructors are a key part of the workforce to drive training and qualifications at RYANI clubs and centres.

 
Race Management

Find out more about race management qualifications and courses

 
Race Coaches

For those looking to coach sailors at their club or looking to improve race coaching skills and techniques

 
Performance

From putting sailors on podiums to delivering World Class race officials, coaches and events, RYA Racing leads the way.

performance

The RYANI Performance Academy aims to provide support to sailors who show the best attributes to go on to National Squad Selection and potentially and Olympic campaign.

The Performance Pathway allows sailors to develop their racing skills and ultimately supports potential sailors to go on to National Squads and possibly an Olympic Pathway.

Support is given to recognised High Performance sailors on the RYANI Performance Pathway to gain additional domestic support to best develop in line with World Class standards and ultimately help achieve the Vision. Support will be provided through the RYANI High Performance Coach and services of the Sports Institute Northern Ireland.

For further information on Anti-doping and the RYA rules

To find out more about RYANI 

RYA Northern Ireland contacts


Chief Operating Officer | Greg Yarnall | Greg.yarnall@rya.org.uk | 07795 466624


Pathways Officer | Kate Broderick  | kate.broderick@rya.org.uk | 07435 021419 


Executive Assistant | Gayle Lavery  | gayle.lavery@rya.org.uk | 02891 827154


 Active Club Coordinator | Lisa McCaffrey | Lisa.mccaffrey@rya.org.uk | 07788 238083


Workforce Development Officer | Mary Martin | mary.martin@rya.org.uk | 07919 923018


Marketing and Communications Executive | Peter Gilmore | peter.gilmore@rya.org.uk | 07391 059963


Performance Manager | Andrew Baker | Andrew.baker@org.uk | 07384 253526


RYANI Board

The RYA NI Board is completely voluntary and the role of the Board is to govern the organisation. They have overall responsibility for setting the strategic direction of the organisation, understanding and managing risk, ensuring the organisation is financially sound, setting policy and performance management expectations and monitor the effectiveness of the governance of the organisation. The Board also provides a key role across safeguarding and anti-doping where there are Board leads in each area.

Susan McKnight- Chair

Gavin Watson- Vice Chair/Chair of Business and Development Committee

Jill Heron- Chair of EDI Committee/Board Safeguarding Lead

Roy Totten- Chair of Cruising and Environment Committee 

Liz Baker- Chair of Development Committee

Colin Leonard- Chair of Performance Committee 

Gavin Nelson- Independent Director (Business and Development Committee)

Owen Waters- Independent Director (Business and Development Committee)

Linda McHugh- Independent Director/Chair of Finance Committee/Treasurer 

 
Let’s keep in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, hints and tips, events, special offers and competitions from the RYA.

Read our Privacy Policy.