Support for your event

Running an event? We might be able to help. Find out more about RYA Scotland's overall approach to events.

Events are the lifeblood of our sport, and we recognise how much work goes into running them. Whether it’s club activity, class nationals, or something new altogether – we also know how much resource is required to run a safe and fun event.

In order to facilitate positive activity afloat, we run a number of key RYA Scotland events amongst a calendar of training and development opportunities. These events include our Youth & Junior Championships, Winter Championships, and our Giant Academy.

In addition to our own RYA Scotland activity, we are also sometimes able to support external activity where feasible. In a bid to support a variety of different activity across Scotland, we refer to our new event strategy which promotes the value of events, and how their impact can be maximised.

Read the full RYA Scotland event strategy

RYA Scotland event tiers

Our Events Strategy defines four ‘tiers’ under which potential event support can be categorised.

mid shot of dinghy racers

Tier 1

RYA Scotland acts as the Organising Authority (OA)

mid shot of racing wind surfers

Tier 2

Event support through the provision of equipment, knowledge, or personnel for events organised by RYA affiliate organisations.

wide shot of racing dinghys

Tier 3

Visible input in the form of prizes, endorsements, and grant support.

celebrating crew on yacht at event

Tier 4

Interested to see the event happen, enhancement of existing events and grow opportunities for participation or wider awareness of the sport.

Examples of RYA Scotland events and support

Here are some examples of events we ran or supported in 2024 to further illustrate this tier structure.

 
Tier 1
RYA Scotland Youth and Junior Championships + RYA Scotland Giant Academy

RYA Scotland as organising authority for RYA Scotland owned events

Tier 2
Scottish Fin & Foil Championships

Resource support of RIBS, Bibs, and coach personnel

Tier 3
West Highland Yachting Week

Resource support of family friendly youth activity packs, and coach support at Oban Sailing Club’s Monday Mayhem session during West Highland Yachting Week

Tier 4
8 Metre Worlds (Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club)

Leveraging event promotion on our own channels, and supporting media outreach.

Note: within our event strategy, we include some technical appendixes which may be useful in the event planning stage. For more information read our Full Events Strategy.

Put in a request for support 

To allow us to identify further event support needs in the community, we invite requests from Event organisers via three key routes outlined. Our resources are however limited, and so we will consider each request individually to determine how we can help (where possible).

Find out more about the different avenues of support, and how to get in touch.

First time opportunities

Are you planning a Discover Sailing day, open day, or other way of welcoming new faces onto the water? If so, our Development team want to hear from you!

Provide them with details of your event, and requirements now – let’s see what might be possible.

Class grants

Looking for financial support to get more people racing at your university, club, class association, or regatta? Requiring support as an individual? You can fill out our Class Grant form and let our Pathway team know how their support could help.

General event support

Running a major event, regatta, or festival? Something else in the works? If your request doesn’t fit the above categories, then get in touch using the link to the form below, and let us know how we may be able to help. Support will typically not be monetary and is instead primarily resource and time based.

 

If you have any questions about which support route might be right for you, get in touch with communications@ryascotland.org.uk.