August 2022
Over the past month, we have been out and about visiting a lot of clubs, centres and organisations. There have been some great discussions around a lot of similar topics, and we have been doing some planning in the background around the OnBoard Introductory Festivals, a programme of workshops and end of season gatherings – more info to follow!
In the meantime, here’s a quick round-up of some of the things going on within RYA Scotland over the coming months!
RDO Round-up
There’s lots going on and the team are looking to get out and about over the next couple of months:
East – Georgia Moran
Over the past few months, the RYA Scotland team in the East have been out and about visiting clubs, soaking up all of the amazing work going on in the region. We have been enjoying being involved in sailing events and activities across the country.
Great to see junior weeks and activity weeks running smoothly and engaging so many young people in our sport. Thoroughly enjoyed our visits to Loch Tummel Week, Loch Earn Junior week and visits to Newburgh Sailing club and St Mary's Loch Sailing Club.
Coming up, Georgia RDO for the East is off to Peterhead Sailing club for the Junior and Youth Windsurfing event, ASYC Junior week and of course, RYA Scotland Onboard Introductory Festival in Monikie.
Get in touch if you would like us to visit your club or centre over the next couple of weeks, we want to see all of the great activity you are running!
North – Brian Pahlmann
Nearly two months into the role and I’m loving it! I have seen some gorgeous parts of Scotland and met so many lovely people as I’ve toured the North, visiting clubs and meeting club leaders and members. While I’ve learned that no two clubs are the same, the hospitality has been a constant. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. This has reinforced to me that the community aspect is one of the greatest assets of boating. Everyone should promote this side of the sport and their clubs. Who wouldn’t want to join in?!
My tour continues this month. If I’ve missed you or you think I might be able to support you and your club, please make contact.
West – Laura Cowan
Our Team in the West have had a busy summer out visiting clubs within the region from Dumfries & Galloway in the South right out to Campbelltown in the West. The opportunities to get people out on the water have been ample and the team have enjoyed being included in events like Solway Yacht Club’s Cadet Week. In fact, the event also drew interest from ITV News and the Daily Record and really showcased what great opportunities are available for young people to learn to sail, make friends and build skills and resilience within the region. The region are also looking at ways they can work together to build capacity and this really highlights how communities can work together to share resources and support each other.
Our team have also been promoting the Onboard Festival for the West on the 27th August with Iain Duncan and Robyn Phillips visiting many clubs in the West during Sessions for Young People. To arrange a visit or have a conversation please email me!
OnBoard Introductory Festivals
We are really looking forward to the first OnBoard Introductory Festivals taking place in each of the 3 regions on 27th and 28th August.
- West = Saturday 27th August at James Hamilton Heritage Park, East Kilbride
- East = Sunday 28th August at Monikie Country Park, Dundee
- North = Sunday 28th August at Lochcarron Sailing Club
These ‘kit-bag’ type events will offer a fun environment for individuals who are new to sailing to take part in some coaching and very basic racing. It is an opportunity for them to either travel away from their place of initial learning or a way to access our sport and be signposted to where they can continue.
We can’t wait to see how the events go and see what we can plan for 2023!
RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year 2023
The process for nominating a Club of the year has changed in order to make it easier for individuals to nominate a club. The first part of the process allows individuals to nominate a club they have had a positive experience or connection with – this is required to be submitted by 29th August 2022 – and you do not need to even be a member of the club.
Each RYA Affiliated club who is nominated in this way will then be asked to complete an application form by 19th September to go forward to the overall nomination process.
So, do not be shy and get nominating. Further details can be found here along with the nomination form.
Workshops
The team are planning to run a series of workshops from September to December covering 4 main topics! First up is an online Volunteer Development Framework session – this will be a catch-up for anyone who was unable to make our launch workshops in June 2022.
Following this, there will be in-person workshops in each of the regions on Funding, Facility Development and Community Mapping. We are also investigating options around making these workshops ‘hybrid’ and/or recording the sessions for those who are unable to attend them. More details will follow ASAP once the venues are confirmed so please look out for the club emails and see more in September’s Scottish Club Chat!
Census
Thanks to the 76 clubs who have already completed their Annual Census – it’s great that so many of you have taken the time to submit your data before the closing date of Sunday 14th August 2022.
There are 41 clubs still outstanding, and it would be great if these clubs could submit this annual data and information. It allows us to plan, to identify any concerns in membership and be able to give you back information on your membership data for the past 4-5yrs.
The emails have been sent directly to the club via last year’s responder and the main contact that we hold on the RYA system. If you would like any further information, then please contact us directly via the RDO’s emails (contact above) or to the Participation and Development Team.
Instructor Course Information
There’s a variety of information on courses and training available for instructors and coaches so why not check out the links to find out more to start your journey -
Instructor Courses:
Information and dates of courses can be found here.
Contact the RYA Scotland Coaching Team for any more information or support.
Changing Lives Champions
The RDO team are part of the latest cohort for sportscotland’s Changing Lives Champions initiative. Their first face-to-face sessions are at the end of the months so expect to hear more about ‘the power of sport’ to change lives from September 2022.
Finally, it has been great to get out and about to meet lots of people from within the boating community. One example was the fantastic work of the volunteers involved in the Optimist Nationals in Largs https://youtu.be/IJQ1jgvxnNE
If you would like us to pop along to your club/centre/organisation or have any questions, then please drop us an email!
We hope you to catch up with you all soon!
Take care and stay safe!
The Development Team, aka Georgia, Laura, Brian, Kristy & Liza
15/08/2022