September 2021
Hi everyone,
The last month has been extremely busy across our region with many clubs experiencing an increase in activity. Existing members have been enjoying the last few weeks of summer and the recent dry warm weather, whilst the staycation trend and increase of UK holidays has most certainly helped drive the surge in new enquiries.
This increase, of people getting out on the water here in the South, is also reflected across the country and I, along with the Sport Development team, are now focused on how we can help clubs plan for next years predicted busy sailing season and really capitalise on this.
Of course, this increase in participation is great for our sport but it does bring challenges. This is where planning is key - especially when it comes to being able to manage and deliver club activity next year.
Therefore, I encourage clubs now to start preparing, planning and thinking about how your club can encourage workforce development. How is your club going to support volunteers? Do you need more Assistant Instructors or Dinghy Instructors? Which courses do you need to run which will help support club activity? What is your timescale? For example, for spring courses in March and April, when do you need to start advertising them?
I am here to help your club answer these questions, and I would very much like to hear what your club’s need are and how much CPD (Continuous Professional Development) is needed for Instructors and Coaches, so do please get in touch, so that I can help your club be prepared for next year.
Did you know that clubs can also take advantage of a Trainer club link programme? If your club is looking for workforce development and you are not linked in with in a trainer then do get in touch with me and I can help coordinate this.
The South region also has a hub on the RYA Website with all our regional courses taking place, this can be found here.
Regional Junior Championships
Windsurfers took to the water last weekend for the British Youth Sailing (BYS) South region Regional Junior Championships. Read a report all about the event here.
I will be at the upcoming second weekend for dinghy sailors, helping around 50 youngsters take to the water in the OnBoard fleet. It is one of my favourite weekends of the year and with over 250 young sailors taking part in the coached regatta, championship plus the OnBoard fleets it should be a great weekend of fun sailing.
Could you be the next South Region Committee Secretary?
As mentioned in last month’s blog, the South Region Committee is currently looking for a new Secretary who will act as the Committee’s principal administrator. More details about the voluntary post and full role description can now be found here.
Affiliated Club Conferences
The national online RYA Club Conference is on Monday 8th November at 7:30pm and the South Conference takes place a week later on Saturday 13th November at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton. Book here. The national conference will be hosted by Shirley Robertson OBE and will explore the theme of planning for a successful future, whilst at the South conference there will be lots of expert led sessions, along with a practical session to support you with your club development planning - not to be missed!
RYA Membership Census
Again, a BIG thank you to all the clubs who have submitted their RYA Club Membership census returns - 88% of clubs in the South have responded. If you’re club is still to submit data, it’s not too late. If you can’t find your email on how to do this then please contact me and I will re-send it to you.
John Merricks Sailing Trust Scheme - CLOSING SOON - Monday 27 September!
Do you know a young sailor who is committed to sailing but doesn’t own their own boat or have the financial backing to do so? The John Merricks Sailing Trust and RYA OnBoard scheme will award at least 10 boats and boards to youngsters for two years use before they are donated to their club. More info here and nominate here.
RYA Musto Youth Awards now open
Is there a young person in your club making an impact? This could be a performance, volunteering, instructing or coaching achievement, or from overcoming adversity. Each of the ten winners will receive £150 to spend at Musto and will also be invited to take part in a once in a lifetime sailing experience with the British Sailing Team. Nominations close on 1st November, submit yours here.
RYA South Region AGM
The RYA South Region AGM will take place on Saturday 30th October at 11am and the location has not been confirmed at RYA House, Hamble. The Meeting is a fantastic opportunity for RYA Clubs and Recognised Training Centres to meet the South Region Committee members and find out more about the role of the RYA South Committee and how it can support your organisation. For more info please email Regional Chair Mike Samuelson.
Congratulations Oxford Zoomers
Well done to all the young windsurfers for taking part in this month’s National Windsurfing Championship 2021 at Grafham Water, and my congratulations to Oxford Zoomers for winning this year’s Champions Cup!
Help and support
Please finally, please remember that the RYA South team are here to help and support you. As ever, please don’t hesitate to contact me if your club has any concerns, questions or would like advice. You can email me here and the other regional contacts can also be found here.
The Regional Volunteer South Committee are also an excellent source of advice for clubs and centres in our region. The South Regional Chairperson is Mike Samuelson can be contacted on: chair.so@rya.org.uk
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Until next time,
Susie