Susies Scoop Blog November 2021
Hi everyone,
I hope everyone found our Affiliated Clubs Conference South event, which just took place on Saturday 13th November, useful and informative. Due to Covid-19, I was really sad that I wasn’t able to be there and gutted that I couldn’t meet everyone. I was really looking forward to seeing everyone again after so long.
I hope that everyone found the club development sessions valuable, as well as the opportunity to reconnect with other clubs and RYA Staff, including my South team colleagues, Leon Ward and Duncan West, along with Gareth Brookes, Regional Development Officer Manger and Sailability Manager Joff McGill.
I also hope you also enjoyed the national online evening session, hosted by Shirley Robertson. I know there were technical difficulties on the night and you can watch the recording here.
Vote for our Club of the Year finalists
Congratulations go to Brading Haven Yacht Club and Lymington Town Sailing Club – on becoming our TWO regional finalists in the 2022 RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year Award.
In addition, Brading Haven Yacht Club has been recognised for its Sustainability achievements. The club has a comprehensive range of green initiatives, including a family-focused Eco Club education programme, wildlife walks and surveys, beach cleans, and a climate change impact project.
Plus, Lymington Town Sailing Club has also been awarded in the Modern & Innovative category. This large club already offers lots of opportunities for members, but has worked hard to also enhance options, increase provision and work to the benefit of the wider community.
Both clubs will receive their awards at a presentation at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, Farnborough International, on Saturday 26th February 2022, when the overall winner will also be announced.
My congratulations to both clubs – really well deserved. And now its over to you and the public vote. We need you to share with as many colleagues as possible and encourage club members to vote here.
CPD & regional courses
As mentioned last month, we have a plethora of upcoming courses. November is a busy month with four powerboat boat & safety - boat handling skills refresher courses, and four Dinghy Instructor Refresher courses taking place around the region. They all cost £25 each.
Whilst in December there is a Race Course Level 2 taking place at Royal Lymington Yacht Club, costing £125. If you are interested in this course you can send me an expression via this interest form.
The Instructor and Race Coach Training Day will take place next year on 19 March 2022 at Thorney Island. With a name change reflecting how this day is now open to Race coaches as well, the day aims to refresh skills and reconnect with other instructors and race coaches. Booking will open soon.
All our upcoming regional courses can be found in the South region hub here. If you cannot find a suitable course please complete this expression of interest form and let me know how I can help you.
New Sailability resources
RYA Sailability has launched a suite of safety resources to provide advice about developing and maintaining safety management systems for on-the-water activity. Find out more about the resources and support available for your club or centre here.
There is also a new safety blog available. The first two areas look at the right equipment used properly, and the best techniques to right an inverted keelboat. Find out more here
Winter eSailing fun
eSailing can be an effective way to keep members engaged at any time of the year, and especially so as we head into winter. With races taking place around the world and in a variety of boats, there are plenty of options to suit everyone. Find out how your club can get involved here.
My congratulations go to two eSailors from clubs in the South region - Aurthur Farley and Mike O’Donovan - for qualifying and competing in the eSailing World Championships this month. Mike was kept busy as the following evening he also captained Team GBR in the Nations Cup Final against France. Alas it was not to be this year as the team couldn’t retain the Trophy – but still a magnificent achievement. Well done to all those involved and especially to the many South team members.
Volunteer Committee
The 2021 RYA South AGM successfully took place last month. If your club would like to see the minutes then please contact South Regional Chairperson, Mike Samuelson - chair.so@rya.org.uk The South Region Committee is also still looking for a new Secretary, more details about the role can be found here, and again please contact Mike if you would like to discuss the role in more detail.
And finally…
It was great to see youngsters from Gurnard Primary School feature on BBC South this month. The children took to the water and were interviewed about their first time sailing, which was organised in conjunction with UKSA. You can check out the video on the South Facebook page.
Help and support
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. The South region contacts can also be found here.
Until next time,
Susie