Before we know it, we're heading towards the autumn and it's time to be thinking ahead to your club winter programme. Here are our top tips to keep your members active, engaged and keen to renew their membership.

Getting started

What you need to know before you get started.

Planning is key

Set up a small sub-group or committee to coordinate your winter programme.

Ask your members

Invite feedback about activities members would like via a quick online survey, poster or social media.

Teamwork

Encourage volunteering for specific mini-projects, tasks or working parties. 

Organise a second-hand kit sale

Not everyone has the right apparel for winter but lots of people have pre-loved items they would like to offload. It’s a win-win!

Knowledge

We have many resources to help you help your members.

RYA Training

Winter provides time and opportunity for a variety of RYA shorebased courses ranging from navigation and seamanship to first aid, radio, survival techniques and more.

Informal training

Run by members, for members! For example, a ‘pimp my boat’ discussion in the boatpark; rope and splicing workshops; boat/board/SUP fleet specific sessions; member talks on topics such as foiling or cruising.

Rules & racing updates 

Did you know we have a free online Club Race Management course? There are also bespoke club courses available.

On the water

Things you could do to get your members out on the water in the chilly weather.

Organise winter racing events

Many clubs run a special ‘frostbite’ series or similar, or offer a different format such as fast turnaround shorter races to prevent freezing fingers and toes.

Incentivise your members

For example, ‘winter warmer’ special offers in the galley, or on-the-day prize-givings for added fun and to inspire less experienced or younger members: reward results and recognise endeavour or improvement, or the best woolly hat or capsize!

Support informal racing

Encourage groups who may want to meet up midweek, using racing apps or gate starts, or set up challenges such as a ‘Stig lap’.

On the shore

If it is too cold to get out on the water, there is still lots for your members to do on land.

Offer variety

Why not open the clubhouse for non-boating activities so members can meet up and be sociable, such as for walks, talks, bird watching or cycle rides? 

Events

Make the most of RYA events such as the RYA Connected Conferences and the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show to encourage camaraderie and inspire members.

eSailing

A great way for club members to stay connected. Could your club invest in a monthly eSailing pass? Find out more about Virtual Regatta.

Shout about it!

Whatever you have planned for this winter, remember to let your members know about it and at the same time remind them about all the great activities happening at their club! Use our guide to Improving Communication with Members in Club Zone.