New Regional Development Officer for Yorkshire and North East

We welcome Sam Usher...

2014 will be an exciting year for sailing in Yorkshire and the North East as Sam Usher joins our team of RYA Regional Development Officers. �

Sam will be working with clubs across the regions to increase participation. A Yorkshireman, born and bred he is thrilled to be back in Yorkshire where it all began,� having recently worked for sailing schools as far afield as Dubai and Indonesia.

"I started sailing at Runswick Bay Beach and Sailing Club, first crewing for other people, then sailing single handed in a Laser," explained Sam.

"My late father and I did quite a lot of sailing together on a variety of boats, while my mother watched. Then she thought, if you can't beat them, join them. Now she enjoys the simple pleasure of getting out on any stretch of water, sailing single handed whenever she can. Maybe my first convert!

"I love sailing and my goal is to convey that passion as widely as possible throughout the region. We have some fantastic clubs and facilities which I will help to support and through these clubs we will develop a healthy network of sailing opportunities for everyone."

"I feel we need to raise our profile up here too, within the sailing world. We have the facilities, locations and potential to host some prestigious events and once the elite competitors come up here they will be hooked."

We are delighted to welcome Sam to the North East," said Steve Gibbon, Chairman of the RYA North East Region. "We look forward to working with him to drive the development of the sport here in the region."

If you would like to get in touch with Sam he can be contacted on��sam.usher@rya.org.uk������