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Susie's Scoop July 2024

Catch up with all the latest news for clubs and centres in the South region's blog from Regional Development Officer, Susie Moore
10 Jul 24
Man and woman wingfoiling on the south coast. Both are wearing wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids. Both holding wings above their heads, up on their foils and winging towards the camera smiling.

Hello,

Well July certainly did seem to arrive quickly this year, although I think the summer weather is somewhat still catching up! I hope the tricky weather conditions have not damped your spirits too much and that your planned activities have still taken place.

New RYA South team members

I am pleased to announce that Jake Elsbury has joined the RYA South team as Sailing Developer and will be working with clubs and centres to help with workforce development, OnBoard and Sailability.

Jake grew up on the south coast and has worked in centres for many years, and I know he will be a familiar face to many of you. I hope you will all give Jake a warm welcome to the team. Jake can be contacted on Jake.Elsbury@rya.org.uk

Jake’s position comes hot on the heels of James Hardy also joining the South team. As reported last month, James will be looking to help give winging a boost in our region. Talking of winging..

Wing, Surf & Foil Participation Survey

I have just launched a brand-new survey to delve into our region’s winging activity. We really want to understand the needs of our clubs and centres when it comes to winging – this sport has a huge variety of participants, and we are keen to explore how this currently sits alongside our clubs and centres. I would really appreciate your time to complete this short questionnaire

We are also planning a free day - on Thursday 5th September - for centres and clubs interested in learning more about rapidly growing sport. Please save the date for now. More information will be available soon so watch this space.

RYA Connected Conference

I am pleased to announce that the RYA South Connected Conference will take place at a new venue: Itchen Sixth Form College. We have listened to the feedback from our previous conferences and this venue, I think, will better suit our needs. It is fully accessible and the layout is much easier to navigate. We also have lots of flexibility with spaces available for networking, smaller breakout sessions, along with large groups coming together. The Conference takes place on Saturday 30 November and bookings will open in September. See you there! You can take a virtual tour here.

RYA Awards

Don’t forget to send in your nominations for the all-new RYA Awards.

The Individual Awards celebrate the exceptional commitment and achievements of volunteers, and can be nominated via one of five categories:

  • Unsung Hero
  • Long Service (more than 20 years)
  • Rising Star (under 25 years old)
  • Guiding Light
  • Inspirational Race Coach/Instructor

Whilst the Affiliate Awards will be presented to clubs, classes and affiliated organisations who play a vital role in fostering a vibrant and thriving boating network. The five categories are:

  • Together on Water
  • The Green Blue Team
  • Young Person’s
  • Active
  • Event of the Year

Nominations are now open and will close on Monday 16 September 2024. The winners will be announced at the Dinghy & Watersports Show on 22 – 23 February at Farnborough International. Find out more here.

Funding Finder

The RYA community funding tool is an excellent resource to help clubs and centres explore the different funding options which can support your activity. Accessed through a community funding support website, it will help you to find the right funding partner, advice about getting ready for funding applications, and country specific information. Find out more information here.

Pathway Evolution Webinar Series

This series of webinars is designed help answer questions about the changes to the new Pathway and dig into the needs of how our programmes are evolving to better support sailors and their families. Four during June and July have already taken place, and the last takes place on Tuesday 10 September looking into RYA Events Strategy.

Missed a webinar? The good news is, all of the previous webinars are available to watch here.

And last but not least…. Membership Census

A big thank you to everyone who has already submitted the clubs Membership Census data. The deadline is not for a few weeks yet so lots of time still to complete it. The information is vital in helping us form a national picture of activity around the county. You may think it’s not important to submit your clubs info, but each and every club really is important: it will ultimately help us to identify where our resources are best placed to help continue and support our boating activities.

Until next time,

Susie