We’re pleased to announce that Affiliation for 2026 is now officially open.

Whether you're a sailing club, class association, berth holder organisation or other affiliate, this is your opportunity to reaffirm a shared commitment to growing the sport together. 

What’s new since last year?

Following the 2025 renewal cycle, we've made several updates to enhance the affiliation experience and support our network more effectively:

• Affiliate recommendations uploaded: We've compiled and shared feedback and best practices from our affiliated organisations to help you get the most out of your RYA membership. These insights are now available in your affiliate portal.
• Affiliation certificates: These are now available to download on the RYA Portal.
• Updated RYA affiliation branding: Fresh branding assets are now available on the portal, to help you proudly showcase your RYA affiliation. 
• Club Census data sheets: For affiliated clubs, we've uploaded the latest census data sheets to help you track membership trends, participation levels and demographic insights. These sheets are a valuable tool for planning, funding applications and community engagement.
• Crown Estate licence to lay race buoys: Much of the seabed around the England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland is owned by the Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland, and many coastal sailing clubs lay temporary racing marker buoys in these areas. Since 1958, the RYA has a licence from the Crown Estate Commissioner permitting Affiliated Clubs to lay temporary racing marker buoys. Under the terms of the agreements, we’re obliged to make clubs aware of the contents of that licence, and to obtain an annual written acknowledgement from clubs confirming that they have read and will comply with the agreement. This process is now integrated into the annual affiliation process.

Why affiliate with the RYA?

Affiliation with the RYA offers a host of benefits, including:

• Safety management and safeguarding advice, guidance and training
• Advocacy and representation at national level
• Access to legal and governance expertise
• Exclusive training resources and development tools
• A range of workshops – online and in person – to support and develop your activities and grow your membership offering
• Networking with a vibrant community of like-minded organisations
• Marketing support and promotional opportunities
• Access to the Affiliates Zone – our online library of development tools, guidance and advice on running your organisation

RYA affiliation also opens doors to more funding opportunities, including Sports Council grants, RYA Foundation grants and bursaries, and discounted access to training courses.

What progress has been made?

Over 3,600 individuals have successfully logged into the Portal since launch, with 70% of affiliates having completed the process. Since 2024 we have seen a 20%+ increase in the number of organisations having their recommended safety management and safeguarding policies in place. This means that 90% of organisations who we recommend having safety management and/or safeguarding policies and procedures in place have them in place.

This has been a huge effort, so a big thank you from all of us. Together we are positively impacting people’s lives through creating and supporting a safe environment for your members and participants to enjoy the benefits of being on the water.

How to renew or join

Renew your affiliation by:

1. Logging in to the RYA Portal
2. Reviewing and updating your organisation’s details
3. Completing the Affiliation 2026 questions, programme renewal and Crown Estate credentials (as applicable)
4. Submitting your renewal application before the deadline of 31 March 2026.

Invoices will be issued in the normal way during March. Once we have received payment and your organisation has completed the questions we will upload your affiliation certificate, recommendations, branding and if a club census data sheet to the portal.

Need help?

If you have any questions or need assistance with your renewal, we're here to help. Reach out by contacting us on affiliation@rya.org.uk.