A thanks to and reflections from outgoing Chair Brian Wilson 

RYA Scotland’s recent AGM was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the past year, hear more about key updates and activity, and cast an eye forward. It also marked outgoing Chair, Brian Wilson’s, final AGM at the helm.

With Brian now stepping away after six years as Chair of the RYA Scotland Board, we extend our sincere thanks for the time, energy and commitment he has given to our organisation and the wider Scottish sailing and boating community. 

Brian’s involvement with RYA Scotland stretches back well beyond his time as Chair. As a longstanding volunteer, he has supported our work to help people get afloat and enjoy all that sailing and boating have to offer. 

From navigating the challenges of Covid to supporting the development of our sport, there has been plenty to reflect on along the way. 

Before Brian stepped back, we caught up with him in Stranraer to hear about his time as Chair. One thing came through clearly: the people who make our sailing and boating community what it is: 

“It’s all about the people. It’s a great community." 

Brian took on the role during Covid, at a time of uncertainty for clubs, centres and everyone keen to get back on the water. Working alongside our partners and the wider boating community, we helped support the return to activity as quickly as possible as restrictions eased.

Since then, we have continued to develop our support for clubs, evolve our performance pathways and strengthen our funding position following years of financial pressure. It has been a period of change, with progress to celebrate and more to build on. 

Our People, Places and Communities strategy has remained at the heart of that work. Brian helped shape its original version before becoming Chair and was part of a renewal during his second term. Its focus remains clear: supporting the people, places and communities that bring sailing and boating to life across Scotland. 

Volunteers are a huge part of this, giving their time at clubs, centres and events, and helping guide our work as an organisation. The Chair’s role is no exception. As Brian put it: “I do like to think of myself as the lead volunteer.” 

That connection with the community extends well beyond meetings. When we caught up with Brian, he was helping at the Scottish Fin & Foil Championships in Stranraer, having recently visited the Optimist Nationals in Largs. His enthusiasm for being out on the water was clear. 

Brian also spoke to the pleasure of getting to work with the wider RYA Scotland board of Directors, Committee members, and staff. Describing how he sees our governance model, Brian references our board, committees and staff as the three legs of a stool, each playing a part in supporting our sport. Working together with the community remains just as important as we look ahead. 

Strengthening our connections with clubs and their members is an important part of that next chapter. During the AGM, Brian highlighted the importance of continuing to grow our support for club development and club engagement. For us, this means listening to our communities, understanding what matters to them and supporting the people creating opportunities to get afloat. 

We’re pleased that stepping down as Chair won’t mean saying goodbye to Brian on the water. With more time for his own sailing and cruising ahead, he reassured us: “I’m not going that far.”  

It felt fitting that at our recent Connected Conference, we were able to present Brian with his very own RYA Scotland Impact Award, recognising exceptional commitment and achievement.  

You can watch Brian receive his award here, and watch our full Chair Reflections video above.  

All at RYA Scotland extend a sincere thank you to Brian, for the many years of volunteering, commitment to our community, and invaluable impact made.