RYA CEO visits clubs and centres across the north of England
RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe spent three days in early June touring sailing clubs and centres across the North West and North East of England, meeting with volunteers, instructors and sailors to hear first-hand about both the successes and challenges facing grassroots sailing and boating.
Sara was accompanied by Regional Manager Adam McGovern throughout her trip, which formed part of RYA’s continued work to connect with affiliates and training centres across the UK, providing an opportunity to hear directly from those on the ground and to witness local initiatives driving participation and development.
“It was a thoroughly enjoyable visit,” Sara reflected, “and incredibly valuable to spend time understanding the different challenges and opportunities our affiliates and centres face across the UK, as well as seeing how each unique environment is adapting to look to being sustainable in the future.”
OnBoard at 20
The visit kicked off with a special event at Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre to mark 20 years of the RYA’s OnBoard programme. Local schoolchildren showcased their skills on the water, while MPs, local press and stakeholders joined to hear of the programme’s lasting impact and commitment to character development and enhancing life skills.
Sara later met informally with members of Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club, including Commodore Rhian Bramwell and other committee members, and also had the chance to chat with the parents of Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Stuart Bithell.
Inland challenges and inclusive innovations
The next day, Sara visited West Pennine Windsurfing Club, where discussions focused on the growing pressures on many inland reservoir-based clubs due to reduced water levels following a dry spring and demands on drinking water.
She then headed east, to the Hull Trinity House charity’s training centre at Welton Waters Adventure Centre - a thriving RYA Recognised Training Centre and one of the largest training providers in the North East making the most of their limited funding.
The centre was a hub of activity on the day, with a wide range of activity underway from Humberside fire crews doing water training, to a corporate sailing day, alongside a local SEN school session. Conversations with Pete and Sue from the centre, along with RYA Sailing Development Officer Paul Adams, focused on instructor development as well as the centre’s plans to introduce windfoiling and attract would-be participants from a nearby new housing development.
Later, Sara headed to Yeadon Sailing Club and Leeds Sailing & Activity Centre, where a powerful example of a welcoming and inclusive environment was on show.
From first arrival at the site, next to a busy public walking path, prominent signage made clear that the club was open and encouraging of new members, while its innovative and flexible fee structure – a £50 annual joining fee per household, plus whatever members can afford as a monthly donation thereafter – has significantly boosted membership from the local community.
Yeadon has also thought outside of the box in diversifying its revenue with a healthy, regular income stream from bird food sales as passers-by stop to pick up bags of food to feed the ducks, geese and swans on the lake.
Sara met with key volunteers delivering start sailing sessions for adults and juniors, and heard about the club’s plans to fundraise for new boats and attract more instructors as it heads towards its centenary year in 2028.
Showcasing clubs and rising stars
The third and final day of the trip began at Ripon Sailing Club, where Sara was welcomed by Stephen Bristow, Fiona Spence and members of the enthusiastic regional volunteer team which helps drive participation and development across the North East.
She heard about the club’s ambition to attain British Sailing Pathway Club status, and also chatted with 17-year-old ILCA6 sailor Ethan Wild, who shared his performance goals having finished sixth at the recent RYA Youth Nationals. Sara and Adam joined a session of model yacht racing with club members, adding a touch of friendly competition – until Adam beat the club regulars!
James Stuart – North East resident as well as RYA Director of Legal, Governance and Integrity and RYA Cymru Wales Interim CEO – joined for the remainder of the day’s visits, with Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club the next stop, where a particularly noteworthy homemade chocolate cake added an extra welcoming touch.
The club is one of the largest and most active clubs in the North East, accommodating several forms of watersports. Discussions centred around Sailability development, facilities upgrades to promote accessibility, and bolstering its windsurfing offer – already considered the best in the region.
Racing in Tynemouth
Rounding off the tour, Sara visited the Ovington Boats factory in Tynemouth to see the production of world-class dinghies, including many of the recognised youth classes, Olympic class 49ers and national classes such as the Firefly.
She then joined a lively Wednesday night racing scene at Tynemouth Sailing Club, observing from the committee boat as Adam and James raced a GP14 alongside members from both Tynemouth and South Shields Sailing Club in gusts of up to 24 knots – with a pod of dolphins also spotted playing alongside the fleet.
A valuable visit
“At the heart of everything we saw were passionate, committed volunteers helping their communities and organisations thrive,” Sara commented. “It’s our role to continue to help support that workforce to grow and adapt so that we can inspire and connect more people than ever with all that sailing and boating has to offer.
“A huge thank you to Adam for sharing his regional expertise and to all of the clubs and centres who generously gave their time in welcoming us.”
Adam added: “Sara’s visit has been hugely valuable in helping strengthen our relationships and demonstrate that the RYA is genuinely listening and supporting with the opportunities and challenges that our network faces.
“Her approachability and willingness to roll up her sleeves and get stuck into activities has made a big impression across the region. And we also turned on some fantastic weather for her, allowing her to see the stunning beauty of our northern venues!”