Valuing our volunteers in Wales

We’re celebrating the BIG impact that giving even a small amount of time can make to the sport we all love – and inviting you to get involved.

Those who bring their time, skills and enthusiasm to help others get on the water are at the heart of what we do and enable our sailing clubs and communities to thrive in Wales.

Volunteers inspire newcomers into the sport and the next generation, organise racing at clubs and championships, and carry out essential behind-the-scenes roles ashore.

Without volunteers, many of the experiences and opportunities that we value simply wouldn’t be possible – and whether you can spare an hour, a day or more, every contribution matters!

Why volunteer?

Volunteering provides a sense of wellbeing and belonging which is rewarding whether you are on the giving or receiving end of it. Here are a few of the top reasons to volunteer that have been shared by our Impact Awardees in 2026:

Giving back:  “I have had some fantastic times and met some amazing people while windsurfing and by volunteering I get the opportunity to give those chances to others.” Graham Smith, volunteer windsurf instructor at Windswept Watersports.

Making a difference: “It’s a sport that can open a lot of doors and it’s nice to know that what we do has an impact on their lives - we see young people developing sailing and life skills. Our sailors also come home from events with some good results. Helping them to achieve milestones they’ve worked so hard for is really rewarding.” Chief Instructor Gary Richards of Llyn Brenig Sailing Club, commenting on inspiring the next generation.

Sharing experience: “Our own children got a lot out of sailing and you’re hoping to share your experience with other up and coming parents and get them involved too, so they enjoy being a part of it and have the skills to take over, because the sport doesn’t work without volunteers,” Mandy Morsley, of Port Dinorwic Sailing Club and RYA Cymru Wales events. 

Fun and friendship: “Every small thing helps, even if it is just making someone a cup of tea because they haven’t had one all day. Every role is important, and whatever contribution you can make as a volunteer will help to make a success of the overall picture. You meet lots of different people and there’s great camaraderie. It’s fun and we’ve made some really good friends and lots of memories.” Sharon Davidson-Guild, of Trearddur Bay SC and RYA Cymru Wales events.

Staying connected:  “You have a good time with the people who are there, and you feel valued. I got involved more and more, and you want to support those coming through behind you. It keeps me busy now I’m retired and I enjoy the camaraderie and working with people. I first started sailing in 1968 and it keeps me in touch with the sport I love,” Sailwave expert Huw Pearce. 

Developing skills

Volunteering is a fantastic way for people to share their skills or develop new ones, offering both personal fulfilment and/or professional development, including the fact that it is a great addition to a CV, especially for young people.

Sport Wales has grants from £300 to £50,000 available through its Be Active Wales Fund to support not-for-profit sports clubs and organisations, including courses that maybe needed to upskill coaches and volunteers, and entry-level training such as First Aid or Officiating.

Following on from our BIG Days Out in Spring 2026 in South and West Wales, our BIG Weekend at Plas Menai in North Wales, 10–11 October, will be offering an equally fantastic range of opportunities to upskill or try something new to support your involvement in our sport. Check out our 2025 Big Weekend review to be inspired and SAVE THE DATE for Autumn 2026!

In the meantime, if your club, centre or class is interested in running a course to develop your volunteer workforce, or has a need for one, please do get in touch with Club Development Officer Hester Walker.

Explore the value of volunteering – including a short film featuring our very own RYA CW Chair Sian Reynolds, at RYA Volunteering.

Support us

The RYA CW team would not be able to run events without the amazing people who help to make them happen. We provide lunch for our volunteers and a ‘Diolch Hour’ drinks reception at each event to help us say a heartfelt thank you!

Find out more about how we support volunteering in Wales and discover all our current event volunteering opportunities – come along and help, it’s fun!

And finally, help us to say THANK YOU to valued volunteers by nominating for our RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards, recognising those who go above and beyond to support activities afloat.

These were launched as part of our Together on our Waters strategy to create a connected, inspired and inclusive Welsh sailing community - encouraging people to get on the water, stay on the water and give back. If you know someone deserving of recognition, please take a look and nominate for our RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards.

Keep up with all our news and announcements by following RYA Cymru Wales on Facebook and Instagram.

See you on the water soon!

Hatty Morsely, Pathway & Events Officer
RYA Cymru Wales

Top picture: Welsh Sailing volunteers Russell and Thomas Venning providing mark laying and on-water support at the Eric Twiname Junior Championships 2026.