RYA Cymru Wales blog – making waves in Wales!
An action-packed start to the season has seen the RYA Cymru Wales team on the water across Wales and beyond, supporting clubs and centres, coaches and instructors, sailors and volunteers!
It was fantastic to see everyone making the most of our Big Day Out in Pembrokeshire to get out sailing, powerboating, windsurfing and winging - stretching and refreshing skills, trying something new or working towards RYA qualifications.
Our Club Development Officer Hester Walker created a memorable, practical and enjoyable weekend for all, including dashing around providing packed lunches!
Congratulations to all those who gained RYA Safety Boat and RYA Race Coach certificates, who will now be taking their expertise home to support and inspire others.
A massive thank to you to all our participants and instructors, and of course our incredible hosts, Pembrokeshire Yacht Club, Pembrokeshire Powerboating and Sailing Academy Ltd - t/a PPSA, Celtic Sea Watersports and Windswept Watersports.
If you're keen to likewise develop your skills or have a go at a new watersport, save the date for our Big Weekend at Plas Menai - 11/12 October 2025 - when we'll again have something for everyone!
Junior championships
Also taking place over the first May Bank Holiday weekend was the Eric Twiname Junior Championships for young sailors from across the UK.
Our aspiring Welsh sailors competed at Rutland, supported by Performance Manager Sarah, Pathway & Events Officer Hatty Morsley and coach Sam Thomas. The windsurfing part of the championship was hosted by Plas Heli, Pwllheli, where Welsh athlete Catrin Williams was among the coaches.
We were super proud of our Welsh team and contribution, and a big well done goes to our medal winners in the boys and girls rankings for the RS Tera Sport - Ethan Watkin Jones of Port Dinorwick SC and Isabelle Nuttall of Neyland YC.
Read the full story in the Eric Twiname Championships 2025 wrap-up.
We’re now looking forward to our very own Welsh Regional Junior Championships!
Taking place at Dale, 21-22 June 2025, entries are open for what will be a brilliant weekend of racing for all levels. Sign up for either our Championship or Coached Regatta fleets and find all the information you need at WelshRJC.
Dragon Series
This popular youth and junior series is also back for 2025! With a fabulous first event at Tata Steel SC (10 May), we’re now looking forward to the next dates in the series this month at Neyland YC (17 May) and Llandegfedd SC (24 May).
Run by the RYA Cymru Wales regional committees and local clubs, the series will again run through to the end of summer, with a total of 11 events for young sailors of all ages and abilities across the North, South and West.
For experienced sailors, the series provides additional time on the water and a variety of venues to develop boat handling and tactical skills both inland and on the sea. Every event also has an RYA Cymru Wales coach available to help and to provide a supportive environment for those new to racing or travelling for the first time.
Read our Dragon Series blog and top tips or visit our Dragon Series hub for all the dates and details, entry links and our handy guide to taking part – and please do share the details with the youth and junior sailors and parents at your club or centre!
Sponsor our events
To support our events for children and young people, we’re on the lookout for sponsors!
Could you or your company or workplace help us to inspire the next generation by making a contribution towards sailor participation medals, volunteer or safety boat support, or prizegivings? We’d love to hear from you!
Please contact our Performance Manager Sarah McGovern.
Merched Y Mor
We were excited to launch a new campaign this Spring to help us inspire and retain female sailors, volunteers and coaches.
Merched Y Mor - which means Women of the Sea - will provide education, practical support, mentoring and a safe space for women and girls.
Look out for this initiative and find out more in our launch video featuring Performance Manager Sarah in a Q&A interview with her niece and next generation young sailor Efa!
Women in Marine
To mark the International Day for Women in Maritime on 18 May, a Global Women's Walk 2025 has been taking place to recognise and highlight the contributions and vital roles that women make in the marine sector.
As a lawyer specialising in the marine sector and the Chair of RYA Cymru Wales, Sian Reynolds has an unwavering passion for the industry and its opportunities, and at the time of bringing our blog together was leading four rambles to mark the occasion.
These included Pwllheli Beach (pictured above) and Cardiff Bay Barrage, with upcoming walks visiting Saundersfoot (16 May) and Penarth Cliff Top (18 May), providing an opportunity to connect and celebrate, support and elevate women in the marine industry in Wales!
Find out more about our RYA Cymru Wales #GlobalWomensWalk2025.
Funding opportunities
Are you looking to improve facilities or equipment at your club, develop an innovative programme or inspire the next generation? Two funding opportunities end soon!
The first window this year for applying to the Sport Wales BE ACTIVE WALES FUND closes on 4 June 2025. The fund will then reopen for applications two more times: 9 July-17 September, and 5 November-14 January.
If your club needs kit, coach development or facility upgrades, you can apply for between £300-£50,000 if you are able to contribute at least 10% of the total project cost. Don't miss out!
RYA partner Sunsail meanwhile is inviting UK sailing clubs to enter its Funding the Future competition for the chance to win £6,000, with £2,000 awards also available for two runners-up. Apply by 23 May 2025.
Remember you can keep up with all the latest news and announcements, events and opportunities by following RYA Cymru Wales on Facebook, X and Instagram.
See you on the water soon!
James, Sian, Hester, Hatty, Sarah & Paula.
RYA Cymru Wales team