Winter update from Welsh Sailing

The clocks have changed and as the days get shorter and colder, it’s tempting to wrap up warm and hibernate – but there is still lots going on for Welsh sailing over winter!

Now is the time for your club to take a close look at the calendar to make sure members know what’s going on and stay engaged with your activities until next season.

It’s also good to keep your training and volunteer teams inspired, and it was fantastic to see four new RYA Dinghy Instructors qualifying over half term with our course at Llangorse Sailing Club for those who support OnBoard activities.

Online learning

There are a variety of online opportunities for developing skills, including the next RYA Safeguarding for Race Officials course which will take place on Zoom on Monday 1 December, 18:30- 20:00. This course is a requirement for becoming an RYA Race Official or renewing your accreditation, with a focus on relevant information for the role.

There will also be an RYA Safe Sport webinar on the evening of Monday 8 December to support club welfare officers with understanding the role of external agencies and how they can help: find out more and register now to join this Safeguarding in Sport online workshop.

Funding opportunities

While there may be fewer daylight hours for getting on the water, it’s an ideal season for club development planning for the year ahead – including exploring funding opportunities.

Sport Wales has reopened its Be Active Wales Fund until 9am Friday 9 January 2026, which enables clubs to apply for grants of £300 to £50,000 to support initiatives such as:

• Equipment to get more people taking part in sport
• Coaching courses (up to Level 2) for volunteers
• Entry-level training, including First Aid or Officiating
• Facility improvements

Find out how to apply to the Be Active Wales Fund.

For improving facilities, there is also the Sport Wales – A Place in Sport crowdfunding initiative. This helps clubs to raise money by supporting up to 60% of your target up to a maximum of £15,000. Discover more at A Place in Sport - Crowdfunder.

Foiling academy

The RYA Cymru Wales team is already looking ahead to next year, and following the award of a major Sport Wales / Welsh Government Capital Grant for two brand new Waspzs, we’re getting set to launch our very own foiling academy!

Read all about our Welsh Foiling Academy plans and if you’re keen to get involved, we want to hear from you! Please do register your interest to have a go or add foiling to your coaching ticket.

Junior & youth

Welsh Sailing / Hwylio Cymru Pathway Clubs are busy running regional youth and junior open training. Find out what’s on offer by visiting the calendar on our Welsh Sailing events hub and get in touch with your nearest Pathway Club to join in: Port Dinorwic SC (North); Neyland YC (West); and Llandegfedd SC & Cardiff Bay YC (South).

Our Welsh Sailing squads have also been in action, working hard with their coaches in some of the toughest conditions of the year to improve their racing skills. A massive well done to everyone so far and as ever, a big thank you to the parents for your support.

For youth and junior sailors and parents looking ahead to next year, remember to check out our Welsh Sailing Handbook for everything you need to know about our pathway for all ages and levels – including choosing a class or changing to a new one, transferable skills, applying for squads, coaching and volunteering, and safer sport.

There are also online Pathway Workshops over winter for youth and junior sailors, including: 

• 3^rd December - Owning your journey as a female sailor – 15 and under – With Nikki Boniface. ex British Sailing Team, Athena Pathway
• 9^th December - Owning your journey as a female sailor – 16 and over – With nikki boniface. ex british sailing team, athena pathway
• 11^th December - food or supplements - which is best? 100% me with Dr Debbie Coughlin, Sports Nutritionist.

These all begin at 18:15 and last for around 40minutes – join each webinar on Teams here.

For parents, there is always lots of useful information along with interesting podcasts to support your own journey at the Working with Parents in Sport hub – take a look!

Diary dates

Firstly, it’s nearly Christmas! If you’re looking for ideas for the Welsh sailor in your life, remember to place your orders for our branded merch in our online Welsh Sailing Christmas Shop by 28 November. Then get out your diary for next year and be sure to save these dates:

• 21-22 February 2026 – RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show – RYA members go free, book your ticket!
• 20-21 June 2026 - Welsh Club Championships for youth and junior sailors at Cardiff Bay YC
• 22-23 August 2026 - OnBoard Festival at Bala alongside the Welsh Waszp Championships
• 10–11 October 2026 – The Big Weekend at Plas Menai – upskill or try something new 😊

And finally…

Please do share all our dates and opportunities with everyone at your club or centre, and keep up with all the latest news and announcements by following RYA Cymru Wales on Facebook and Instagram. See you on the water soon!

James, Sian, Hester, Hatty, Sarah & Paula.
Your RYA Cymru Wales team