RYA Cymru Wales blog – September 2024

Interim CEO James Stuart shares his thoughts as the season turns to autumn…
17 Sep 24
 

With the changing of the seasons, it’s a good moment in time to reflect on all the achievements of the main season while looking ahead to the next.

We’ve been trying new things and listening to feedback as we continue our mission to encourage more people to get on the water, stay on the water and give back to the sport.

This cycle of sustainability and growth is an essential element of our five-year strategy - Gyda’n Gilydd ar ein Dyfroedd - Together on our Waters – and our belief in ‘Croeso’, that everyone should feel welcome in our sport on every occasion they take part in it.

Throughout the summer months we’ve seen this ethos in action and its powerful impact, including through the incredible work going on in Wales to inspire the next generation.

The RYA Cymru Wales team along with clubs, training centres and classes, have all worked tirelessly to provide memorable hours, days and weekends on the water for young people, backed by an army of volunteers sharing their own passion for the sport by giving their time.

Mixed fleet of youth boats lining up alongside a committee boat for the start of a race at the Welsh Regional Junior Championships 2024.

Investing

We’ve had our Welsh Regional Junior Championships; ‘Olympic Weeks’ giving children and teenagers a chance to get afloat and try new things; two OnBoard Festivals providing fun and friendly coached events; and 10 opens in the Dragon Series. And we still have our upcoming Welsh Youth & Junior Championships to look forward to later this month!

Across all of our activities we continue to invest in the values we believe in. At our major youth and junior events, for example, we’ve introduced CROESO, a designated RIB offering on-water practical and moral support to sailors and volunteers, including carrying spare water, snacks, suncream, first aid kit and period products.

And at the recent OnBoard Festivals, new initiatives included participation medals for each competitor, plus games to gather sailor feedback with stickers, to capture the voices of younger sailors about their involvement in the sport.

Our support includes listening to our community, and that includes our young people, along with all who drive our sport forwards with their enthusiasm and commitment.

Thank you

At the heart of all this activity are those who go the extra mile professionally or as volunteers, without whose dedication so much would simply not be possible.

Would you like to recognise an organisation or individual who stands out from their peers?

Although nominations for the next round of RYA Awards have now closed for clubs and affiliates, they remain open for individual nominations until midday on Tuesday 01 October 2024, and remember we do also have our very own RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards, which are ongoing throughout the year.

Take a look to help us to celebrate and say thank you!

Volunteers on three RIBS alongside the pontoon at Dale getting ready with flags and marks to provide on-water support for the Regional Junior Championships 2024.

Big Weekend

Heading into autumn, all of us here at RYA Cymru Wales are busy with preparations for the Big Weekend and we’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Come along and get Together on our Waters at Plas Menai, 5-6 October 2024, for a host of hands-on activities to help you stretch or refresh your skills.

Are you keen to become an instructor, revalidate your qualification, or develop your sailing or powerboating? Or would you like to try winging, or explore with SUP or yacht cruising? The Big Weekend will have all this and more!

It’s just £30 a day or £50 for the weekend, including lunch, and places are filling up fast! Find out more about what's on offer and book now for the Big Weekend.

And finally…

We’re also looking forward to our AGM, which will take place at Plas Menai at 16:30 on Saturday 5 October, with an opportunity for you to also join the meeting virtually.

Register for our AGM and keep up to date with all the latest news and announcements by following @RYACymruWales on FacebookX and Instagram.

See you on the water!

James.