Over three days in June, RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe travelled across the Midlands to visit a diverse mix of clubs and training centres, from hidden sailing clubs and inland waterways providers to bustling city-based youth facilities.

Joined by Midlands Regional Manager Ben Hodgson she met the volunteers, instructors and staff whose dedication is helping more people get afloat while gaining first-hand insight into the opportunities and challenges facing clubs across the region.

The tour began at Kinver Boat School in rural Stourbridge, an RYA Inland Waterways Training Centre offering a very different experience to many of the traditional sailing and boating clubs. Run solely by the principal Sofia Zuberi, Sara took to the water to learn more about introducing people to life on the inland waterways.

The next stop was Himley Hall Sailing Club, a small, family-friendly club set within the grounds of the historic Himley Hall country estate. One of the Midlands’ smaller sailing clubs, facilities are tucked amongst mature woodland with a hidden dinghy park leading to a charming thatched-roof clubhouse. Sara met Commodore Sarah Bonner to hear how the club continues to provide welcoming opportunities for members and newcomers alike.

The final visit of the day brought a change of scenery, heading into the heart of Birmingham to Midlands Boat Station in Edgbaston- a centre delivering a wide range of on-water activities for Sea Cadets. During the visit, Station Manager Howard Eeles showed Sara around the station's brand-new facilities, highlighting the organisation's work with young people from across Birmingham and expanding partnerships with other local organisations to connect more young people with the water.

Joined by Sarah Carswell from the Midlands Regional Volunteer Team, discussions included the club's long-term ambitions, the breadth of activities it delivers, and the impact that its lease arrangements have on future planning and investment.

The afternoon saw the tour continue north to Swarkestone Sailing Club near Derby, where Sara arrived in time for the club's weekly Sailability session and evening racing. She was able to see the operation in full swing, meeting volunteers, carers and sailors and experiencing first-hand the teamwork and organisation that make inclusive sailing possible.

Sharing the water that evening, the club's Chief Instructor was also delivering an RYA Assistant Instructor course for two club parents who were progressing their qualifications. 

The final visit of day two was to Staunton Harold Sailing Club in Derbyshire, where community spirit was at the heart of the visit. After touring the club and meeting members, Sara had the honour of unveiling a new memorial bench dedicated to the sailors and members who have been part of the club's history. 

The final stop on the Midlands tour was Carsington Sailing Club, where Sara was welcomed by the club's new Commodore and Principal. A trip out on the water provided the opportunity to discuss the club's priorities, future opportunities and long-term vision before returning ashore to meet the club's new Manager, Callum Thompson.

In his new role, Callum shared his ambitions to continue developing opportunities for members and visitors alike. He is no stranger to the RYA and is also a member of the RYA's youth engagement programme, the Futures Lab.

Reflecting on the tour, Sara said: "Every club and centre we visited was unique, but they all shared the same passion for getting people on the water. It was inspiring to meet so many dedicated people who are finding new ways to grow participation, support their communities and plan for the future. While there are challenges, there is also an incredible sense of optimism across the Midlands, and I'm excited to see how these clubs continue to thrive in the years ahead."

Themes across the region

Ben added: “Across the three-day tour, several common themes emerged. It was encouraging to see so many new volunteers and leaders stepping into roles, from commodores and club managers to instructors and committee members, demonstrating the strength and resilience of local clubs.

“Sustainability was also a clear priority, with clubs investing in projects such as solar panels to reduce operating costs and improve their environmental impact. 

A shared challenge remains around lease arrangements and security of tenure. Many Midlands clubs operate on land owned by local authorities, water companies or private estates, limiting long-term planning and making it harder to secure funding. Despite this, clubs continue to find innovative ways to invest in their facilities and strengthen their communities”.