A new wave of change is emerging in British Sailing as the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) launches The Female Futures Group, dedicated to increasing female participation and unlocking new opportunities for women and girls in the sport.
With a mission to make Great Britain the best place in the world for developing female sailors, the group is setting bold targets to make sailing more inclusive, ensuring that every girl has the chance to reach her full potential.
Designed to nurture talent and provide a clear path from grassroots sailing to elite competition, the British Youth and Junior Sailing Pathway has long been a foundation for success for young sailors aged 10 to 21. Created to help steer the course of this evolving pathway, The Female Futures Group is committed to driving real change in the sport.
With an ambitious vision for the future, the newly formed group is committed to driving real change. Their first key goals include:
Beyond statistics, their work is also focussed on transforming sailing culture – breaking down barriers, fostering confidence, and creating environments where female sailors can thrive.
For more than two decades, Britain has led the way in developing world-class sailing talent, producing some of the sport’s most decorated athletes. But as the landscape evolves, so must the approach. The RYA recognised the need for change following a 2023 strategic review, leading to The Pathway Evolution Project – an initiative focused on making sailing more affordable, accessible, and diverse.
The Female Futures Group, is a key element also aligning with the RYA’s Reflections on Water campaign to ensure that sailing is welcoming, inspiring, and attainable for all.
United by a shared mission, the RYA team behind the Pathway Evolution and 10 industry-leading women form the backbone The Female Futures Group, volunteering their time and expertise from elite sailing and coaching to sports science, and athlete development.
At the helm of the group as Chair is Hannah Diamond, an internationally recognised sailor with experience in SailGP, Olympic campaigning and America’s Cup competition. Passionate about creating lasting change, she will publicly head the group’s efforts to make sailing a leader in gender inclusivity.
Joining Hannah, the group includes:
"Everyone in The Female Futures Group has a real desire to make a lasting difference. Many of us have been fortunate to experience incredible opportunities in sport and sailing, but we also know there’s still work to be done to ensure women and girls can see a clear future for themselves in the sport. We all want to give back by shaping a more inclusive future, and we know this isn’t just about increasing participation—it’s about building confidence, creating opportunities, and making sure girls have the support and visibility they need to thrive at every level.”
Hannah Diamond, Female Futures Group Chair and internationally recognised sailor
"The Female Futures Group is a major milestone in The Pathway Evolution Project. We’ve seen first-hand the incredible talent and passion that exists among female sailors, yet we recognise that barriers to progression remain. Whilst this is the first step of many, we are committed to taking decisive action to make change, ensuring that talent and ambition – not gender – define success in our sport."
Nick Scott, RYA Director Of Racing and lead on the Pathway Evolution Project.
The Female Futures Group is not just making space for women in the world of competitive sailing; it is about building a future where female sailors can be empowered to thrive – whether they’re competing on the world stage or shaping the sport as coaches and leaders.
Find out more on the The Female Futures Group, and the broader Pathway Evolution.