Healthy Welsh Boating launched to boost participation

An exciting new initiative by RYA Cymru Wales has been launched with an ambitious mission to get more people on the water, more often.

Healthy Welsh Boating (HWB) aims to make sailing and boating more accessible and create opportunities for all to experience the benefits of activities afloat.

With a focus on inclusion and participation, HWB will forge relationships with clubs, training centres, schools, local authorities and partner organisations to remove barriers and develop sustainable pathways into sailing, keelboating and watersports.

Sarah McGovern, RYA Cymru Wales Chief Operating Officer, said: “At Welsh Sailing we believe that being on the water has the power to improve lives, strengthen communities and inspire lifelong participation in sport.

“The goal of Healthy Welsh Boating is to turn that belief into action, supporting programmes that increase participation and create more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy our blue spaces, develop new skills and become a part of our sailing and boating community.”

A dedicated, full-time Healthy Welsh Boating Officer will lead the initiative, working alongside Regional HWB Project Co-ordinators to deliver activity across three key areas:

• Sailability: Building on the fantastic work already taking place at a number of clubs and centres across Wales, HWB will champion existing Sailability programmes and support more venues to provide inclusive opportunities. Plans include a ‘Sailability festival’ in each region and the development of one Para Pathway Club a year.

• Schools: HWB will strengthen relationships with schools to engage more pupils and encourage those who try sailing to continue in the sport, with support for retention initiatives, growing junior sailing at clubs, improving water safety awareness, and youth development through sport.

• Keelboating: Raising the profile of keelboating in Wales by building stronger connections, sharing positive case studies, supporting taster sessions and skills development, and exploring ways to connect would-be crew with keelboat owners. Aspirations also include hosting a British Keelboat League-style event.

With a particular focus on underrepresented groups, disabled people and young people, HWB is committed to making a lasting impact and is aligned with the RYA Cymru Wales strategy Gyda’n Gilydd ar ein Dyfroedd / Together on our Waters, which aims to create a connected, inspired and inclusive Welsh sailing and boating community.

As Sarah explains: “Welsh waters belong to all of us. Our sport allows us to explore and enjoy these bendigedig places. Not everyone can access these special spaces, but our sport can provide the keys to unlock the opportunity for more people, from more diverse backgrounds, to enjoy the water more often.”

Want to help us make a difference? Keep an eye out for upcoming Healthy Welsh Boating job opportunities and in the meantime find out more about our Strategic Plan and read our latest Impact Report at RYA Cymru Wales – About Us