Meet the RYA Scotland Youth Voices team

In 2025, RYA Scotland launched a brand-new Youth Voices working group to ensure young people have the opportunity to play a direct role in shaping the future of sailing and boating in Scotland. Bringing together sailors, racers, powerboaters and club members aged 14–25, the group provides a platform for young people to share ideas, influence decision-making and help shape the future of the sport. The initiative was created to ensure young people's experiences, challenges and ambitions are reflected in RYA Scotland's work and future planning.

The group is made of young people from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds, from performance racing pathways and grassroots club sailing to powerboating and yachting, while also representing communities from across the country.

Emilia, a dedicated racer and RYA Scotland Performance Pathway sailor, combines experience in racing with a strong connection to club sailing through cadet nights at her local club.

Katie offers the perspective of a young sailor from a rural coastal community and is passionate about ensuring opportunities are available to young people wherever they are based.

Verity brings valuable insight from grassroots sailing, getting afloat locally and understanding the experiences of junior sailors and those taking their first steps in the sport through her instructing.

Also representing the group is Cicely, who also competes as part of RYA Scotland’s Performance Pathway at events across Scotland and further afield.

Kelvin enjoys a range of sailing experiences, from dinghies to larger yachts through Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, where he is also actively involved as a volunteer.

Also a keen dinghy sailor, Cerys often gets afloat in Fevas, as well as in keelboats. Cerys is particularly interested in improving opportunities for young people in rural communities.

Completing the cohort is Euan, whose background in powerboating brings a different perspective to the group, alongside a passion for encouraging more young people to discover the many ways they can get involved on the water.

Together, the group represent a diverse mix of disciplines, experiences and communities, ensuring Youth Voices can bring a broad range of perspectives to discussions about the future of sailing and boating in Scotland. 

The majority were also able to come together for our first ever Youth Voices in-person residential weekend at Port Edgar Boat Station earlier this year to get to know each other a little better, and develop some focussed goals.

While each individual brings their own perspective and experiences, a number of common themes emerged when the group first came together. Collectively, they're passionate about increasing participation, helping clubs better engage with and retain young people, supporting smaller and rural clubs, and tackling barriers that can prevent young people from getting afloat. Discussions have also highlighted challenges around access to equipment and kit, as well as the importance of making sailing feel welcoming and accessible to people from all backgrounds.

The group's role extends beyond simply sharing ideas. Youth Voices has been established to ensure there is a meaningful connection between young people and the decision-making structures within the organisation. Central to this is RYA Scotland Under 25 Director Jill Reid, who acts as the key link between Youth Voices and the RYA Scotland Board.

Working closely with the group, Jill helps facilitate a genuine two-way exchange of opinions, perspectives and insight. She ensures that the experiences and priorities of young sailors are brought directly into Board-level discussions, while also helping Youth Voices understand the strategic direction, challenges and opportunities facing the organisation. This relationship allows young people to contribute to conversations that shape the future of sailing in Scotland, while ensuring the Board remains informed by the lived experiences of the next generation of participants.

With the first cohort now fully underway, Youth Voices members are already beginning to explore how they can make a positive impact across the sport. From supporting participation and strengthening club communities to improving accessibility and championing youth perspectives, the group is united by a shared ambition to help sailing and boating thrive. 

Looking ahead, the group will be central to the conversation at RYA Scotland's Connected Conference on 1 November at Stirling Court Hotel, where they’ll help ensure youth perspectives are represented throughout the day's discussions. As the initiative develops, Youth Voices will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that the future of sailing and boating in Scotland is shaped not only for young people, but with them.

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