Merched Y Mor launched by Welsh Sailing
A new brand has been launched by Welsh Sailing to support female sailors, volunteers and coaches - Merched Y Mor, which means Women of the Sea.
Announced today (14 April 2025), Merched Y Mor will provide education, mentoring and a safe space for women and girls.
RYA Cymru Wales Performance Manager Sarah McGovern said: “The aim is to develop more females within Welsh Sailing and then retain them no matter what pathway they decide to go on within the sport.
“Welsh Sailing has already run some focus groups with female sailors and coaches - past, present and next generation - and with female volunteers, to learn what they enjoy about the sport and about what barriers there might be.
“We are now excited to launch Merched Y Mor as a brand to spread the word and help make Welsh Sailing females fierce again!”
Practical support
A number of initiatives have already taken place and the aim is to continue and develop this work with Merched Y Mor:
- Menstrual cycle education for Welsh National Sailing Team sailors and coaches, including products, protocols, toileting and hydration
- A ‘CROESO’ wellness boat at Welsh Sailing events which offers on-water support to sailors and volunteers and has toileting and period products onboard
- Free period products in the toilets at events along with educational posters
The RYA Youth Nationals at Pwllheli (12-18 April 2025) has also seen the introduction a ‘Sail & Wash’ station for all sailors to wash their wetsuit after a long day on the water, with the message that hydration is important and it is ok to wee in a wetsuit.
Campaign goals
Merched Y Mor will actively promote female participation and education and has set out a number of targets:
- An all-female committee boat team at the Welsh Youth & Junior Championships 2025
- An increase in female coaches – at least 1 extra by 2026
- More confident female sailors
- An increase in female volunteers at events
- An increase in female sailors in Welsh Sailing and retention in the pathway
Merched Y Mor branded merchandise will be available soon!
The initiative will be working with Sport Wales and aligns with the The Female Futures Group, launched nationally in April 2025 by the RYA to increase female participation and unlock new opportunities for women and girls in the sport.
Contact Welsh Sailing to find out more or support Merched Y Mor, and find all the latest updates by following RYA Cymru Wales on Facebook and Instagram.