RYA Midlands blog – August 2024
It’s been a rollercoaster of a month watching the British Sailing Team in action at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The biggest sporting event in the world captures everyone’s interest and it has been brilliant to see Rudyard Lake Sailing Club members of all ages getting behind their home grown Olympian John Gimson and his crew Anna Burnet in the mixed multihull Nacra class.
The excitement of having the sailing in Marseille on the big screen in the club house captured the imagination of all ages from children just learning to sail through to older members who race model boats from the shore. Passers-by calling in at the café were likewise inspired and keen to learn more.
Although John and Anna missed out on a second Olympic medal after not realising they were over the startline, they showed true sportsmanship throughout and we’re all hugely proud of our athletes and those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support the British Sailing Team.
Medal hopes dashed for Burnet & Gimson - but positives remain.
What’s really stands out for me though is that John was at his home club just a month or so before heading to the Paris 2024 Olympics, taking out a young family member for a midweek evening race – this was much to the delight of the club’s junior members who were able to compete against an Olympian! It’s fantastic that someone like John, at the pinnacle of our sport, is still very much a part of the home club where his sailing journey began.
Vital statistics
A big thank you to all of the clubs who have submitted their data for the 2024 RYA Club Membership Census.
Once the team in head office have crunched the numbers, we’ll be sharing the headlines at our upcoming RYA Connected event and clubs will also receive their own bespoke report, enabling them to compare their experience with the bigger regional and national picture.
Please do still submit your census return if you haven’t already, as we’d rather have it a bit late than not at all! The information is really valuable for both the RYA and for individual clubs to understand the gaps, trends and opportunities, to inform our activities for the future.
Although the census deadline has just gone, we appreciate that we are right in the middle of the holiday season, so the online portal is still live for those who need a little more time.
Any questions? Please contact me or census coordinator Victoria Lenz.
RYA Connected
Look out for bookings opening soon for our main regional event of the year for clubs in the Midlands – RYA Connected.
We’re busy planning an exciting schedule with the aim of sharing not only the latest updates and insights to benefit your activities, but also your own stories about what has worked for your club.
Tickets will be free and with time for networking and lunch included, we’re looking toward to what we hope will be a good day out for everyone at Brockington College in Leicestershire on Sunday 17 November 2024. Please do ensure this date is on your club calendar!
Ben in a Boat
I’m out and about again this month visiting clubs in the Midlands and will be supporting volunteers at Syston Sailing Club near Leicester with a powerboat/safety boat session, and chatting all things youth sailing at Northampton Sailing Club.
If your club would like to book one of my ‘Ben in a Boat’ visits for an afternoon or evening upskilling session for your team, please get in touch with me if it would be helpful over autumn.
Out and about
As well as visiting Midlands clubs with ‘Ben in a Boat’ and other regional initiatives, I’m off to the Southampton Boat Show soon to catch up with all the latest news and kit. Remember to check out the exclusive RYA Member ticket offer if you’re also planning to go to the Show.
I’ll also be visiting my counterpart in the RYA London and South East Region – Steve Mitchell came to the Midlands earlier this year to learn more about our projects to promote diversity and inclusion to grow the sport, and so I’m now looking forward doing likewise in the capital to bring back some nuggets and ideas for the Midlands.
And finally…
There’s still time to nominate for the RYA Awards 2025, which will bring together the RYA Club of the Year and Volunteer Awards into one celebration. If you know an individual or affiliated organisation deserving of recognition, find out more about the RYA Awards and nominate by midday Monday 16 September 2024.
Keep up with all the latest updates and opportunities from RYA Midlands by following our social media channels Facebook and X and by bookmarking our RYA Midlands hub.
Until next time, Ben.