North East End of Summer Blog
It’s been another busy summer in the region and everyone is doing a great job of getting people out on the water, whether in a social or racing capacity.
I’m just back from a great few day’s racing at the 2024 International GP14 Class Association World Champs in Wales.
Celebrations, census and conference!
I want to give a big shout out to Bassenthwaite Sailing Club who really put a monumental effort into delivering two back to back events in July. Starting with hosting the NSSA Regatta, with 210 boats and following up with Bass Week; a 9 day regatta with 220 boats, 17 races and approximately 175 starts. A huge well done to the club and team of volunteers who made these events run so smoothly.
Thank you to all who have completed the Club Census! We’re just a few clubs shy of our target so if you get an email from me about completing yours please take a little time to complete it. The information is so important for shaping our future plans and we will be sharing the results with you all at…
…The Connected Conference, which is being held on November 16th at the Lightcliffe Academy in Halifax. Plans are shaping up nicely for the conference and I’m looking forward to seeing lots of you there to talk about all things sport development, from club racing to safeguarding and environmental issues.
Bookings for the conference open in September so make sure you save the date for now and watch out for your chance to book.
Training
Due to low numbers we’ve postponed the Senior Instructor Course which was due to take place in September. There will be a course later this year at Derwent Reservoir though.
We also have a Senior Instructor course running at Debdale Outdoor Centre in November and you can secure your place on that here.
I don’t like to mention winter yet but, it’s good to plan ahead! The winter period is a good time for training and courses. If you need a little help with funding your training don’t forget that young sailors can apply for help from the RYA Foundation Youth Fund, which offers grants to young people under 25 who are committed to boating, and are showing clear promise, but due to their circumstances need financial help to achieve their goals.
In the north-east region you can apply for help from the Martin Boatman Fund. Grants of up to £75 for young people aged under 30 who want to become race coaches or further develop their skills.
Don’t forget, if you have training needs at your club or centre you can fill in the Expression of Interest form to let us know. This helps us plan which courses are needed and where.
Events and Activities
As we move into the next season don’t forget to let me know about any club events you have happening which you would like to promote. If you’ve got an open meeting, a talk or anything else of interest just drop me an email and we can share to those who may be interested adam.mcgovern@rya.org.uk
Our next big event in the calendar is the West Lancashire Yacht Club 24 Hour Race at The Marine Lake, Southport, Lancashire on September 21st – 22nd 2024.
Don’t miss your last chance to enter
There are already 50 boat entries, which will mean around 500 sailors from Scotland to the south coast competing in the fantastic kickstart and relaunch of this race, which is being run for the first time since 2019.
I will be there supporting and competing and you’ll also spot RYA Head of Regions, Gareth Brooks competing and, of course Alan Jones’ smiling face! Alan will be there supporting the safety team and catching up with all his sailing friends. We’re all looking forward to a great time.
Junior and youth racing is getting going again in September.
The North East and Yorkshire Sailing Association start their new Youth Traveller Series at South Shields on 7th September. You can enter this and following races in the series here.
Also on September 7th the North West Junior and Youth Traveller Series restarts at West Lancashire Yacht Club. There’s still time to enter this and the remaining races in this series here.
And finally…
As the evenings start to draw in, if you haven’t already watched The Jetty on BBC iPlayer, now is the perfect time to hit the sofa and spot the lovely venue of Hollingworth Lake as the drama unfolds!
Enjoy those final days of summer on the water everyone!
Adam