RYA Northern Ireland: CEO and Chair update
As we prepare for a busy few months of sailing an boating ahead, the staff and board of RYA Northern Ireland have been working hard to make it as successful as possible.
When we set out our five-year strategy, Navigating The Future, we outlined one of our key values as transparency, so we are keen to share the latest updates from the February and April Board meetings and an update on programme delivery.
It is also important to celebrate the sport as since our last update in December, there have been some fantastic achievements to recognise. These include Rachel Nixon (BYC/DSC) winning Volunteer of The Year at the Sport NI Sportmaker awards, Tom Gillard and Andy Thomson of East Antrim Boat Club winning the Fireball Worlds and Emma McKnight and Daniel Corbett were selected for the RORC Griffin Project, to name but a few.
Summary of the last two board meetings
- The 24-25 annual budget was signed off with a small deficit in lieu of the costs associated with hosting the 50th Anniversary Dinner. We plan to raise additional income so a break even budget is achieved at the end of the year.
- Sport Northern Ireland funding has been confirmed for £279,000 for the year 24-25, which is the same as received in 23-24.
- The proposal for the 50th Anniversary Dinner was signed off with a budget set aside. The Dinner will be held on Friday 18th October. Invites will be sent out in May, where clubs will get one ticket FOC each but be able to purchase additional tickets.
- A reworked risk register was developed, ensuring closer alignment with the RYA.
- The detail of the Individual Grant Scheme being developed to support individuals where cost is a barrier to start or progress in the sport, as well as support of coaches, volunteers and officials, was approved.
- A set of revised financial policies and procedures was approved.
- Kate Broderick presented an update on the pathway work she has been working on, including the Female Focus Camp, Team Racing, Sailability Tri Racing series and WOW Development programme initiatives.
Other updates
- We have been working closely with PSNI and other stakeholders to support members with the safe disposal of expired flares. There will be a flare disposal day on Saturday 15th June, taking place at three locations that include Bangor Marina, Lough Erne Yacht Club and Portrush Yacht Club.
- A group of seven sailors represented NI at the Eric Twiname Championships. You can see the report here.
- The annual Women On Water festival was hosted at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club with 43 women taking part. It was an amazing day and a fantastic way to introduce new people into the sport. Read more about the event here.
- The Annual Awards were back for 2024- hosted at Riddel Hall at Queens University. You can find more about the nominees and award winners here.
- The Regional Training Day was held in March, combined with a windsurfing clinic, had a fantastic attendance of 50 people. Find out more about the event here.
- The Coach Development Programme has been running throughout early 2024 with a number of webinars and coaching clinics were held. Read more about the first day of the programme here.
- A cross water sports group has been established in partnership with the NI Sports Forum, the first area of discussion was around water quality across Northern Ireland. It was discussed about how the water sports bodies could come together as a collective voice and link in with the Clean Water Sports Alliance.
- Events/representation – Over the past couple of months we have been busy attending clubs and stakeholder events, that include:
- All Parliamentary Group for Sport at Stormont with MLA representatives
- Better Beaches Forum – DAERA
- Water Safety Group led by the Coastguard
- Belfast Harbour event