Performance Changes for 2020

With Matt Toynbee recently becoming the RYA Scotland Performance Manager he has now been joined by Kate Pounder as the Performance Sailing Officer, in running the RYA performance programme in Scotland.

For many Matt is a very familiar face having started as the Club and Pathway Officer and being instrumental in setting up the Class Academy programme since 2013. Matt brings a wealth of practical experience and knowledge about performance sailing.

As a keen windsurfer, kite surfer and Waspz sailor Matt has clearly elevated his own sailing through foiling. Matt has a real passion for the sport and always ensures activities are fun and engaging across the junior and youth sailing programmes.

“I’ve been involved with Scottish performance sailing for some time and am really excited about now being able to take on the role of Performance Manager. It’s a great time to be involved with Scottish sailors competing at the very top level and waves of really promising junior and youth sailors coming through the programme. I’m looking forward to being involved in planning for the new cycle after Tokyo and can’t wait to see where we can take Scottish sailing.”

Joining the team is Kate Pounder in the new role of Performance Sailing Officer. Kate comes across from Northern Ireland with a very successful training background with Ballyholme Yacht Club, which resulted in becoming the Instructor of the Year for 2019.

Kate commented. “I’m very excited to start this role in Scotland. My priority is to be as supportive to the performance programme, especially for junior sailors and clubs, where involving the community and the volunteers who enable the activities is very important to me.”

“There is a real connection with always improving and getting better, not just along the prescribed pathways. You can go on to be the best coach or instructor or even use your skills to keep improving in other areas.”

Find out more about the RYA Scotland Performance programme here.