Sailing and boating in the UK are at a crossroads — participation is in decline, and we need to act.  As the National Governing Body for sailing and boating, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) represents a community of over 100,000 members, working with over 24,000 instructors, 250,000 volunteers, and more than 2,000 Recognised Training Centres across the UK.  

Together, we all have the power to protect what we love — but we need your voice to do it. 

The Reflections on Water Survey is our largest open study to date — designed to capture the most complete picture yet of life on the water in the UK. From grassroots participation to professional pathways, the survey aims to understand what’s working, what isn’t, and where change is most needed. 

Your Voice Matters 

No matter what your connection to the water, from sailor to volunteer, club member to marine industry professional— your experiences matter and we want to hear from you. This is your chance to directly influence how the RYA supports the future of our sport, strengthens career pathways across the maritime sector, and keeps our waters open and welcoming for all to take part. 

Importantly, the survey is open to everyone, not just RYA members. Whether you’ve spent a lifetime on the water or are completely new to it, we want to hear from you. Every response helps shape future initiatives, opportunities, and investment — ensuring sailing and boating continue to thrive as a key part of our national identity as a maritime nation. 

The survey is split into two 15-minute sections, open until Monday 1 December 2025. With your honest reflections, the RYA will identify and remove barriers, helping our community thrive and keeping our waters open to all. Insights will be published in early 2026.

Driving Change Across Our Community 

The survey sits at the heart of our Reflections on Water work— connecting voices nationwide to drive real change. Guided by the Together on Water strategy (launched in 2023), it’s part of our long-term mission at the RYA to make sailing and boating more accessible, inclusive, and open to all. 

Reflections on Water has already delivered initiatives within the sailing community such as: 

• The Urban Winds Project, providing training and employment opportunities for the next generation of sailing instructors in the UK’s capital. 
• The Female Futures Group, working to make Great Britain the best place in the world for developing female sailors.

Through Onboard, over 1.3 million children have been introduced to the thrill of sailing and windsurfing over the last 20 years— with a further 1 million young people set to follow.

We’ve also shared inspiring stories from across the country, including Jazz Turner (26) who circumnavigated the UK to raise money for her local Sailability; Jean Paton (91), BBC Unsung Hero of the Year 2024, recognised for her lifelong commitment to volunteering; and Kai Hockley (19) of SailGP, who shared his experiences and journey into professional sailing. 

These are the kinds of stories and work your feedback helps to make possible. 

Act now  

Have your say today — and ensure a future of sailing and boating for generations to come. 

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