Rob’s Round-up March 2024

I’ve met up with people from loads of clubs at recent national events including the Dinghy & Watersports Show and the Training Conference. It’s been a lot of fun and we’ve had some great conversations leading to further useful and constructive meetings. 

MAIB presentation

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch gave a valuable presentation at the Training Conference. It highlighted that most accidents happen when an activity is outside of normal events or sessions, when risk assessment and management may not have been properly thought through. As we go into a new season, it makes sense to consider all your activities and where they fit into your risk management processes, whether you manage activity at a club, a centre or a Sailability site. 

If you’d like some support in identifying where various activities might fit, please contact me so that we can ensure both safety and insurance cover in the event of an accident.

Popular winter workshops 

We’ve just finished running six winter workshops around the region, and I was very pleased that about 90 people from 45 clubs attended. It was brilliant to see so many of you, and to get lots of positive feedback too. The greatest impact I’ve seen is that you’ve all been considering your offer carefully and have been very willing to try something new to attract new participants, both within and from outside your club.

I’m already planning next year’s workshops, so if there are specific topics you’d like to explore, or you want to host an event next time, please do get in touch.

Opportunity: Chair of RYA SW Regional Team

We are recruiting for the next Chair of the RYA South West Regional Team at an important and exciting time for the region’s development. Are you interested in the role, or do you know someone who would be? Find out more  

Awards to clubs in the region

Whitefriars Sailability Group was recently presented with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton. I was delighted to represent the RYA at the celebration, alongside Leon Ward and Pete Bone, and honour the achievement of the dedicated volunteers who provide sailing opportunities for people with disabilities and additional needs (see photo - credit Whitefriars Sailability Group).

Congratulations also go to West Wilts Youth Sailing Association which was listed as a finalist for the Green Club of the Year award in the RYA Club of the Year 2024 announcement.

Junior racing news from Regional Performance Manager, Duncan West

Booking open for the BYS Regional Junior Championships (RJC) 

Book now for the BYS Regional Junior Championships (RJC) - a festival for all junior sailors, from those who are learning to sail in club boats through to BYS Regional Training Group (RTG) sailors in their Recognised Junior Class. The Championships are being held on 22 and 23 June 2024 at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy. 

Race Coach Level 2 course

There are two places left on a Race Coach Level 2 course at Salcombe Yacht Club on 21/22 April, and they’re open to all RYA members. Discover techniques to safely coach racing to youth and adult sailors – book now!

Regional Manager Rob Howlett 

07876 330374
rob.howlett@rya.org.uk