RYA marks milestone anniversary at Dinghy Show
The RYA has officially launched a year of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of its world-leading training schemes with a special cake at the RYA Dinghy Show (29 February 2020).
In front of show visitors, RYA Director of Training and Qualifications, Richard Falk spoke about how the scale and impact of RYA training.
He commented: “Over the last 50 years we’ve been on a real journey of change. Whether it’s the technology, the equipment or simply the scale and diversity of our schemes, things are always evolving.
“Most importantly of all, the wonderful thing about RYA training is the people. Whether it’s doing courses or delivering courses as instructors, the next year will be all about celebrating the personal stories and the impact RYA training has had for so many.”
Falk was joined by RYA Chief Instructor of the RYA Dinghy and Windsurfing training schemes, Amanda Van Santen and Olympic Match racer and show host, Annie Lush to mark the milestone anniversary.
A timeline celebrating key moments and a selection of images from the last 50 years will be on display throughout the weekend for visitors to enjoy.
Annie Lush, said: “Wow 50 years of RYA training, that’s pretty impressive! It is incredible to see the scale of it and how it’s been adopted all over the world, it really does lead the way in sailing training.”
Introduced in 1970, the RYA Dinghy and Coaching schemes were developed to assist clubs and sailing schools by providing a national syllabus and method of learning to sail. 50 years on, the RYA has a network of more than 2,400 recognised training centres in 58 countries worldwide and supports the delivery of over 100 different courses.
More than 270,000 people undertake some form of RYA training every year and the programme of courses is no longer exclusive to dinghies, but now encompasses everything from personal watercraft to the inland waterways, the thrill of foiling, the globally respected RYA Yachtmaster™ and so much more.
From children to adults, beginners to marine professionals and everyone in between, the RYA’s training schemes have impacted a significant number of people and helped to shape boating as it is today. Over the next 12 months the RYA will be looking back at how things have evolved, sharing memories and thanking everyone who’s been a part of the journey.
Falk concluded: “So thank you, if you’ve ever taken an RYA course, instructed an RYA course or worked with RYA training, the next year is all about you.”
Please send your images, anecdotes and favourite memories to 50years@rya.org.uk.
To find out more about the 50th anniversary and the history of the RYA training schemes, visit www.rya.org.uk/go/50years. For more information about RYA courses go to www.rya.org.uk/training.
Get your tickets
If you haven’t already got your ticket, don’t worry both day (£16) and weekend (£24) tickets are available to buy on the door. The show is open from 10:00 - 18:00 on Saturday 29 February and 10:00 - 17:00 on Sunday 01 March.
For all the latest news and information visit www.dinghyshow.org.uk or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ryadinghyshow or on Twitter @dinghyshow. Join in: #DinghyShow