RYA Northern Ireland AGM 2025: Key Updates, Appointments and Community Highlights

RYA Northern Ireland held its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Thursday 20 November at Newforge Sports Complex, bringing together representatives from clubs, classes and committees across the region. The evening provided an important opportunity to review progress, share updates, and outline the next steps for the year ahead.

Leadership Changes

Following five years of dedicated service, Susan McKnight stepped down as Chair of RYA Northern Ireland. Susan reflected on her time in post, leading the organisation through the challenges of Covid, the transition to charitable status, and the development of the current Navigating the Future strategy. Her contribution was recognised with warm applause from the room.

The AGM also confirmed two key appointments:

• Gavin Watson elected as the new Chair of RYA Northern Ireland

• Rob Milligan elected to the Board

A Special Resolution was passed unanimously to increase the number of independent directors on the Board.

Racing Survey: Insights Shared

The AGM included an overview of the recent racing activity survey, with clubs providing feedback on participation patterns, challenges, and areas for development ahead of the 2025 season.

Celebrating Excellence: Junior Sailors of the Year

One of the most inspiring moments of the evening came from our Junior Sailors of the Year, who took part in a Q&A session about their recent accomplishments, training schedules, and what they hope to achieve in the next five years.

Award Winners

• Junior Male Sailor of the Year: Adam Green
  Adam Green has delivered a standout season for the NI Sailing Team. At the 2025 Topper World Championship in Medemblik, Netherlands, he finished 5th overall, recording two race wins and a remarkable recovery from 13th on the penultimate night to close in the top five. Earlier in the year, he won the Topper Winter Championships at Malahide with four victories across eight races. His consistency and resilience highlight the strength of his year and underscore why he’s deservedly named Junior Male Sailor of the Year.

• Junior Female Sailors of the Year: Emily & Annabel Ridout
  Sisters Emily and Annabel Ridout have had an exceptional campaign. They claimed Gold at the RS Feva European Championships in Riva, Italy, after delivering performance across the event that underscored their teamwork and composure in a tough fleet. Earlier still, they dominated the RS Feva Northern Championships at Cushendall, winning five of six races and finishing first overall in the U18 division. Their rise is a strong statement of the depth of youth talent in Northern Ireland

Hammy McMillan, Performance Manager, commented:

“These sailors have shown incredible commitment throughout the season. Their enthusiasm and performances set a brilliant example for younger sailors coming through.”

Recognising Volunteers and Community Impact

The AGM also acknowledged the vital contribution of volunteers, officials, coaches, committees and club leaders who keep our sport thriving year-round. Updates were shared on club development, safeguarding, participation initiatives and the ongoing delivery of the RYA NI strategy.

AGM Papers and Documents

To view the full AGM documentation, including minutes, financial statements, and the Special Resolution, please visit:

Looking Ahead

With new leadership in place and a strong commitment to developing racing, participation and club support, RYA Northern Ireland enters the year ahead with renewed momentum. We thank all members, volunteers and partners for their ongoing support of the sailing community across Northern Ireland. Finally, a very special thanks to Susan McKnight for the past five years for her dedicated leadership and for guiding the organisation through some of its most significant milestones.