06 March 2026
Introducing the RYA NI Business Club: Connecting business, community and sailing
A new space for conversation, connection and shared insight across Northern Ireland’s sailing community.
Introducing the RYA NI Business Club
People who love sailing understand the value of trust, teamwork and shared responsibility. These are the qualities that sit at the heart of strong clubs, thriving communities and sustainable participation.
The RYA NI Business Club brings together people who care about sailing and the wider impact it has across Northern Ireland, offering space for open conversation, shared insight and meaningful connection.
This is not traditional networking. There are no pitches or packed agendas. Instead, it is a calm, purposeful morning designed to encourage discussion that feels genuine, considered and worthwhile.
What to expect?
The first RYA NI Business Club breakfast is designed as a relaxed, thoughtful start to the day.
The focus is on open conversation, shared insight and genuine connection in a welcoming, professional setting. You’ll also hear briefly from RYA NI about the work supporting sailing, clubs and communities across Northern Ireland.
Who you’ll be in the room with?
The RYA NI Business Club brings together people who share a connection to sailing and an interest in how strong communities are built and sustained.
Attendees may include business leaders, professionals, volunteers, partners and supporters of the sport, people who value thoughtful discussion and are curious about how leadership, participation and community intersect.
A guest speaker you'll not want to miss
Alongside the opportunity to connect with others in the room (and interact with our dream sailing location map), attendees will hear from a guest speaker who brings a wealth of experience in leadership and performance.
We are delighted to welcome Virginia McVea, who will share insights drawn from her senior leadership roles across the UK and beyond. Her perspective on decision-making, resilience and leading at the highest level promises to be both engaging and thought-provoking. As RYA NI’s Mary Martin can vouch after hearing her speak recently, this is one that will stay with you long after the morning ends.
We’ll also hear from Ross Boyd (RBCA), who will speak about his organisation’s commitment to supporting the Women on Water programme and the impact of investing in more inclusive opportunities within the sport.
First event details
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Location: room2 Belfast hometel, 32-36 Queen St, Belfast BT1 6EE
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Date: 30th April 2026
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Arrival: from 8:15am
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Start: 8:45am
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Finish: approximately 10:15am
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Breakfast and refreshments are kindly provided by room2 Belfast.
