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11 November 2026

RYA NI Connected Conference: Creating a Future-Ready Network

35 delegates from 16 clubs met at Newforge Sports Complex, Belfast for the RYA NI Connected Conference, sharing ideas on volunteers, juniors and training.

Thirty-five delegates from 16 clubs came together at Newforge Sports Complex in Belfast on Saturday 7 November for the RYA NI Connected Conference. This year’s theme was “Creating a Future-Ready Network”. This year also saw a number of young people attend, a first for the conference.

Member expectations are changing, volunteers are under growing pressure, technology is transforming how organisations run, and sustainability matters more than ever. The Connected Conferences help affiliated clubs work through these changes together by sharing insights, ideas, solutions and inspiration.

Voices from the clubs

Presentations from across the network gave delegates plenty to think about:

  • Strangford Lough Youth Series: Young sailors described what the series has done for their sailing development and confidence.

  • Killyleagh Yacht Club: The club explained how it develops instructors and volunteers, and how it has grown its junior sailing programme to five days a week.

  • Belfast Lough Yacht Club: The club gave an insightful talk on volunteer development and resilience.

Forums and workshops

Delegates joined forum discussions on Training, Yachting and Keelboat Activity, and Women and Girls. These gave clubs the chance to swap experiences and ideas with their peers.

Two workshops ran during the day:

  • Racing Activity and Race Management, led by Adam Parry from RYA HQ.

  • The Next Generation, which looked at developing junior and youth sailors, giving young people a voice within clubs, and building sustainable programmes that keep participants in the sport for longer.

Looking ahead

The day gave clubs a chance to connect, share good practice and strengthen relationships across the network. We hope everyone left with new ideas, practical solutions and useful contacts to support their development.

Thank you to everyone who attended, and to all of our speakers for contributing so positively to the day.

Interested in attending a future RYA Connected Conference? Get in touch with your RYA Northern Ireland Development team.