There was a definite buzz in Stirling over the weekend, as more than 140 people from across the Scottish sailing community came together on Sunday for the RYA Scotland Connected Conference, sharing ideas and exploring the challenges and opportunities facing our sport. 

Representatives from clubs, centres and organisations joined in person and online for a day of conversation and learning, exchanging experiences of what is working at their venues and where they’re facing challenge.

Workshops explored questions including ‘Are we getting enough racers to the start line?’ and ‘Is your event leaving a lasting impression?’ while two panel discussions asked ‘Is your membership active?’ and ‘Is sailing fit for the future?’ with insight from a range of perspectives across the community.

With 65 different organisations represented, the conference brought together a broad cross-section of the community and attracted a younger audience than in previous years, with 27% of attendees under the age of 26.

Conversations throughout the day highlighted plenty of food for thought, alongside practical ideas to take back to their own organisations.

Alison Currie from Toward Seasports said:

“I’m really interested in picking up new ideas, things we can take forwards in our club.

“Just knowing that there are other clubs that might be thinking about the same things, and making that connection so that at some point we can link up … it’s great to be somewhere like here where you can really network.”

A prime networking space proved to be the bustling Connected Village, offering an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas around a range of exhibitors and organisations. 

Exhibitors included Sailingfast, Andrew Cassell Foundation, Volunteer Scotland, RNLI and SAMH, alongside representatives of RYA Scotland’s new Sport Development Community Forum. The RYA Scotland Aspire Zone featured all three Aspire Community Partners: Edinburgh Watersports, Findhorn Watersports and Galloway Activity Centre.

It was fantastic to see members of RYA Scotland’s Youth Voices group played an integral role throughout the conference. As well as running their own workshop, they hosted both panel discussions and connected with attendees in the Connected Village.

Group member Kelvin told us:

“I think it’s important we’re so involved in today. It’s nice to hear the ideas people have – there have been some good ones. It’s important to be involved in the action.”

Fellow group member Verity added:

“It’s been eye-opening, because you get talking to people who might even be thinking of the same idea as you, and you can go away and think, right I’m going to try that in my club. So it’s been great, really rewarding.”

Reflecting on the day, RYA Scotland CEO Finlo Cottier said:

“To have so many diverse representatives from across the community come together in one space has been truly special. The atmosphere has been great, and that is testament to the commitment we see from everyone in the room today, and the organisations they represent.

“A huge thank you to all who gave up their time to join us, and to all those working hard behind the scenes to make the day run smoothly.

“We look forward to continuing to connect with you going forwards, and hope to see you online at our series of Winter Connect Calls.”

RYA Scotland thanks everyone who joined in person and online, and the exhibitors, panel speakers and Youth Voices members who contributed to the day. Thanks also go to Tunnocks, Sailingfast and Glengoyne Distillery for providing goodie bag items and prizes.

The conversation continues through RYA Scotland’s winter series of online Connect Calls, offering clubs and centres opportunities to share experiences and ask questions. Help shape the programme by suggesting the topics you would like to discuss using the form below.

Connect Calls – have your say.