A visit from RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe

RYA Scotland welcomed Sara to Port Edgar for a day of discussion, learning, and reflecting
24 Jan 25
RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe with Brian Wilson (RYA Scotland Chair) and Finlo Cottier (RYA Scotland CEO)

On Monday the 20th of January, the RYA Scotland team were delighted to host a visit from RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe at Port Edgar, Queensferry.

The visit provided an invaluable opportunity to strengthen connections, recognise success in the Scottish boating community, and address the challenges and opportunities relevant to both the RYA and RYA Scotland.

In the afternoon, Sara engaged in discussion with the staff team, listening to a range of updates across the departments, while offering several updates of her own.

These discussions highlighted the positive relationship between RYA Scotland and the wider RYA, while offering a deeper insight into various avenues of RYA Scotland activity including future plans to support the Scottish sailing and boating community.

Later in the day, we welcomed members of the RYA Scotland board and committee Chairs to meet Sara and join in the conversation.

Reflecting on the day, Sara said:

“Today at Port Edgar has been a really good opportunity to come together with the RYA Scotland team, and really just talk about both the opportunities and challenges we are all facing in a period of continual change.

"It is clear that there is more that connects us than divides us within sailing and boating in the whole of the UK, and there is a real opportunity to use the various nuances and ways of working across Scotland and the other home countries to help inform what we could be doing better as a collective across the RYA.

“There are always, always things to be learned. We know that there are challenges in breaking down perceptions, bringing new people into the sport, growing and supporting the number of volunteers and instructors in the sport. But every time we talk about these things, we learn something new."

Sara’s visit offered a wonderful opportunity to engage in open dialogue about various challenges relevant to the boating sector, in mind of RYA Scotland’s purpose to ‘promote and protect safe, successful, and rewarding boating in Scotland'.

This purpose, outlined in the revised RYA Scotland strategy, ‘People, Places and Communities’ aligns closely with the overarching RYA strategy ‘Together on Water.’ It was fantastic to see this alignment reflected in various senses throughout the day.

Commenting on the visit, RYA Scotland CEO Finlo Cottier said:

“It was important for us to host Sara here in Scotland. Every region is different and Scotland is a special place for sailing and boating. Our focus is always around how we are delivering for the Scottish boating community and so we were pleased to share updates with Sara on our various programs tailored for Scottish clubs, sailors, instructors and coaches.

“Through the sessions with staff and with board we were able to make sure that the purpose and direction of RYA and RYA Scotland are well understood and aligned. Now we start the work of translating the discussion into positive action for those in Scotland.”

A sense of overarching awareness, appreciation, and understanding of RYA Scotland activity was felt throughout, underscoring the value of collaboration and adaptability in navigating the evolving landscape of sailing and boating in Scotland and the UK.

Interested in finding out more about People, Places and Communities? You can read more background about our strategy and impact online now.