RYA Scotland Welcome New Faces

RYA Scotland is delighted to announce two exciting appointments as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen support for Scotland’s sailing community.

Stephanie Proud joined the team this October as RYA Scotland’s Partnership Lead.

In this newly created role, Steph focusses on developing strong partnerships and sponsorship opportunities to amplify RYA Scotland’s impact and support the sailing community across Scotland.

Steph brings a wealth of experience from her time leading sponsorship initiatives for top aquatic and outdoor adventure brands. A former elite athlete herself, Steph represented Team GB in swimming at the London 2012 Olympics. Since joining the team earlier this year, Steph has hit the ground running - connecting with the community and looking forward to meeting more faces across Scotland’s sailing scene.

Steph’s appointment reflects RYA Scotland’s commitment to scaling up efforts in partnership development, ensuring collaborations deliver mutual benefit and align with the mission and values outlined in our People, Places and Communities strategy – within which Partnerships are identified as a key pillar.

Pleased to be aboard, Steph says:

“I'm thrilled to take on this role and work alongside such a dedicated community, and look forward to developing partnerships that strengthen RYA Scotland’s offering and help people thrive on the water.”

We’re also pleased to welcome Leon Ward as Regional Development Officer (North).

Leon brings valuable experience from his time working within the wider RYA across Development and Sailability outputs and is ready to apply a practical skillset to his new patch in the North.

As a Powerboat Trainer with extensive experience in dinghy, keelboat, and offshore sailing, Leon brings both expertise and a genuine passion for the sport. He is committed to strengthening regional engagement and driving inclusive opportunities for participation, ensuring sailing and boating remain accessible, vibrant, and welcoming across the North of Scotland.

Speaking on his appointment, Leon said:

"I’m looking forward to getting out and about to meet the clubs and communities across the north, and am excited to get some visits in with the island clubs, to see where we can support them with their future plans.

"Since moving up to Scotland, working for the RYA as a Development Officer is the only thing I miss from down south! It’s the opportunity to make a real difference to sailors and clubs, especially helping young people and sailors with disabilities get more involved."

These appointments coincide with the development of exciting initiatives across the organisation, including the new RYA Scotland Aspire programme, our evolved RYA Scotland Performance Pathway, and continued club and affiliate support.

For partnership discussions, Steph can be reached at stephanie.proud@ryascotland.org.uk (part-time working pattern Monday, Tuesday, Friday).

For development discussions regarding the North, Leon can be reached at leon.ward@ryascotland.org.uk.