Scottish Club Chat March 2024

Over 70 people attended the RYA Connected Scotland event on 2 March at the Dewars Centre in Perth.  It was a fantastic day of information sharing and networking, including our first ever Young Sailors Chatroom.  Save the date for our next event on 2 November 2024.

One of the Connected Scotland sessions was the launch of On Course for the Future, RYA Scotland’s new development framework for RYA-affiliated clubs and centres.  The framework is comprised of several guides to help you continue to develop and effectively steer the direction of your organisation. Explore the document yourself or with your fellow organisation leaders, then reach out to your Regional Development Officer to discuss how and where to get started with it.

The RNLI turned 200 on 4 March 2024!  You can continue the celebration and support the RNLI for the constant essential and impactful work they do by running a fundraiser.  Register your intention to host an event with the RNLI and receive fundraising resources as well as safety information ahead of your chosen date.  Just email erin_ritchie@rnli.org.uk.

RYA Scotland Regional Training Days are opportunities for instructors, racing coaches, as well as club, centre and Sailability volunteers to level up their practical skillset and meet likeminded sailors and windsurfers in their region.  Session leaders embrace a person-centred approach to training, dedicated to coaching the individual in front of them, taking into consideration any specific competences or challenges.  Spaces are limited, so register today.

The RYA Scotland Connect Calls are opportunities to converse with your peers and the Development Team on a range of topics and to raise any questions you may have. 

• 3 April, Running a Good Open Day (Discover Sailing)
• 1 May, Creating an Engaging Racing Scene

Bookings will be live soon.  Please share your suggestions for further topics with the Development Team.

RYA Scotland may support your event!  RYA Scotland is aiming to provide support to several clubs/centres in running first-time opportunity events such as open days, tasters, or transition days.  The support offered will be bespoke, based on the request, RYA Scotland’s available resources, and follow-up conversations.  Register your interest before 26 March 2024.

What is happening at your club or centre?  Our Development Team is here to support you, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you need help.  But we also want to hear about your successes and even ordinary stuff.  Email us (Development@RYAScotland.org.uk) or tag RYA Scotland on social media.  We would also love to know if you are planning a Discover Sailing or another open event in 2024.

We want to see even more deserving people recognised through our RYA Scotland Impact Awards in 2024. Nominations are open year-round for you to put forward those who make a difference to your boating. Whether that’s an inspirational person, team, or organisation – we want to hear from you! Get involved now – your nomination could become cause for celebration!  View previous winners on the RYAS YouTube Channel.

Here are a few funding options to consider:

• RYA Scotland Class Grants, supporting training, events, and regatta attendance in Scotland;
• National Lottery Awards for All Scotland (Please ensure your RDO is aware of any application for this funding as they will likely be consulted during the review process).
• Tesco Stronger Starts;
• Bruce Wake Charitable Trust, for the provision of leisure activities for people with physical disabilities;
• The Sportsman’s Charity;
• Nature Restoration Fund;
• The Robertson Trust.

All the best from The Development Team – Laura, Brian, Rhys, Liza & Naseef

11/3/2024