Scottish Club Chat | Spring 2026

As the days stretch out and club activity starts to gather pace across the country, we’re looking forward to another vibrant season on the water. From training and racing to open days and community projects, there is plenty happening across Scotland’s boating community.

What have you got coming up at your club, centre, or organisation this year? RYA Scotland is gathering details of club and centre activity for the coming season so we can help promote what’s happening across the network. To make things simple, we’ve created a quick submission form for clubs to share everything from open days and taster sessions, to regattas, open club racing and championship events we’ll look to promote across our website and social media channels - helping you reach new participants and increase visibility. Check out our new Community Events page for a snapshot of what’s on across the community.

Staying with the theme of events, RYA Scotland is once again pleased to support a range of RYA affiliated organisations planning activities this season. Support is offered in line with our event strategy and support model, which recognises the value of events of all kinds across the boating community. Subject to availability, we may be able to provide equipment, personnel, practical expertise, or general guidance to help clubs deliver safe, engaging and well run events. Support is typically time and resource based rather than financial, and each request is reviewed individually due to limited capacity. If your club is planning an open day, regatta, training event, festival or similar activity, please submit your request as early as possible so the team can assess what’s feasible.

If you’re a Recognised Training Centre, you might be thinking about your upcoming centre inspection. If you’ve got a question, or want to make sure you’re heading into the process confidently, make sure to jump on our upcoming Connect Forum Call on April 29 with our coach education team to discover how to make the process work for you and your centre. Book a free spot now. 

How is it going with your club’s RYA Affiliation and the RYA Portal?If you’re having any difficulty, don’t struggle. Please reach out to your RYA Scotland Regional Development Officer or email affiliation@rya.org.uk.

We want to see even more deserving people recognised through our RYA Scotland Impact Awards in 2026. 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.

Are you planning an open sailing day at your club, to engage more participants? Why not make it a Discover Sailing event? Discover Sailing is an RYA initiative which supports clubs by providing both physical and online resources, as well as allowing clubs to benefitfrom being part of the national promotions. If you need further support delivering your event, please reach out to your Regional Development Officer.

It's been great to see recent success for Kintyre Seasports, with funding secured to expland the Seafarers vocational training programme, expanding opportunities for young people in Campbeltown and the surrounding areas, through maritime training structured with RYA qualifications. If you're looking to secure or explore funding options at your organisation, consider reaching out to your RYA Scotland Regional Development Officer for advice. 

Make sure you’re staying connected! If you have club news, initiatives, or successes to share, we’re always keen to hear from you. Whether you’re celebrating volunteer achievements, launching new programmes, or reaching new communities, let’s highlight everything that makes Scotland’s boating scene so special. Drop a line to development@ryascotland.org.uk

For now, all the best from RYA Scotland’s Sport Development Team.