Scottish Club Chat December 2024

Despite slightly less activity on the water at this time of year… it’s great to see so many people getting afloat despite dropping temperatures.

We asked you on social media if you still go sailing in the colder weather… and we were impressed to hear about Powerboat 2 Courses at Longcraig Scout Centre, continued training at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club, and ‘Frostbite’ racing at Lochcarron. Such commitment must be testament to the enjoyment we get from our sport.

And we’ve been getting afloat ourselves, with our RYA Scotland Winter Championships taking place at Blairvadach Outdoor Centre on the 7/8 of December. We were thrilled to see 40 intrepid sailors get stuck into the action on the water, and into some top team bonding and festive fun ashore.

Thanks to everyone who attended the RYA Scotland AGM on the 7 November 2024. We were pleased to see a strong number of members in addition to our staff team and board dial in online to hear a comprehensive update on our past year, as well as a look ahead to what’s in store.

This year, the National Lottery’s 30^th Birthday! Have you or your club benefitted from National Lottery funding this year, or over the past 30? As a National Lottery supported organisation, we recognise the game-changing impact this funding has made within our sport. Let us know if you’ve got a story from your club or centre!

We also recently celebrated Royal Tay Yacht Club winning an RYA Scotland Impact Award. To hear more about what's going on at the club, including a new premises and a hardworking cohort of volunteers, watch the full award on YouTube, or read more on our website.

Looking ahead to 2025… bookings are open for our next Senior Instructor Course and prep weekend. For more information, and all the booking details – head to our Bookwhen site now.

For any Race Officials, we’ve also got some dates for the diary! The RYA Race Officials conference is returning, running over the 25- 26 of January at the University of Birmingham. Good news – if you don’t fancy the trip south, you can dial in virtually! Book your spot online today.

Here are some funding options to consider:

• RYA Scotland Coach Education Subsidy
• RYA Foundation Youth Fund
• 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 Weir Charitable Trust
• Marine Fund Scotland 2024-2025

What’s been your highlight from your year afloat? Let us know by emailing development@ryascotland.org.uk

All the best for a joyous festive season from The Development Team – Laura, Brian, Rhys, Liza, Nathalie & Naomi. Best wishes in 2025!

9/12/2024