The RYA East Instructor Training Day 2020

120 people came to develop their skills through a variety of CPD sessions, from learning how to use Radar to VHF skills, ‘Developing Determination in Sailors’ to teaching coastal aspects of RYA courses. The day also provided plenty of opportunities to network with other instructors, clubs and the trade, before the afternoon saw all the delegates get afloat. With new activities introduced this year, including yacht sailing and motor cruising on the River Orwell, there was something for everyone.

Coinciding with International Women’s Day 2020, the day also provided a chance to celebrate the East Region’s female instructors and listen to their stories. They included Carly, Helen and Liz from Hertford County Yacht Club, who have recently started a Ladies on the Lake activity at their Club after qualifying as instructors, and Sarah Davies from Aldeburgh Yacht Club, who started instructing after being one of the crew on Leg 3 of Tracy Edwards’ all female crew on “Maiden” as part of the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989. She said: “It’s great to be here, I’ve learnt quite a lot about running the Centre properly, updating professional skills and how to teach different aspects of the course – it’s a really fantastic day”. 

Robbie Bell, Organiser and Regional Development Officer for the East Region said: “We had a fantastic day with over 120 people getting out on the water, plenty of activities going on from yachting to motor cruising, powerboating, dinghy sailing, foiling and windsurfing, and shore-based workshops as well. The feedback received so far has been really positive, so we are looking forward to next year’s event in March 2021”. 

For more information about how to get out on the water in the East Region, once the current Coronavirus prevention restrictions are lifted, visit www.rya.org.uk/go/startboating.

Please note: At the time of going to print and based on the Government’s advice and guidance on the developing Coronavirus situation, the RYA has suspended all RYA organised events until at least 31 May 2020 – this date will be regularly reviewed.