RYA Northern Ireland’s Winter Workshop Series returns this November, with three sessions for clubs, volunteers and club leaders who want to make sailing more inclusive and accessible.

The series is part of our Access to Resilience programme, which has helped Sailability clubs across Northern Ireland build volunteer skills, strengthen club capacity and create more opportunities for people of all abilities to get on the water.

Workshop 1: Volunteer Resilience in Sailability
Saturday 7 November, RYA NI Connected Conference, Belfast

The series opens at this year’s Connected Conference with a session on volunteer resilience in Sailability. Volunteers are at the heart of every Sailability club, and this session looks at how to support them, share the load and keep inclusive sailing sustainable for the long term. The Connected Conference is free for RYA affiliated clubs.

Book your place → https://www.cognitoforms.com/RYANI/RYANIConnectedConference2026

Workshop 2: Funding for Improving Accessibility
Wednesday 11 November, 7pm, with S3 Solutions

Planning to make your club more accessible but not sure where the money will come from? This workshop with S3 Solutions explores funding opportunities for accessibility projects, shares examples of improvements other clubs have made, and gives practical guidance on writing strong funding applications. It suits clubs at any stage, whether you’re just starting to plan or already applying for funding.

Book your place → https://www.cognitoforms.com/RYANI/FundingWorkshopForImprovingAccessibility

Workshop 3: Good Club Governance
Wednesday 9 December, 7pm, with Sport NI

Strong governance helps clubs grow, welcome new members and secure funding. Delivered with Sport NI, this session covers the essentials of running a well-governed club, from roles and responsibilities to the policies that help make your club a safe and inclusive place for everyone.

Book your place → https://www.cognitoforms.com/RYANI/GoodClubGovernanceWorkshop

Who should attend?

The workshops are open to volunteers, coaches, committee members and club leaders from Sailability clubs and from any club that wants to make its activities more accessible. You don’t need to attend all three. Pick the sessions that suit you.

For more information, contact oran.young@rya.org.uk.

Dates for 2027 will be announced in due course.