Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

RYA Futures Lab: Built with young people. For young people. We’re launching the RYA’s first youth ambassadors programme designed for 16–25-year-olds. A team of young leaders, creators, and changemakers who will shape the future of sailing and outdoor adventure. You don’t need to be an experienced sailor. Just bring your passion for sailing, sport, the outdoors, and making a difference. Together, ambassadors work directly with the RYA to break down barriers, from access and cost to representation and opportunity, helping to build something better. Applications are open until 09 January 2026. Find out more and apply: http://rya.org/aUqz50Xygva #FuturesLab #YouthAmbassador

Double win for the RYA at the BASIS Awards! We’re proud to have won two awards last night at the UK’s leading sustainability in sport event: • Nature Award – LIFE Recreation ReMEDIES Project • Partnership of the Year – Clean Water Sports Alliance Kate Fortnam, RYA Sustainability Manager, said: “Winning both the Nature Award and Partnership of the Year is an incredible recognition of the passion and hard work of everyone involved. These projects show what can be achieved when the boating community, conservation partners, and national governing bodies come together with a shared purpose. We’re proud of the progress we have made so far, and these awards inspire us to keep pushing for cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable waters for everyone.” Read the full story: http://rya.org/L8lj50Xyg1l he Green Blue British Association for Sustainable Sport #CWSA

A huge congratulations to all our affiliates who have been awarded The King's Award for Voluntary Service - the MBE for voluntary groups. ⭐ Testwood Lakes Sailability ⭐ Medway Watersports Trust ⭐ Foyle Sailability ⭐ Safe Anchor Trust Testwood Lakes Sailability said: "This honour celebrates the amazing contribution and hard work that our volunteers, past and present, have made over the years to grow Testwood Lakes Sailability into a successful and enjoyable charity to be involved in, enabling us to offer the freedom of dinghy sailing to a greater number of people with disabilities." #Volunteer #MoreThanSailing #TogetherOnWater #Sailability

This week on the RYA 150 podcast, we deep dive into the stories and surprises that shaped boating. Maritime historian Dougal Henshall joins us to reveal the people, places, and pivotal moments behind the Royal Yachting Association's 150 year journey. From the organisation's earliest beginnings to the eras of dramatic change, Dougal shares surprising discoveries, challenges long held myth. Whether you are a lifelong sailor or simply just love a good origin story, this is the definitive look at how a small group of enthusiasts became the heartbeat of UK sailor. Tune in now for episode 10: http://rya.org/AtCt50XwPOb #RYA150 #RYA150Podcast

📣 We’re delighted to welcome Cole Agbede as a new Non-Executive Director. Cole brings impressive experience in finance and investment, as well as a genuine passion for diversity, equity and inclusion. Cole shared: “I’m excited to learn more about the RYA and its community, and to support efforts to ensure sailing and boating are inclusive and accessible to all.” We’re equally pleased to celebrate the re-election of Duncan Rutherford and Corinne Cunningham for a second term. Their dedication, insight and expertise continue to make a real difference to the Board’s work. Read more about our Board members: http://rya.org/Ay2j50XwIGo

📢 Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice Announcement 📢 The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has submitted new regulations for small commercial sport and pleasure vessels to Parliament, with a phased introduction beginning from the end of the year. The RYA has been part of the technical working group throughout the development of the new code, helping to ensure updated safety, operational and environmental standards are effective, proportionate and workable for the sector. Speaking about the new code, Niall J. McLeod CEng MRINA, Head of Competition & Technical Services said “We welcome the new Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure Code of Practice which updates operational, structural and equipment standards to improve safety, communication and environmental protection. This is the culmination of over three years work, throughout which our priority has been to help ensure that the updated requirements strengthen safety standards without placing any unwarranted burden on the sector. As such, we appreciate having had the opportunity to feedback during the development of the new code and are pleased several improvements have been taken on board. However, feedback has been considered at the discretion of the MCA, and some areas we would have liked to have seen improvements on remain unchanged. As with any new legislation, a phased introduction for various elements of the code is welcome. There will no doubt be areas that require clarification as the range of vessels under the existing code, transfer to the new code”. Find out more: http://rya.org/S1st50XuFHr #MCA

This week at RYA HQ, we were delighted to welcome Great British sailing historian David ‘Dougal’ Henshall as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations. Dougal brought to life the 150-year history of our association, telling the stories behind some of the most iconic moments in boating and the RYA. A huge thank you to Dougal for such a fascinating and inspiring talk as we continue to celebrate this milestone year. #RYA150

At the RYA, safeguarding adults in sport is not just a policy, it’s a year-round commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and empowering environments across all levels of participation. Adults engaging in sport may experience a range of vulnerabilities, including mental or physical health challenges, learning disabilities, financial hardship, relationship breakdowns, and pressures of everyday life. We offer a wealth of resources to help you implement effective safeguarding policies: • Customisable policy templates • Guidance documents • Training and CPD • Dedicated support team • Welfare Officer packs To access templates, guidance, or training, please visit http://rya.org/z19S50Xtr5S or contact us directly at safeguarding@rya.org.uk. #SafeguardingAdultsWeek Ann Craft Trust

Let's Talk Safeguarding 👥 Delivered by the RYA Safeguarding and Equality Team, the 'Let's Talk' programme allows clubs and centres to connect with our experts. Drop in sessions are available every Wednesday from 12:30 - 13:30. Find out more and join us today: http://rya.org/1QGO50Xtr17 #SafeguardingAdultsWeek #LetsTalk Ann Craft Trust

This week on the RYA 150 podcast, we deep dive into the lives, challenges, and triumphs of those at the very top of their game. We are joined by two extraordinary sailors, Abby Ehler and Pip Hare, women who have spent their careers pushing the limits of endurance of skill and seamanship on some of the toughest oceans on earth. Live now: http://rya.org/QLCM50Xsn3v #RYA150 #RYA150Podcast