Have a voice in your association

by Louise Nicholls on 15 Jul 2014 The RYA is encouraging Personal and Life Members to come forward as candidates for election to RYA Council. The deadline for applications is Friday 25 July.

RYA Council represents the members of the Association. It works to ensure members’ boating interests and rights across all boating activities are reflected in the Association’s policies and high level strategies.

This could include policies on offshore renewable energy, Olympic selection, red diesel and increasing participation.
'It’s important that as the representative body for members that Council is a reflection of our diverse membership', Sarah Treseder RYA CEO. 'Not only in terms of boating activity, but also in terms of life experiences, circumstances and culture.

'We have made some progress and are delighted to welcome five new appointees from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, but we need to do more. I would really encourage members to come forward as candidates and help further enrich Council'.

Recent appointees to Council include Paralympic athlete Megan Pascoe, motor boater Lou DeMarco, windsurfer Rob Kent, Sonar sailor and builder Brian Harding, and dinghy sailor Lisa McDanell.

Speaking about her appointment Lisa McDanell said: 'I have experience in both the university team racing circuit and have been fleet racing for a long time. I'm excited to represent the younger demographic of sailors on the Council.

'It’s great to see that Council is expanding to represent a wider selection of the sports backed by the RYA, as well as the diversity of ages and interests of its members. I hope to be able to create more opportunities for young people and students who, like me, participate in many different sectors of sailing'.

Lou DeMarco feels that: 'Being invited to join the RYA Council is an opportunity to ‘put something back’ into motor cruising, something we have done extensively and enjoyed for many years. The RYA enables our interests to be taken into account by the wider population'.

These comments are echoed by Rob Kent who says: 'The RYA has a key role to play in promoting and developing windsurfing both socially and competitively. I hope by joining RYA Council that I can contribute to the future success of windsurfing and give something back to a sport that has given me so much over the years'.

If you are interested in applying for RYA Council please visit: RYA Council or contact jude.rose@rya.org.uk 02380604103.
All candidates must be Personal or Life Members of the RYA and applications must be submitted by 25 July 2014.