RYA CEO joins Royal Dart’s Ladies Afloat to celebrate 10th anniversary

by Emma Slater / RYA on 5 Jul 2010 RYA CEO Sarah Treseder joined the ladies of the Royal Dart Yacht Club in Kingswear, Devon at the end of June (24-25) to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the clubs successful ‘Ladies Afloat’ scheme.

The day kicked off with event co-ordinator Alison Burford welcoming Sarah to the club and extending thanks to the volunteer instructors who give up their time for the group. A cheque for £1,000 was also presented to club commodore, Mike Moody, by Diana Douglas, editor of the Ladies Afloat cookbook, in recognition of the clubs commitment to the scheme and as a contribution towards future resources.

With boats decorated in bunting forty of the sixty Ladies Afloat members, aged between 30 and 70, then took to the water for a day of racing, river based activities followed by a picnic on the beach.

Sarah Treseder, RYA CEO said: 'I was delighted to come along today and get involved in the groups celebrations. It gives me the opportunity to not only show my support but meet the members and see what clubs are doing at a grassroots level.

'I’ve been really impressed with what the group has achieved over the last 10 years, from starting off borrowing boats to investing in a fleet of their own boats. Helping get local ladies interested in the sport and give them the support to develop their skills, as well as providing a great social scene too.

'The group is also in contact with other clubs in the area sharing ideas and knowledge.'

Pat Berry, founder of Ladies Afloat explained why she set up the group. 'I realised how difficult it can be to get started in a sport and that it can be expensive. You need a boat, have to join a club and that can be quite daunting – especially when you’re a bit older.'

'Therefore the main aim of Ladies Afloat is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment where women members of the RDYC can practise and develop their sailing skills and sample other water-borne activities. It doesn’t aim to teach sailing, but offers women the chance to try out dinghies, keel boats, safety boats, Seine rowing boats, general power boating and cruising.'

By extending membership to non RDYC members (£90 a year subscription fee) the scheme has recruited 20 more members this year alone.

Ladies Afloat member Kate Ruddle, 32, who works part-time at Dart Sails and Covers in Dartmouth said: 'I really enjoy it. I actually organise my working week around Ladies Afloat activities.'

Pat went on to say: 'It isn’t only about having fun, the skill level of the women has exploded over the last ten years. There are now three RYA instructors, one Senior Instructor and others with Safety Boat and Powerboat 2 qualifications - a useful resource within the RDYC as the women teach and drive safety boats in Junior Sailing sessions and are vital during busy sailing events like the Dartmouth Regatta.'

For more information about the Royal Dart Yacht Club Ladies Afloat scheme visit: www.royaldart.co.uk

And for more general information about getting involved in sailing, motor boating and much more visit: www.rya.org.uk