Please select your home edition
Edition




Last chance to sign up for 2020 Race Officials Academy

by Richard Aspland, RYA 14 Sep 2020 04:05 PDT
Race Officials © RYA

Applications to the 2020 Race Officials Academy are closing on 18th September. The RYA launched its Race Officials Academy in November 2018, its mission to create an aspirational environment for development and promotion of race officials under the age of 35.

Twenty-six candidates took place in the inaugural programme, and it was such a success that the hunt is now on for the 2020 intake.

The initiative, which aims to be gender-neutral, promotes cross-discipline learning such that all are able to contribute to the delivery of a major event, and provide training, education and event opportunities to fast track as many academy members to a national race official qualification.

Jacqui Roberts, RYA Race Officials Development Officer said: "By joining the RYA Race Officials Academy you will not only be building the fundamental skills to become a regional and/or national Race Official, but also developing friendships and forming a support group to help you on your journey.

"The Academy will give you the opportunities for events that you may not have known were available."

For more information about the Race Officials Academy, contact Jacqui Roberts on . To apply, visit www.rya.org.uk/racing/race-officials/opportunities-appointments/Pages/RYA-Race-Officials-Academy-Application-Form.aspx.

We caught up with Lorna Graham, part of the 2018/19 intake, to find out what makes the RYA Race Officials Academy so successful...

Where are you from and how old are you?

I currently live in Cheddar, Somerset. I'm 37 going on 5!

What's your sailing background?

Although I grew up near Poole, I learnt to sail in dinghies in the Bristol Channel in my mid 20s. I now race on a variety of yachts most weekends varying from a J24 to a First 40 along the South Coast but usually in Plymouth and Hamble. I also enjoy international level racing in the J24.

What attracted you to the Race Officials Academy?

I thought it was a really interesting initiative by the RYA to increase the demographic of race officials in the UK which I wanted to be a part of. I also wanted to give something back to the sport whilst still being involved.

Is there a specific race official role that appeals to you, and why?

Before joining the Academy, I had only really experienced the role of a race officer but had an awareness of the other race official roles such as umpires, judges and mark layers. I have enjoyed learning about all aspects of each of the roles and have found it hard to focus on one area. My first full qualification is as a measurer and I'm also leaning towards becoming an umpire or a judge. For my day job, I am a solicitor so I can use my experience in these roles.

What is your favourite part of the academy and why?

Apart from learning a whole set of new skills, my favourite part of the academy is that you get to meet a lot of new people, each of whom you can learn tips and tricks from - the mentors are really helpful in developing your skills as well as other people you meet along the way and not to mention the other academy members. The academy also provides you with opportunities to get involved with lots of events and as a result of experience gained through the Academy, I've also had the opportunity to assist in umpiring the i14 team racing at their World Championships in Perth, Australia - right place, right time!

What skills have you learnt from the academy?

We've learnt a lot of technical skills and my knowledge of the rules has improved significantly but you also learn how to work as a team and how to communicate effectively to put a successful event together.

What's next for you? I'm currently working towards my regional judge and umpiring qualification.

Do you have a goal for your 'career' as a race official?

Aiming high, my goal is to be to become an international race official.

Related Articles

New British Sailing Talent Academies open
Four Academy host venues announced as programme applications open up The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is proud to announce the launch of four new British Sailing Talent Academies as part of its commitment to developing the next generation of high-performance sailors. Posted on 4 Jun
Nominations now open for the 2026 RYA Awards
Celebrate the people and organisations making a difference in our boating community The instructor who sparks confidence in new sailors. The person who quietly keeps things running behind the scenes. The young volunteer who turns up with a smile, rain or shine. Posted on 2 Jun
RYA Southampton International Boat Show deal
Take advantage of an exclusive discounted £5 ticket Southampton International Boat Show, Britain's biggest festival of boating and watersports is back on 19th-28th September 2025 for its 56th edition and RYA members (aged 16+) can now take advantage of an exclusive discounted £5 ticket. Posted on 31 May
Next RYA Connected Webinar tonight at 7pm!
Growing membership through non-competitive activity After a pause in April, it's time for the third in the series of webinars aimed at helping clubs boost membership and sailing participation. Posted on 12 May
£10 off RYA adult or family membership
This spring, make it official - join the RYA community Now's the perfect time to take the next step in your boating journey. Join RYA membership today and unlock exclusive benefits designed to help you get more from life on the water. Posted on 19 Apr
RYA launches 'The Female Futures Group'
Supporting and elevating women in sport A new wave of change is emerging in British sailing as the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) launches The Female Futures Group, dedicated to increasing female participation and unlocking new opportunities for women and girls in the sport. Posted on 9 Apr
RYA influences MCA's changes to regulations
Interview with Niall McLeod to see how Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice affects us The RYA have been working closely with the the government to make sure that new regulations for leisure vessels are not too restrictive. It seems that any group which operates a "coded" vessel should be thankful. Posted on 18 Mar
RYA Connected Webinar: Increasing Racing Activity
Join us on Monday 3rd March at 7pm After the huge success of the first Connected webinar, focused on growing membership, aimed at clubs and how they can boost membership and increase activity on the water, it's nearly time for the second in the series. Posted on 27 Feb
The sailing participation webinars are back!
Join us on Monday 3rd February at 7pm for the RYA Connected Webinar, 'Growing membership' Back in 2019 and early 2020, together with the RYA, I was part of a hugely successful set of webinars which highlighted how sailing clubs were growing their membership and increasing participation in activities. The great news is that they're back! Posted on 30 Jan
Sports NGB launches 'Reflections on Water'
The RYA's first ever nationwide inclusivity campaign The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the national governing body for Sailing and Windsurfing, has launched 'Reflections on Water', a dynamic new campaign uniting and embodying the people, progress, and opportunities connected to the UK's blue spaces. Posted on 29 Jan