Please select your home edition
Edition




Virtual RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference more accessible than ever

by Susie NationGrainger, RYA 5 Oct 2020 07:41 PDT 21 November 2020
RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference © RYA

An innovative online platform will make the 2020 RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference supported by Gallagher, more accessible than ever before, with delegates able to take part from their home or sailing club.

The annual conference usually takes place at multiple regional venues but due to Coronavirus restrictions it will this year be held as a virtual, national event, on Saturday 21 November and will explore a theme of 'a different world with new opportunities'.

The event will be hosted by Olympic gold medallist and broadcaster Shirley Robertson, who will be introducing a world class line-up of speakers including Ben Ainslie. Ben will share his own experiences of lockdown and how America's Cup contender INEOS Team UK has bounced back despite the difficulties, with an exclusive video presentation.

Shirley will also give delegates a 'guided tour' of the conference at the start of the day and explain how clubs can tap into a whole range of RYA expertise and club development workshops.

A secure and easy-to-use virtual platform will be provided by online event management experts OnAir. There will also be live technical support for those unfamiliar with attending online events, available by clicking an on-screen help button.

Gareth Brookes, RYA Regional Development Officer Manager, said: "It's the first time we've run an online conference and we know it will be the first time that many people will have attended one, so we are working with a professional online conference provider to ensure the whole event is accessible, smooth and successful from start to finish.

"Booking is super simple and includes asking delegates what information or guidance they are looking for at the event so we can answer any questions for them. People will also be able to choose when booking which club development workshops they would like to take part in.

"Shortly before the conference we will send out email instructions about how to join on the day and to provide extra support, there will be live help available from the RYA team for those who need it so everyone can make the most of what will be a really important conference for us all."

The keynote speakers will address delegates in the morning and throughout the weekend there will be an online expo area where interactive 'stands' will offer access to RYA legal, racing and training teams, with bookable 1-1 appointments, live text Q&As, club case studies, regional and Home Country updates, downloadable resources and on-demand video.

Club development streams will then provide interactive online workshops starting Monday 23rd November, giving conference delegates the latest insights and learning across a range of topics.

Club officers, committee members and volunteers are being urged to book tickets for the conference now, even if they are not yet sure about their availability, because the live content will also be recorded and available to delegates afterwards.

Find all the details about this year's RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference and book your FREE ticket here

Related Articles

Next RYA Connected Webinar on 23rd June
Securing funding and finance for your club If you're interested in securing funding or finance to enable investment for capital infrastructure projects then we think you will want to know about this webinar... Posted on 13 Jun
Celebrating 20 years of OnBoard
One of the UK's largest grassroots programs dedicated to getting children aged 8–18 out on the water OnBoard is celebrating 20 years of impact—having already introduced more than 1.3 million young people to the transformative experience of sailing and windsurfing. Posted on 9 Jun
RYA named Official Community Impact Partner
Connecting the local community, children and groups in Portsmouth with the water. As excitement builds ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth this July, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is proud to be named the event's Official Community Impact Partner. Posted on 7 Jun
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