Sports NGB launches 'Reflections on Water' tackling inclusivity on water
by RYA 29 Jan 2025 07:52 PST
Reflections on Water Map UK © RYA
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.
As a representative of 100,000+ individual members, 2,400+ RYA recognised training centres, and 1,500+ affiliated clubs, the RYA is dedicated to making boating and water sports accessible to everyone. Despite being an island nation, access to these opportunities is not always guaranteed, and the RYA is committed to driving positive change.
Building on the success of the 'Together on Water' initiative which was launched in 2023, 'Reflections on Water' deepens the RYA's mission to make UK waters a welcoming space for all. Delving deeper into the heart of the UK's blue spaces, the campaign highlights the influences and people shaping the world of water while encouraging collective action to create a more inclusive, accessible future.
A year of action and celebration
'Reflections on Water' will be a year-long campaign filled with announcements, activations, and new RYA programs designed to make a lasting impact on the boating and watersports community.
Shining a spotlight on ground breakers
Acting as lighthouse for the boating community, the RYA website is also creating the Reflections on Water' hub. This growing library of inspiring stories from across the UK showcases pioneering sailors, coaches, groups, and initiatives or work making a difference.
The first five pieces are out now including a Q&A with the British Sailing Team's Daisy Collingridge and Matilda Nicholls, who are using their platform to champion change and empower fellow sailors to Ellia Rhodes an inspiring young sailor who has been volunteering her skills to help patients at Manchester Children's Hospital through sailing days and fundraising.
Throughout 2025, the hub will continue to be updated with waves of new stories, culminating in the creation of a UK 'Reflections on Water' Map. This map will visually celebrate the incredible individuals and activities shaping the future of water sports, inspiring others to get involved.
Join the conversation: #ReflectionsOnWater
The RYA is inviting everyone to share their own #ReflectionsOnWater stories on Instagram, tagging @RoyalYachtingAssociation to showcase people, clubs, or teams making a positive impact. At the end of the year, selected submissions will be added to the final 'Reflections on Water' Map, with those featured receiving a special RYA gift as a token of appreciation.
Whether this is sharing your story of the work you are doing to make a difference on the water or shouting out a club, person or programme who have inspired or helped you - the RYA want to know.
To submit an entry, post a photo or reel on your Instagram feed alongside a small caption explaining your story - tagging @RoyalYachtingAssociation with the #ReflectionsOnWater.
Breaking barriers and building opportunities
While the sailing and boating community boasts a passionate network of individuals driving change, the RYA recognises that barriers to participation and progression remain. Research and insights have revealed key challenges:
- In 2019, global World Sailing research found that 80% of women and 56% of men believe gender balance is an issue in the sport.
- RYA training instructor data shows men significantly outnumber women in many disciplines.
- Junior participation in RYA-coached groups has dropped by 24% since 2015, with those from non-sailing backgrounds needing greater support
To address these challenges and to identify potential new insights, the RYA has also announced that it will be commissioning new research throughout 2025 as part of 'Reflections on Water'. This research will uncover the realities of participation, identify barriers, and help chart a path toward solutions.
Sara Sutcliffe, RYA CEO states "The 'Reflections on Water' campaign is a powerful opportunity for us to shine a light on the people and communities who make our waters so vibrant while addressing the barriers that prevent others from joining in. By celebrating progress, sharing stories, and listening to diverse voices, we can create a more inclusive, accessible, and thriving future for boating and watersports. Together, we can ensure that the water truly reflects the nation."
For more information about the campaign or to share your #ReflectionsOnWater, visit Reflections On Water.