RYA Scotland's Scottish Club Chat - Summer 2025
by RYA Scotland 2 Aug 02:33 PDT
Orkney Island Games 2025 © John Orr
From standout performances at the 2025 Orkney Island Games to cadets and juniors making waves at sailing clubs across Scotland, this summer is proving full of energy and enthusiasm.
With sunshine and steady breezes gracing much of the coastline and inland waterways, it's been fantastic to see so many sailors of all ages taking to the water and making the most of it.
Congratulations to all the organisers, planners, volunteers, coaches, officials, funders, and of course, the sailors on a successful Orkney Island Games 2025 regatta! It was great to see the community come together to deliver the event and exciting to follow the action. The legacy created is sure to offer a vibrant future for sailing on Orkney.
Fitting aptly with sportscotland's July theme of #accesstosport, it was great to see Clyde Cruising Club deliver a successful Scottish Hansa Championship and Duncan's Regatta at Bardowie recently. Given his success at the Hansa World Championships earlier this year, it was no surprise that Rory McKinna topped the Hansa 303 singles podium, as well as scooping the doubles win alongside Paula Roddy. It was Duncan Greenhalgh who took top spot in the Duncan's Regatta Challenger fleet. A big well done to all sailors, and the volunteers who made this event possible.
Tying into the 20th anniversary of the RYA's OnBoard programme, RYA Scotland has been reflecting on a transformative six-week block of OnBoard sessions delivered at Largs Sail Training Association (LSTA). Running from May to June this year, the effort saw 12 young people take to the water to hone new skills and unlock a new passion. This series of OnBoard sessions at LSTA was made possible through a partnership between LSTA, the Ayrshire Outdoor Partnership, Active Schools North Ayrshire and RYA Scotland, maximising impact of the programme and leveraging the many positive principles OnBoard stands for.
Updated guidance on PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checks. RYA Scotland's latest guidance for clubs provides further clarity around the types of roles that now require Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme membership and aims to address common questions from affiliated organisations. It is particularly relevant for those working with children under 18 or protected adults, especially in structured or regular activities.
Training and knowledge are also vital in keeping sport safe and fun. On Monday 25 August and Tuesday 16 September, RYA Scotland is facilitating and subsidising two sportscotland Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport (CWPS) sessions, aimed at over 16s involved in coaching, teaching or volunteering with young people in a variety of roles across the Scottish sailing community. A second course specific for Safeguarding/Welfare Officers in Scotland is also available on Monday 20 October, the Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO) course. This course is free to Safeguarding/Welfare Officers in affiliated clubs in Scotland, so contact development@ryascotland.org.uk for further information. To find out more and book a spot, head to our Bookwhen page now.
RYA Scotland wants to support your event! RYA Scotland is aiming to provide support to several clubs/centres in running first-time opportunity events such as open days, tasters, or transition days. The support offered will be bespoke, based on the request, RYA Scotland's available resources, and follow-up conversations. This may include some financial support, a coach or instructor, or other tangible assistance. Speak to your RYA Scotland Regional Development Officer or?register your interest today.
This year, RYA Scotland is postponing its Connected Scotland November gathering, and instead focussing on an upcoming series of online Connect Calls beginning this September. Calls will cover a range of relevant topics for clubs and organisations in Scotland, giving you the chance to share, learn and grow with others. RYA Scotland still recognise the importance of coming together in person, and want to know what you'd like to see moving forwards as the team plan for future gatherings. Let the development team know how you'd like to Connect with RYA Scotland as well as other clubs, organisations, and groups by emailing development@ryascotland.org.uk.
Know someone at your club or organisation who could make an impact as part of RYA Scotland's new Youth Voices initiative? As part of an evolving approach to youth engagement, RYA Scotland has launched Youth Voices to help amplify perspectives and empower young people within the Scottish sailing and boating community. Aimed at individuals aged 14 to 25* with a passion for getting afloat, Youth Voices will give young people the chance to come together with likeminded peers, work on a range of exciting projects, and ultimately influence RYA Scotland decision makers. Sound good? Complete or share RYA Scotland's note of interest form.
*Please note, new Youth Voices members must be 23 years or younger to ensure a full two year cycle within the 14-25 age bracket.
The 2025 RYA Scotland Coach Education Subsidy is open for applications. RYA Scotland's Coach Education Team are offering to support instructor training in the small boat schemes for either individuals or organisations looking to run courses. While anyone can apply for the Coaching Subsidy there is a focus on supporting young coaches and instructors (under 26), women and girls, and those from rural backgrounds. Those meeting two of the criteria are highly likely to be eligible for up to 50% subsidy (of course cost) and those meeting one likely to be eligible depending on other factors such as volunteering or coming from an area of low SIMD (the Scottish Government's official tool for identifying areas in Scotland of concentrations of deprivation). Applications will be processed by the RYA Scotland Coaching Collective. Please feel free to contact coaching@ryascotland.org.uk if you have any queries. Apply here.
Two top tips for obtaining grant funding for your club. First, get to know your funder. Make contact and tell them what you want to do. They can give you an idea whether it fits their criteria and possibly help you write a better application. They want to give away their money! So, start a conversation. Second, think about what you want to achieve with the funding. Go beyond the activity. How will the project improve someone's life? Or what problem are you trying to solve? You may be buying boats, but the funder is buying impact. If you have a project you are trying to fund, reach out to your Regional Development Officer.
As you plan for future activity, here are some funding options to consider:
All the best from the RYA Scotland Development Team