If you are like me and prefer to follow sailing events and news rather than participate in them, then here are a few events, news snippets and course information for RYA sailing related highlights that have just occurred or are about to happen in the sailing world.
RYA Volvo Dinghy Show 2010:
The RYA Volvo Dinghy show has just left our UK shores and what a show it was! Thousands of dinghy enthusiasts as well as RYA sailing novices flocked to Alexandra Palace in London in order to see what was new in the world of training and sailing. The Dinghy Show has always been known as an event that caters for the whole family as well as professionals and beginners alike. The show offered a variety of RYA related highlights including talks by professional RYA instructors and sailing schools as well as an expo that showcased a variety of dinghies and RYA sailing equipment. This event is one of a kind as it is the only expo that is dedicated to Dinghy boats and RYA sailing. If you missed out of the show, visit the RYA website for details.
RYA Youth National Championships:
Set to take place from the 5th to the 9th of April, this RYA event is the ultimate in youth sailing, giving young sailors the opportunity to spread their wings and compete in the sport that they love. Entry to the race is open to all sailors under 21 years old and this even is a great way to encourage young sailors to take part in an RYA event and extend their knowledge of the sailing industry.
RYA Club of the Year for 2010:
And the winner is…Exe sailing club! This club was given the privilege of being named the RYA sailing club of the year at the RYA Dinghy Show. Situated in Devon, this club won the honours owing to the fact they constantly encourage individuals to get out on the water and try sailing as well as providing people with a safe, friendly and enjoyable RYA sailing experience. Exe Sailing Club was extremely proud to be named RYA sailing Club of the Year and said that they “still can’t quite believe it.” What a great attribute for this sailing club that focuses on RYA courses.
Reports show that more people are taking up sailing:
2009 was a good year for sailing, it seems. According to research, more individuals took up sailing as a sport or a leisurely activity in 2009 than previous years. A survey conducted by British Marine Federation, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Royal Yachting Association revealed that 3.7 million adults participated in RYA sailing and regular sailing events and courses in the UK alone. There has also been an increase in casual participation as well as women participating in the sport.
As we see the UK move slowly into warmer months, RYA sailing is yet again increasing. If you are interested in RYA fast track or rather a more relaxed RYA sailing course, my advice would be to get involved now or risk being left out in the cold.