RYA South - RYA (and others) Weekly Information Update - 30 August 2024

 RYA South - This year's South Connected Conference will take place at Itchen Sixth Form College in Southampton on Saturday 30 November. This new venue offers a variety of fantastic spaces. It is fully accessible and the layout is much easier to navigate. There is lots of flexibility with spaces available for networking, smaller breakout sessions, along with large groups coming together. Bookings will open in September.

RYA South - Is your club is interested in becoming an RYA Pathway club? Complete an expression of interest form here http://rya.org/kWyl50T4wjr Find out more about the RYA Pathway Club initiative here http://rya.org/1Ska50T4whM

RYA South - Club Census - Thank you to all the clubs who have submitted their census information - although the deadline has now passed we are still able to receive your data, so do please submit this if you haven’t already. We need to reach a 96% confidence completion rate. So, it really is vital that as many clubs as possible do complete this.

RYA South - Kite and winging continues to grow nationally as well as in the South region. To help support clubs and centres who are looking to learn more and expand into this exciting area of growth, we are holding a new Wing Development Day on Thursday 5 September. James Hardy, the South’s new Sailing Developer for Winging will be on hand to offer advice. Bookings will open soon for this FREE day. Interested clubs and centres can contact James - james.hardy@rya.org.uk Ellie Aldridge winning gold in the inaugural kite competition at the Paris Olympics, which followed victory at the 2023 Formula Kite European Championships in Portsmouth last year.

RYA South - The final online talk in the Pathway Evolution Webinar Series takes place on 10 September. Join Head of Competition and Racing Services, Niall McLeod to learn about the RYA Events strategy, what events the RYA will be running and why. Register your place here https://www.rya.org.uk/racing/pathway/webinar

RYA - Have you made your nomination yet for the RYA Awards? It is an opportunity for us all to recognise the incredible work both affiliated organisations and volunteers contribute to our sport. Nominations close on Monday 16 September. Celebrate those making a real difference by nominating today - http://rya.org/280V50T7esz

RYA - National Dog Day - Meet flat-coated retriever, Rowan. He’s a salty-seadog who loves nothing better than hopping onboard a boat for an afternoon at sea. Rowan got his sea legs at a young age and just loves getting on the water! Safety onboard is always key to a fun day of boating with your dog, as owner Lucia explains: “When Rowan joins us onboard, he is always decked out in his buoyancy aid and a long lead. Although he’s a strong swimmer the buoyancy aid gives us extra reassurance that he’s ok should he get into difficulties. “Rowan’s been joining us on boats ever since he was a pup, he’s well acclimatised to life onboard and loves all the different sights and smells! One of his favourite things is to feel the wind in his ears, he’ll put his paws on the side of the cockpit overlooking the side of the boat and you can see his ears flapping in the breeze! He also loves watching all the bits of seaweed and twigs passing by.” Read about the steps you can take to keep your pet safe and happy while out on the water - http://rya.org/21k950T4cye

RYA - Clean Regatta Gold Accreditation. We're excited to share that the 2024 RYA Youth Nationals has been awarded the Clean Regatta Gold Accreditation! Clean Regattas is the world’s leading sustainability certification for all on-the-water events, so to be awarded the Gold level accreditation is a real achievement. Amongst other things, the organisers had to evidence: - A beach clean-up - Provide water re-fill points - Use re-usable signage - Encourage green boating practices Find out more - http://rya.org/b0UG50T4bI8

RYA - Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship - “Working on the water, there are lots of different paths you can take - it’s not just the military or superyachts! There’s everything from commercial skippering on wildlife survey boats, to working on fish farms, dive boats and many more.” After being awarded a grant through the Trinity House RYA Yachtmaster Scholarship, Marine Biologist and Oceanographer Sarah Reed was able to progress her career in the marine industry completing a series of RYA courses and qualifying as an RYA Yachtmaster. The next round of applications close on Friday 20 September. Apply today - http://rya.org/MGGR50T4b0T

RYA - SIBS - You’ll find boats of every shape and size on show at this year’s Southampton Boat Show With over 350 vessels located on the water within Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina and even more to see ashore, it’s the perfect opportunity to step onboard different makes and models. Here are just a few of the vessels you can expect to see… http://rya.org/XMso50T4auh Not got your tickets yet? RYA members can save with exclusive discounts until Thursday 12 September - http://rya.org/MGRg50T4aui

RYA - Set sail this bank holiday weekend! Find a sailing and windsurfing venue near you to get on the water for little or no cost this summer - http://rya.org/P1KE50T4aUs

RYA - Bank holiday weekends call for cruising your local coastline, exploring the inland waterways or venturing further afield! Wherever you end up, make sure your trip is memorable for the right reasons. Read our 7 common senses for safe sailing - http://rya.org/Ly9O50T4cP8

RYA - RYA Training Conference 2025 - join us at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre on Friday 21 February 2025 for the latest updates from the RYA and wider industry at the RYA Training Conference supported by Gallagher. Following your feedback, we’ve focussed on making the conference as accessible for as many of you as possible. The one-day event will be hosted on a weekday and will feature a mix of both full length and shorter bitesize sessions, as well as plenty of opportunities for networking. Bookings will open later this year. We hope to see you there! More information - https://www.rya.org.uk/events/training-conference

Delegates can also make the most of free tickets to the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show, which opens on Saturday 22 February, at Farnborough International.

Marine Industry News - Crew of dismasted yacht in Irish Sea saved by locator beacons. The captain of a yacht whose mast collapsed during the night have told of his dramatic rescue in the Irish Sea earlier this month, using his and the crew’s experience to remind boaters that safety equipment saves lives. https://marineindustrynews.co.uk/crew-of-dismasted-yacht-in-irish-sea-saved-by-locator-beacons

RYA - First Aid Afloat - Accidents happen when you least expect them, make sure you're prepared for any emergencies that may arise. Whether you’re cruising inland waters or you’re 60 miles offshore, be prepared with our tips for first aid afloat -http://rya.org/qPgj50T9IXv

Scuttlebutt Sailing - Sinking of the Bayesian - thoughts from Stephen Edwards, captain of the 58.6m Perini Navi built Seahawk, was previously Captain from 2015 to 2020 for the 56m Perini Navi Bayesian which sank August 19 with seven deaths while at anchor off the coast of Porticello, Italy. https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2024/08/27/former-bayesian-captain-offers-insight/