Enhanced Volunteer Participation Spurred by RYA NI Backing at County Antrim Sailing Club
Sailing into a Vibrant Year: County Antrim Yacht Club's Successful Engagement Drive
As the 2025 sailing season gets underway, County Antrim Yacht Club (CAYC) is riding high on the wave of success that followed its energetic volunteer and membership initiation events. These events were boosted by funding from RYA Northern Ireland's 'We're All In' initiative.
'We're All In' is a program that grants up to £400 to clubs for supporting and engaging volunteer-focused projects. At CAYC, this funding enabled them to organize a first-aid course, a planning session for the upcoming season's racing, training, and inclusive events, and even a boardgame night—all designed to foster a connected community.
The boardgame night saw around 30 members, families, volunteers, and sailors come together for an evening of camaraderie. After a brief, spirited presentation on the season's plans, everyone enjoyed a club supper and board games, offering a relaxed setting for catching up with friends and welcoming newcomers. The event provided a platform for volunteers, both old and new, to learn about their roles in the upcoming season. With many already jumping on board as safety boat crew and race officers, the club's organizers were thrilled with the turnout and enthusiasm.
Sailing Secretary and Training Captain, Sheela Lewis, expressed her satisfaction: "Our aim was to reinvigorate our members and support our volunteers, and we nailed it!" She continued, "The attendance and energy were electrifying, and many of those who joined us are now actively contributing to this season's activities."
Plans are underway to replicate this format in the future, maintaining the laid-back atmosphere that proved so effective. With no charges for club boat use or training this season (except for summer courses), accessibility remains a top priority for the club.
Looking forward, CAYC is focusing on supporting volunteers in three key areas: ongoing recognition, visible financial support for training, and free resources, such as no-cost boat hire, to maintain high participation rates.
As the season gains momentum and the feedback from members remains enthusiastic, it's evident that CAYC is sailing a course towards a dynamic, community-based year on the water.
Like CAYC, RYA Northern Ireland understands that volunteers are the lifeblood of Northern Ireland's sailing community. For more specific details about the 'We're All In' initiative and volunteer engagement strategies, it's best to consult the organizations or clubs involved directly.
If you're seeking ways to bolster volunteer engagement in yacht clubs, consider focusing on clear communication, recognition and rewards, training and development, community building, and feedback mechanisms. These strategies can help foster a connected, enthusiastic volunteer base that contributes to the success of sailing clubs like CAYC.
For more information, feel free to reach out to mary.martin@our website.org.uk.
- boosted by the success of volunteer and membership initiation events, County Antrim Yacht Club (CAYC) is now focusing on three key areas: ongoing recognition, visible financial support for training, and free resources, such as no-cost boat hire, to maintain high participation rates.
- With the sailing season in full swing and the club's organizers aiming to replicate the boardgame night's successful format in the future, it's clear that CAYC is committed to building a dynamic, community-based yacht club that relies on active volunteer involvement.
