Summer Discourse at Scottish Club 2025
RYA Scotland is making strides to support sailing clubs and individuals across Scotland. Here are the latest updates from the organisation.
New Opportunities for Clubs
RYA Scotland aims to support clubs and centres in running first-time opportunity events such as open days, tasters, or transition days, to attract new members and encourage participation in sailing activities.
Athletic Success
Congratulations to Rory McKinna, who recently won the Hansa 303 singles podium and the doubles with Paula Roddy. Meanwhile, Duncan Greenhalgh took top spot in the Duncan's Regatta Challenger fleet.
Development Team and Coach Education Subsidy
The Development Team at RYA Scotland consists of Laura, Brian, Rhys, Liza, Nathalie, and Naomi. The organisation is also focusing on supporting young coaches and instructors (under 26), women and girls, and those from rural backgrounds for the Coach Education Subsidy.
Funding Opportunities
For those seeking funding options, RYA Scotland suggests considering the RYA Foundation Youth Fund, Aldi Scottish Sport Fund, National Lottery Awards for All Scotland, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Young Start, Tesco Stronger Start, Bruce Wake Charitable Trust, The Weir Charitable Trust, Cash Back for Communities, Social Investment Scotland, and Athlete Travel Award Scheme.
PVG Guidance and Training
RYA Scotland has provided updated guidance on PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) checks for clubs. Certain roles, particularly those involving regular or structured contact with children under 16 or protected adults, now require membership in the PVG Scheme. To ensure safety within the Scottish sailing community, clubs are encouraged to contact RYA Scotland for further details and support regarding these requirements.
RYA Scotland is also facilitating and subsidizing sportscotland’s Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport (CWPS) sessions for volunteers over 16 involved in working with young people in coaching, teaching, or volunteering roles. A specific Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO) course is also available for Safeguarding/Welfare Officers, free to those in affiliated Scottish clubs.
Youth Voices and Online Connect Calls
Individuals aged 14 to 25 with a passion for getting afloat can join Youth Voices and influence RYA Scotland decision makers. RYA Scotland is also postponing the Connected Scotland November gathering and focusing on online Connect Calls beginning in September.
Upcoming Training Sessions
RYA Scotland is facilitating and subsidizing two sportscotland Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport (CWPS) sessions on August 25 and September 16. A specific Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer (CWPO) course is available on October 20, free for Safeguarding/Welfare Officers in affiliated clubs in Scotland.
Two top tips for obtaining grant funding for a club include getting to know your funder and thinking about what you want to achieve with the funding beyond the activity.
Applications for the Coaching Subsidy will be processed by the RYA Scotland Coaching Collective.
The Orkney Island Games 2025 and clubs up and down the country have seen high participation in water sports this summer. RYA Scotland has also launched a new initiative called Youth Voices to amplify perspectives and empower young people within the Scottish sailing and boating community.
[1] RYA Scotland (2021). PVG Guidance for Clubs [2] RYA Scotland (2021). Child Wellbeing & Protection in Sport (CWPS) Information Sheet
Sports like sailing are being promoted through new opportunities for clubs such as open days, tasters, or transition days, aiming to attract new members and encourage participation. The success in sports is evident, with Rory McKinna winning the Hansa 303 singles podium and the doubles with Paula Roddy, and Duncan Greenhalgh taking top spot in the Duncan's Regatta Challenger fleet.
