Welsh RYA blog stirring up excitement in Wales!
🔥 Get ready to sail the seas of Wales! The RYA Cymru Wales team is pumped to be back on the water, supporting clubs and individuals across the country.
Kickstarted by an exhilarating Big Day Out in Pembrokeshire, sailors, powerboaters, windsurfers, and wingers tested their skills, tried out something new, or worked towards RYA certifications. Club Development Officer Hester Walker ensured everyone had a blast, even dashing around to whip up packed lunches!
Congratulations to those who earned RYA Safety Boat and RYA Race Coach certificates, ready to share their expertise with others back home. A huge thank you to all our participants, instructors, and incredible hosts: Pembrokeshire Yacht Club, Pembrokeshire Powerboating and Sailing Academy Ltd., Celtic Sea Watersports, and Windswept Watersports.
Mark your calendars for our Big Weekend at Plas Menai—11-12 October 2025!—where we'll have activities for all levels, from skill development to trying new watersports.
Junior Championships
The first May Bank Holiday weekend saw the Eric Twiname Junior Championships for young sailors from across the UK. Our Welsh team battled it out at Rutland, with Performance Manager Sarah, Pathway & Events Officer Hatty Morsley, and coach Sam Thomas behind them, while windsurfing was hosted by Plas Heli, Pwllheli.
We're incredibly proud of our Welsh champions Ethan Watkin Jones of Port Dinorwick SC and Isabelle Nuttall of Neyland YC, who clinched medals in the RS Tera Sport rankings.
Tickets are available now for our Welsh Regional Junior Championships! Taking place at Dale, 21-22 June 2025, join us for a fantastic weekend of racing for all levels, whether you sign up for the Championship or Coached Regatta fleets. Find all the information you need at WelshRJC.
Dragon Series
The Dragon Series, a popular event for junior sailors, returns for 2025! With a fantastic opening event at Tata Steel SC (10 May), we're eagerly anticipating the next dates this month at Neyland YC (17 May) and Llandegfedd SC (24 May). The series offers an excellent opportunity for sailors of all ages to enhance boat handling and tactical skills on both inland and sea venues, with an RYA Cymru Wales coach on hand to support newcomers and traveling sailors.
Sponsor our events
We're actively seeking sponsors to support our events for children and young people! By contributing towards sailor participation medals, volunteer or safety boat support, or prize-givings, you can help inspire the next generation. Contact our Performance Manager Sarah McGovern to find out more.
Merched Y Mor 🧜♀️
We launched Merched Y Mor this Spring—a campaign to inspire and retain female sailors, volunteers, and coaches. Through education, practical support, mentoring, and a safe space, we aim to encourage more women and girls to get involved in sailing. Check out our launch video featuring Performance Manager Sarah in a Q&A interview with her niece and young sailor Efa!
Women in Marine 🥴
To recognize the International Day for Women in Maritime on 18 May, a Global Women's Walk 2025 has been taking place. As a lawyer specializing in the marine sector and the Chair of RYA Cymru Wales, Sian Reynolds has been leading rambles across Wales to highlight the contributions and vital roles of women in the industry. Join us for our next walk on Pwllheli Beach, Cardiff Bay Barrage, Saundersfoot, or Penarth Cliff Top!
Funding opportunities 💰
Two funding opportunities close soon! The first window for applying to the Sport Wales BE ACTIVE WALES FUND closes on 4 June 2025. You can apply for grants between £300-£50,000 if you can contribute at least 10% of the project cost. RYA partner Sunsail also invites UK sailing clubs to enter its Funding the Future competition for a chance to win £6,000, with £2,000 awards available for two runners-up. Apply by 23 May 2025.
Stay connected with RYA Cymru Wales on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates, events, and opportunities. See you on the water soon!
— James, Sian, Hester, Hatty, Sarah & Paula. 🤘🏆 RYA Cymru Wales team
Powerboating and windsurfing are exciting sports that participants can enjoy alongside sailing in various RYA Cymru Wales events. The Dragon Series, designed for junior sailors, offers a chance to enhance boat handling and tactical skills on both inland and sea venues.
