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RYA at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2012

December 06, 2011

From the 6th to 15th January, during the 2011 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2012, the RYA will be presenting a range different of activities, launches and winners to the show. On the RYA stand (A412) visitors will have the possibility to find out more about the runners and riders for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, the venue at Weymouth, as well as a glimpse of the ‘Our Sporting Life – heritage exhibition’ which will be present in the country throughout 2012.

London´s biggest boating experience - Tullett Prebon London Boat Show

London´s biggest boating experience - Tullett Prebon London Boat Show

As part of the exhibition RYA will be showcasing on the stand the silver medal winning Flying Dutchman K-300, from the 1976 Olympics in Canada, ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidoso’, which has been lovingly renovated and loaned to RYA by Andrew Hurst, editor of Seahorse Magazine.

There will be loads of information available on the RYA’s Sail for Gold programme; including Passage to Portland and Push the Boat Out, as well as details on how someone and his club can get involved with supporting RYA sailors in the lead up to the Games.

Launches and competitions

RYA will also be unveiling two great new publications; RYA Yacht Sailing Techniques (Saturday 07 January, 13.45, RYA stand A412) and the RYA Boat Safety Handbook (Saturday 14 January, 14.00 RYA stand A412).

By purchasing a copy of either of these books visitors will also be in with the chance of winning some great prizes. Either a Day Skipper or Competent Crew course with Sunsail when buying RYA Yacht Sailing Techniques or the possibility to win a free safety equipment audit and assistance with setting the yacht up to meet the owner´s style of sailing with the RYA’s own Training Manager Richard Falk or Chief Sailing Instructor Craig Burton.

The Green Blue will also be offering one lucky the winner the chance to win a Henri Lloyd Foul Weather Jacket and Hi Fit Trousers from the Blue Eco range.   All the visitors have to do is visit the RYA stand to pick up an entry form, answer one question on The Green Blue and pop it back in the entry box. The winner will be drawn at random on Friday 30 January 2012.

On Friday 06 January the RYA Sailability team will be joined by Sailability ambassador and CEO of the British Inspirational Trust Phil Packer. Phil will be joining the team to receive a £2,000 cheque presented by Tom Webb to RYA Sailability and the Even Keel Project (11.00, RYA stand A412). Tom raised the money in 2011 by completing a solo round Britain sailing challenge.

Later (14.00) Phil and the team will be officially launching the 2012 RYA Sailability Sunsail Regatta. Come and join the team at the launch drinks reception and find out more about the regatta and how the money raised from the event will support sailing opportunities for people with disabilities in the UK.

Winners

At the show RYA will also be presenting awards to the RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year winners, before seeing who is shortlisted for the YJA Pantaenius Young Sailor of the Year Award winner (Saturday 07, 14.10, Knowledge Box).

Then on Wednesday 11 January RYA will unveil the winner of the RYA Yachtmaster of the Year Award. HRH The Princess Royal will be joining RYA Training Manager Richard Falk on the stand to present the prize to this year’s winner (approx. 14.40).

Throughout the show

As usual throughout the show members of RYA staff will be available on the stand to provide visitors with loads of advice and information on training courses, getting started and membership.

A host of RYA publications will be available to purchase throughout the show with a special 20% discount across the board for RYA members. There will also be a 20% discount on all RYA e-Books purchased through the App Store during the show period.

And, if someone wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the show members can relax in the exclusive RYA Members Lounge situated in the ICC Capital Suite, serving food and beverages throughout the day. Members will also be given the exclusive opportunity to view the full ‘Our Sporting Life’ exhibition before it goes on public display in February and its official launch at the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show in March.

RYA Scottish Young Sailor of the Year Award 2011

December 02, 2011

Local sailor Jamie Calder from Balerno will receive one of youth sailings most prominent awards in the New Year, the RYA Scottish Young Sailor of the Year Award 2011, in recognition of the brilliant results he has achieved in the sport in 2011.

RYA Scottish Young Sailor of the Year Award 2011 - Jamie Calder

RYA Scottish Young Sailor of the Year Award 2011 - Jamie Calder

Jamie is the youngest Scottish sailor to have secured a place on the Optimist World Championships team which will see him travel to New Zealand early next year. He also placed third at the British Optimist Nationals earlier this year. He receives complete support from his parents who have helped him to grasp all opportunities offered to him with both hands. His attitude and demeanour whilst he is training and racing make him a refreshing young sailor to work with.

Jamie will be in New Zealand at the Optimist World Championships so is unable to attend the award ceremony but when asked for his reaction to winning the award he gave the following comments, “I am delighted to receive this award after a great season in my Optimist. Qualifying for the GBR Team for the Optimist World Championships, finishing 3rd at the UK National Championships and winning the End of Season Championships has made this a very special year. I really appreciate RYA recognising my achievement and RYA Scotland for their continued support”.

On Saturday 07 January at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show, RYA Regional Award winners from all over the UK will come together for a VIP day out at the show including the eagerly anticipated awards ceremony at which they will receive their trophy.

The RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year awards recognise the outstanding impact young people have made to UK boating, whether it’s on the race course, at their club, overcoming adversity or through an exceptional achievement.

RYA Chief Executive Sarah Treseder says, “Winning an RYA Regional Young Sailor of the Year Award is a fantastic achievement and I am delighted to recognise the talent of these people and the dedication they show for our sport.”

“Awards such as this highlight the fact that so many young sailors are out there on the water enjoying themselves and achieving brilliant things.”

RYA Volunteer Awards 2011

November 29, 2011

Local sailor Jim Hartshorne from Bankfoot received one of the RYA’s most prominent awards, an RYA Community Lifetime Commitment Award by HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA at the organisation’s annual awards ceremony held at London’s One Great George Street, November 23.

Jim Hartshorne awarded by HRH the Princess Royal

Jim Hartshorne awarded by HRH the Princess Royal

A total of 48 voluntary awards were presented to winners hailing from across the UK from as far afield as Hayling Island and Loch Tummel, Scotland.

Jim Hartshorne was nominated for this award by the sailing club and was selected as a winner by the Awards panel for his work at his club, Loch Tummel Sailing Club, where he has been a member since the 1970s.

He has served as a flag officer for the club for a number of years as well as using his engineering background to help provide technical support. Jim has helped with the upkeep of the club including researching and implementing projects from the RYA Green Blue initiative. All his hard work and dedication has allowed his club to grow and develop including running regular events.

“Everyone at the awards ceremony was so friendly and there was such a relaxed atmosphere. It was great to meet lots of people from different clubs all over the UK and discuss some of the issues that clubs face throughout the years. My only regret was not getting to spend even more time speaking to all the people there” said Jim when asked about his experience at the awards.

Jim Hartshorne and the other RYA Award winners enjoyed a celebratory lunch in the presence of HRH the Princess Royal, and were presented with a commemorative medallion and certificate.

Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive says “The RYA is delighted to make this RYA Volunteer Award in recognition of Jim’s enthusiasm, promotion of our sport and many years’ contribution to the Loch Tummel sailing scene. All 48 RYA winners are an inspiration to us all and it is my pleasure to recognise and celebrate their sheer hard work and commitment through these awards.”

2011 RYA Club & Coach Conferences

November 15, 2011

The RYA Club and Coach Conferences are coming quickly, taking place in December 3-4, at ten different venues across the country. The RYA Club and Coach Conferences are for all those with an interest or involved in delivering, planning or coordinating club training, racing and coaching for both juniors and adults. Moreover, the Conferences have an aim to help committees, volunteers, instructors and coaches to develop ideas and evolve their programmes for next year’s season.

RYA_training_centre

There will be updates from the RYA High Performance Managers and Regional Development Officers on what is new, including essential information for sailing clubs and how RYA staff can best help. There will be a choice of workshops, updates including information on the RYA’s Sail for Gold Olympic Activation and Race Management schemes, as well as guest speakers on specialist topics at each of the venues.

Chris Atherton, RYA High Performance Manager, commented, “The RYA Club and Coach Conferences are always extremely popular and spaces are usually limited. Each venue provides the perfect atmosphere for like-minded people to come and get involved and take on some expert advice on delivering, planning or coordinating club training, racing and coaching.”

“Last year we received glowing reports from people who attended highlighting how useful they thought it was in terms of delivering effective coaching sessions at their local sailing clubs. It is also vital that all Level 2 Race Coaches attend if they wish to revalidate their qualification.”

Atherton concluded, “With some great guest speakers at each venue offering expertise on specific areas, I would strongly recommend anyone who is planning on attending a conference to book their place as soon as possible as I’m sure spaces will soon go.”

The 2011 RYA Club & Coach Conferences will be held at the following venues (lunch is provided):

South West: Saturday 3rd December. Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth. Afternoon Speaker – Peter Barton – ‘ The Building Blocks of Success – a brief analysis of the core components required for a successful Campaign’

South East: Saturday 3rd December. Woodstock Sports & Social Club, Sittingbourne. Afternoon Speaker – Dave Hivey – ‘Coaching Tactics & Boat speed’

Midlands: Saturday 3rd December. Trent College, Nottingham. Afternoon Speaker -Ed Barney – ‘Performance Profiling’

North: Saturday 3rd December. Ripon SC, Yorkshire. Afternoon Speaker – Ian Roberts – ‘ Interactive Coaching’

South: Sunday 4th December. RYA House, Hamble.  Afternoon speaker – Tim Hulse – ‘Preparing and Running a Tactics Session’

East: Sunday 4th December. The Self Centre, Bury St Edmunds. Afternoon Speaker – Ian Martin – ‘ Tactics’

West: Sunday 4th December. The Anderton Centre, Chorley, LANCS. Afternoon Speaker – Duncan Hepplewhite – ‘Interactive Coaching & Technology for  Coaching

Thames Valley: Sunday 4th December. Datchet Water SC, Slough. Afternoon Speaker Matt McGovern ‘Sailing Postures & Fitness’.

Portland Marina a part of RYA Active Marina Programme

November 08, 2011

12 berth-holders and club members were present at an Active Marina Skippers’ and Crews’ workshop event at Portland Yacht Club and Marina on 29 October. Sailor, writer and presenter Tom Cunliffe completed their day with an entertaining after-dinner speech following the club’s AGM.

Portland Marina Oct 2011

Some of the berth-holders and club members at Portland Marina

Portland Marina, along with marinas across the country, has signed up to the new RYA Active Marina Programme, which encourages berth holders to make the most of life with their yacht through marina-based training workshops and by supporting organised cruises and social events in marinas.

The workshop included top tips and techniques on berthing, manoeuvring within a marina and securing to a mooring buoy. The conditions were dry with force 4 gusting 5/6 winds that tested all the participants, but were perfect for the workshops in the sheltered location of the marina and Portland Harbour.

Participant Ian Singleton commented: “This course has been very useful with something for everyone, irrespective of experience. If you only come away with a single nugget of advice then this course will have been exceptional value for money.”

Kate Dodson added: “This was an excellent session based on my learning needs as a new crew without powerboat experience. I’ve been encouraged to do more and I will be more safety aware.”

Rupert Fowke, Commodore of Portland Yacht Club, is delighted that the club is part of the Active Marina programme: “Firstly, it offers incredibly good value for money. Secondly, we feel that we are never too old to learn and welcome the opportunity to learn new techniques. Thirdly, we like the novel approach of the courses offered – in particular, those for reluctant spouses, away from their experienced partners, have aroused much interest.”

“In addition, Tom was an unqualified success. I have not laughed so much in years!”

In 2012 there will be a number of Active Marina events for both marina berth-holders and Yacht Club members.

RYA encourages to get involved with Government’s Red Tape Challenge-Maritime

November 04, 2011

The RYA is inviting everbody to get involved with the Government’s Red Tape Challenge as it moves onto the maritime sector on 10 November 2011 for five weeks. The aim of the challenge is to help free discussion of the steps by which the goals of existing regulation can be achieved in the least disturbing way possible.

RYA logo

With the focus now on the maritime sector the Department for Transport wants to gather thoughts and ideas from those who deal with regulations on a day-to-day basis on which regulations should stay, which could be merged, which can be scrapped and so on.

Gus Lewis RYA Head of Government Affairs: “This is a great opportunity for us all, from clubs and training centres, to volunteers and boaters and the RYA to let Government know what we think about existing regulation and its impact upon our activities.”

“As a preliminary to the Red Tape Challenge opening publicly the RYA met informally with the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Department for Transport to discuss the process and to enable us to identify where the RYA’s intervention might be most effective.”

“The RYA believes that any legislation or regulation should be transparent, accountable, proportionate and consistent and only targeted at cases where sound risk and evidence analysis demonstrates that such action is needed.”

“This process gives us a unique opportunity to challenge those regulations that do not satisfy these criteria and in doing so to set a benchmark against which future legislative proposals might be measured” concludes Gus.

At the end of the five weeks Ministers will have three months to decide what action they will take in light of the experience and ideas they have received from the sector.

The Government’s Red Tape Challenge, which will be conducted across all departments and sectors, started in April 2011 and will run until April 2013.

Marinas in UK launch RYA Active Marina Programme

August 17, 2011

Marinas across the country are signing up to the new RYA Active Marina Programme which encourages berth holders to make the most of life with their boat through marina based training workshops and by supporting organised cruises and social events in marinas.

RYA Active Marina Programme

RYA Active Marina Programme


Queen Anne’s Battery in Plymouth celebrated joining the programme by offering their berth holders Power and Sail boat handling workshops which included maneuvering in confined spaces and berthing skills.

“The workshop was a fantastic way to get to know your boat and to learn about how boats behave in different circumstances. Even for the more experienced sailors these sessions are a great way to brush up on techniques and it’s always good to have a bit of a refresher” said berth holder Keith Harris who took part in the day.

“Sun, hog roast and boat handling it doesn’t get much better!” said Simon Jinks from SeaRegs Training who ran the sessions along with Plymouth Power boating School.

“I really enjoyed giving the power and sail boat handling talks; a grassy bank on a lovely blue sunny day is a pretty good classroom”

Berth holders also enjoyed taking part in the RIB skills challenge which involved demonstrating their manoeuvring skills in a competition against the clock, with a prize presented to the best lady and gentleman.

Meanwhile Sovereign Harbour, a Premier Marina in Eastbourne celebrated their launch of the Active Marina Programme with a day of practical workshops covering basic manoeuvring and berthing skills as well as Electronic Navigation sessions for yacht sailors, motor cruisers and powerboats.

Marina Manager Janet Taylor said: “The launch was a great success and we are very pleased to work with the RYA by becoming an Active Marina. It is a fantastic opportunity to be able to tailor activities to give our customers exactly what they need to become more confident and to enjoy using their boats. Next we are hoping to offer a workshop on locking.”

RYA Multihull Handbook for Cruisers launched

September 14, 2010

The PSP Southampton Boat Show saw the official launch of the eagerly awaited RYA publication the RYA Multihull Handbook for Cruisers, the latest from the popular RYA series.

Andrew Simpson the author of the RYA Multihull Handbook for Cruisers

The must have book for multihull enthusiasts which covers the complexities of multihull boating was unveiled by the author Andrew Simpson, renowned yacht designer, marine journalist and illustrator.

Andrew who began sailing at 13 when he joined a training ship says: “It was a great pleasure to write this book, I have such huge enthusiasm for these exciting and splendid boats. The book gives insight into the basics of the multihull and is aimed at enthusiasts as well as and anyone considering buying one.”

Steen Ingerslev, Business Development Manager, RYA concludes “We are very excited to launch the RYA Multihull Handbook because it fills a gap in the market and goes into fantastic depth about these exhilarating boats.

“Copies are available on the RYA Stand (E037) at the 2010 PSP Southampton Boat Show and RYA members receive a 20% discount. We also have a whole host of competitions and discounts on RYA publications throughout the show. ”

British Marine Federation (BMF) and the RYA promote Marine Sector

June 25, 2010

The British Marine Federation (BMF) and the RYA were delighted to be among the first organisations to host a reception in the House of Commons early in the new Parliament yesterday (23 June 2010). It was an opportunity to meet some of the newly elected MPs as well as to thank re-elected parliamentarians for their support throughout the year. The recent election saw a large increase of new MPs entering Parliament and the reception allowed the BMF and RYA to educate and inform many of them on the £3 billion marine industry; highlighting its considerable contribution to the economy.

Sponsored by Peter Bottomley MP on the Terrace at the Houses of Parliament, the reception was an opportunity to show how important the industry is to the wider economy and how crucial it is that the Government creates a regulatory environment that allows it to flourish. Topics discussed focused on both the BMF and RYA belief that support for SMEs should be at the top of the Government’s agenda. MPs were also briefed on the organisations’ influence on the Marine and Coastal Access Act, outlook on Third Sector status for Inland Waterways and issues surrounding the Government’s promotion of renewable energy.

Parliamentary Reception Geoff Holt MBE and Peter Bottomley MP

Guest speaker and quadriplegic sailor, Geoff Holt MBE demonstrated the accessibility of sailing and other water-based activities, and the ease at which you can get involved whatever your ability, location, age or financial standing. This helped to give guests a real flavour of the diversity of boating as a leisure activity.

Rob Stevens, Chief Executive of the British Marine Federation, said:
“We are constantly engaging with Government departments on various issues to ensure that our member’s voices are at the heart of the decision making process. It is therefore important that we maintain and expand our profile in the new Parliament through such events.”

“We were delighted to be able to meet MPs and Peers from all political parties, including relevant Government Ministers and senior officials. It was also a pleasure to welcome the new members of the Parliament and introduce them to our industry. We look forward to engaging with them on key issues in the future.”

Transport Minister Mike Penning MP and Rob Stevens, Chief Executive of the British Marine Federation

Sarah Treseder, Chief Executive of the RYA, said:
“The reception was a great success and we were pleased to welcome several of the MPs and senior officials who will be crucial to our ongoing work in seeking to influence government. In particular we had a long and constructive conversation with the new Shipping Minister, Mike Penning MP and were able to discuss with him our interest in a number of his department’s ongoing projects and possible future policies”.

About the BMF
The British Marine Federation has almost 1,500 members representing an industry employing more than 35,000 people in the UK. Members are drawn from both the seagoing and inland sectors of the marine industry covering the leisure boat, hire fleet, commercial workboat and superyacht categories and supporting services.

About the RYA
• The RYA is the national body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating. It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sportsboats, powerboat racing, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft.
• The RYA is recognised by all government offices as being the negotiating body for the activities it represents. It continually fights for the rights and freedoms of its 102,000 personal members, the majority of whom choose to go afloat for purely recreational non-competitive pleasure on coastal and inland waters. There are an estimated further 500,000 boat owners nationally who are members of RYA affiliated clubs and class associations.
• The RYA also sets and maintains a recognised standard for recreational boat training through a network of 2,340 RYA Recognised Training Centres in over 43 countries. On average 155,000 people per year complete RYA training courses.
• The RYA is committed to promoting all forms of boating and making them accessible to everyone. • RYA Sailability is the leading UK charity for disabled sailing and is the official charity of the RYA. Registered Charity Number: 1084351
• You can find the RYA at RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble, Southampton, SO31 4YA

RYA UK revises it’s advice on flares and emergency distress alerting equipment

May 28, 2010

The use and carriage of flares as distress signals at sea has changed as more robust and technologically advanced alternatives have developed.  As a result the RYA has revised its advice to mariners regarding the carriage and use of flares in combination with more modern alerting methods such as EPIRB’s and VHF DSC.

The new guidelines, for skippers of pleasure craft under 13.7m in length, provide information on the combinations of equipment you could consider carrying and using depending upon the type of your vessel and where you use it.

“We have revised our guidelines in light of advancements in technology for sending a distress alert at sea”, comment Stuart Carruthers, RYA Cruising Manager.

“Our revised guidance will allow boaters to make informed decisions about the types of equipment they choose to carry. We are not saying don’t carry flares, but combined with modern devices you might not need to carry as many as previously recommended.  Think about what you want on board as you may prefer other methods for alerting attention.

“EPIRBs and VHF DSC are both reliable alternative alerting methods to the use of parachute flares to indicate distress, however the alternatives to flares for pinpointing vessels in need of assistance are less reliable, therefore flares remain the recommended means for location in the final mile for the time being”, concluded Stuart.

To support these revised recommendations from the RYA, the MCA has agreed to trial some of the new alternative equipment for location, such as laser flares, and are to review regulations for vessels over 13.7 metres and the carriage requirements set out in the small vessel codes.

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