Support for your club during the pandemic - have you seen what's on offer from the RYA?
by Susie Nation-Grainer, RYA 22 Apr 2020 10:48 BST
In light of the Coronavirus situation, the RYA is encouraging those involved in running affiliated clubs to take advantage of the support and guidance on offer during these challenging times.
Community Emergency Funding
Sport England recently announced a £195 million package to help the community sport and physical activity sector in England which includes the Community Emergency Fund. This could be especially useful for clubs and Sailability groups who have ongoing financial obligations that they are struggling to meet.
Those who work with underrepresented or disadvantaged groups in their community are likely to be looked upon particularly favourably by Sport England. The RYA has created an application guide with advice for clubs that are planning to submit applications. Find more about the Community Emergency Fund and the criteria here.
Legal Advice
With sailing clubs and centres closed to prevent the spread of the virus, guidance from the RYA Legal Team continues to be updated and includes advice on cash flow, refunds, insurance and customer engagements amongst other concerns which have been raised.
The most recent advice to be released details support available for charitable organisations and guidance on Furlough.
Clubs may also have seen that the Government has launched a new 'support finder' tool to help businesses and self-employed people across the UK to quickly and easily determine what financial support is available to them during the pandemic.
eSailing
Over the last couple of weeks hundreds of RYA affiliated clubs have signed up for a Virtual Regatta eSailing VIP pass and have been running their own eSailing club events.
With racing proving so popular the RYA has introduced the RYA eSailing Spring Club Championship allowing hundreds competitors to compete for the title of not only RYA eSailing Regional Spring Club Champion but also RYA eSailing Spring Club National Champion.
Clubs can find more information about how eSailing could bring your members together virtually here.
#SailAtHome
Originally targeting youth and junior racers, the RYA has expanded the #SailFromHome project with content to appeal to sailing club members and fans of all ages.
'MarketingMondays' kick off the week and include webinars from the experts at SocialB on how to successfully use social media. On Thursdays don't miss the Club Development sessions which are packed full of advice and information from the Regional Development Officers. Clubs can also get top tips on how to get ahead with funding applications with the #FundingFriday webinars and stay in touch with all things #eSailing on Saturdays.
For OnBoard and junior sailors, #SailSmart sessions on a Wednesdays are proving a huge hit with Jake Elsbury from RS Sailing leading bite size tutorials each week. On Thursdays youngsters can have fun while learning knots and how to use them with '#KnotOnTheWater
With new #SailFromHome content created each week you can stay up to date by following the RYA social media channels or subscribe to the RYA YouTube channel.
Keep in touch
Following a two week break over Easter, RYA staff are now back at work and contactable albeit working from home. If your club has more specific questions or seeking more detailed advice, they should contact their Regional Development Officer.