Please select your home edition
Edition
RYA Membership

Bookings now open for the RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference

by Susie Nation-Grainger 28 Sep 2020 06:19 BST 21 November 2020
RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference © RYA

Bookings are now open for the RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference supported by Gallagher, on Saturday 21 November with Ben Ainslie headlining a stellar virtual cast of expert speakers and workshops.

This year's online conference will explore the theme of 'a different world with new opportunities', in recognition of the challenging times clubs have experienced over the last few months, the changes that have taken place and the innovative ideas and opportunities that have since emerged.

During the event, Olympic gold Medallist Ben Ainslie will be sharing his own experiences of lockdown and how America's Cup contender INEOS Team UK has bounced back despite the difficulties, with an exclusive video presentation.

Hosted by double Olympic gold medallist and broadcaster Shirley Robertson, the programme of guest speakers will also include Chris Grant, Sport England board member and expert in strategy, leadership and group dynamics. Chris will be examining how clubs can decide what opportunities might be right for them to move forwards with confidence.

RYA Regional Development Officer Manager, Gareth Brookes, who organised the event said: "Clubs have been through an incredibly tough six months and the conference is a chance for us to support committee members and volunteers, reflect on our experiences and look ahead to the future.

"So much has changed in society and there has been a fast-forward in trends as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. We're really pleased to be able to announce this interesting and varied line-up of speakers, stands and workshops to help clubs navigate this new landscape.

"Please do book a ticket even if you might not be able to attend on the day as the content will be available afterwards to reach as many people as possible, from what will be the most important and accessible RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference to date".

Delegates will be able to take part from the comfort of their own home or get together with fellow members at their club to share the online experience together (subject to Government guidance on gatherings).

Key speakers will address delegates in the morning during the main part of the conference from 10am to 1.30pm. And throughout the weekend there will be an online expo area with interactive 'stands' - Friday 12:00-19:00, Saturday 09:00-17:00 and Sunday 10:00-12:00 - with access to RYA expertise with our legal, racing and training teams, with bookable 1-1 appointments, live text Q&As, club case studies, regional and Home Country updates, downloadable resources and on-demand video.

Conference delegates will also be able to access club development webinar streams which will start from the 23rd November. Each stream will consist of three sessions with a session delivered each week. The club development webinar stream titles are:

  • How can your club use the RYA's development model to help ensure a positive future for your club and members?
  • How can your club successfully recruit and manage your team of volunteers?
  • How can your club keep members supported and satisfied to reduce churn?
  • Why a diverse membership matters and how to use a person-centred approach to deliver a great experience to a wider audience?
  • How can your club promote itself to potential new members?
  • How can you minimise the impact of club activities on the environment?
  • How can your engagement with the local community enable you to explore your full potential creating impact through the power of sport?
Further details about each of these streams will be provided on the booking form.

There will be technical support for those who may be unsure how to access the conference's online content to ensure everyone who wants to participate can do so.

Book your FREE place for the 2020 RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference.

Follow #RYAClubsConference @RoyalYachtingAssociation on Facebook and @RYA on Twitter for all the latest conference news.

Related Articles

Celebrating 20 years of OnBoard
One of the UK's largest grassroots programs dedicated to getting children aged 8–18 out on the water OnBoard is celebrating 20 years of impact—having already introduced more than 1.3 million young people to the transformative experience of sailing and windsurfing. Posted on 9 Jun
RYA named Official Community Impact Partner
Connecting the local community, children and groups in Portsmouth with the water. As excitement builds ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth this July, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is proud to be named the event's Official Community Impact Partner. Posted on 7 Jun
New British Sailing Talent Academies open
Four Academy host venues announced as programme applications open up The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is proud to announce the launch of four new British Sailing Talent Academies as part of its commitment to developing the next generation of high-performance sailors. Posted on 4 Jun
Nominations now open for the 2026 RYA Awards
Celebrate the people and organisations making a difference in our boating community The instructor who sparks confidence in new sailors. The person who quietly keeps things running behind the scenes. The young volunteer who turns up with a smile, rain or shine. Posted on 2 Jun
RYA Southampton International Boat Show deal
Take advantage of an exclusive discounted £5 ticket Southampton International Boat Show, Britain's biggest festival of boating and watersports is back on 19th-28th September 2025 for its 56th edition and RYA members (aged 16+) can now take advantage of an exclusive discounted £5 ticket. Posted on 31 May
Next RYA Connected Webinar tonight at 7pm!
Growing membership through non-competitive activity After a pause in April, it's time for the third in the series of webinars aimed at helping clubs boost membership and sailing participation. Posted on 12 May
£10 off RYA adult or family membership
This spring, make it official - join the RYA community Now's the perfect time to take the next step in your boating journey. Join RYA membership today and unlock exclusive benefits designed to help you get more from life on the water. Posted on 19 Apr
RYA launches 'The Female Futures Group'
Supporting and elevating women in sport A new wave of change is emerging in British sailing as the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) launches The Female Futures Group, dedicated to increasing female participation and unlocking new opportunities for women and girls in the sport. Posted on 9 Apr
RYA influences MCA's changes to regulations
Interview with Niall McLeod to see how Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice affects us The RYA have been working closely with the the government to make sure that new regulations for leisure vessels are not too restrictive. It seems that any group which operates a "coded" vessel should be thankful. Posted on 18 Mar
RYA Connected Webinar: Increasing Racing Activity
Join us on Monday 3rd March at 7pm After the huge success of the first Connected webinar, focused on growing membership, aimed at clubs and how they can boost membership and increase activity on the water, it's nearly time for the second in the series. Posted on 27 Feb