Dinghy development: how could the RYA improve what they do for rank an

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how could the RYA improve what they do for rank an

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11908
Printed Date: 12 Jul 25 at 3:54am
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Topic: how could the RYA improve what they do for rank an

Posted By: davidyacht
Subject: how could the RYA improve what they do for rank an
Date Posted: 03 Mar 15 at 12:20pm

Like this ...

My previous thread has got us to this point, maybe we could focus this a bit, and maybe someone with the right RYA connections might take it on board.

I think where we had got to is that the RYA does do some good things for the Youth and the Olympians.

Also does good things for training in clubs ... but isn't brilliant at communicating this. Is pitching its marketing the wrong way. Has got so large that the rank and file dinghy sailors do not feel loved.

IMO if I could see a positive step forward on this I would resurect my RYA Membership.

Discuss?

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Happily living in the past

Replies:

Posted By: Rupert
Date Posted: 03 Mar 15 at 1:17pm

I guess the first thing for me would be to make the website a little more easy to use. It has all the information you need about absolutely anything you want from them, but is hard to navigate.

I'd like them to take a different approach to club sailing - but I'm not really sure what, to be honest. Less paperwork, more encouragement, I guess. All a bit vague, that...

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Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 03 Mar 15 at 1:19pm

The rank and file dinghy sailors get a lot for 'free' effectively by getting the benefits through their club affiliation.

The RYA also do a lot for clubs and help clubs a lot which is what helps to benefit the grass roots sailor. The problem is a lot of clubs either don't want or don't know what is available.

I am pretty sure the RYA will be in contact with clubs over what they have (and not just the funding for training and equipment). The question is how many clubs have a training and development person or committee that can pick this kind of information up and move it forward. The RYA is not there to wipe clubs bums for them (IMO) and spoon feed them/ They are there to run the sport and let clubs and sailors know what is there for them. If said clubs and sailors then choose to ignore it that is their loss (IMO).

I know the Eastern Region RDO works hard for his region and for his clubs and centres but he has a huge area to cover with a lot of clubs and centres. Sure a bit of targeted contact might not go amiss but does he have the resources and time to do that?

I would say it is akin to childrens centre provision in some ways. There is a use it or lose culture. If clubs don't use it they lose to to a club that will use it.

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Paul
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D-Zero GBR 74

Posted By: jeffers
Date Posted: 03 Mar 15 at 1:19pm

Originally posted by Rupert

I guess the first thing for me would be to make the website a little more easy to use. It has all the information you need about absolutely anything you want from them, but is hard to navigate.

+1 there, I always use google to find stuff on their site if I need anything

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Paul
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D-Zero GBR 74

Posted By: turnturtle
Date Posted: 03 Mar 15 at 1:23pm

I don't think they do a bad job to be honest- they're there if you need or want them and no doubt they're involved somewhere with provisioning some infrastructure I'm probably taking very much for granted.

As far as how much more they could do for me personally- not a lot I'd say.... if I want training then I need to free up some more time. Paying for it and organising it are secondary concerns. I'd probably club together with a few other sailors in my class association and hire a professional for the day without troubling the RYA too much, or just do something far more low-key at the club.... short course racing is one of the best training tools for club racing imho, and that's available quite often.

Posted By: craiggo
Date Posted: 03 Mar 15 at 6:49pm

My view is that the RYA, are overselling themselves. They certainly provide fantastic legal support and advice on grant applications, and I honestly think that many of the regional guys want to help. The problem is that the bureaucracy involved centrally means that in practice the help actually delivered falls short of the expectation that they themselves have created. Take for instance the demo days in May (can't remember the catchy name), as a risk venue is difficult to comply with set dates. We have proposed a different day later in May which our regional bod, was happy to help with, but central have started that the event is only on its pre-defined date. How's that for inclusiveness heh?
I agree with earlier comments that the communication needs to be better, and that the multi-layered business structure that they have built may just be too unwieldy to flexibly serve their members.