RYA takes a break to help prevent the spread

RYA House © RYA

All activity to cease over Easter

As the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak are felt more acutely across the UK, it is making it increasingly difficult to maintain normal service levels. Over the past few weeks, we've taken significant steps to maintain our high levels of service, while also making it possible for the majority of RYA employees to work safely from home.

It is clear to everyone that these are difficult times and it is important that we do everything we can to limit the need for people to physically attend our buildings. As such, the RYA will be closed over the Easter break (4 to 19 April 2020) to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus. The message is clear: stay home, protect the NHS, and save lives.

All of the RYA's directly organised events and activities are currently suspended until at least 31 May 2020. This decision has been taken in response to the Government's preventative measures, to protect the health and well-being of participants, officials, organisers and volunteers, and to alleviate the risk of an additional burden on our emergency services.

If you have queries that are directly related to the current pandemic, please take a look at our Coronavirus hub. Here you will find all the latest advice and guidance that has been developed by our Cruising, Legal & Government Affairs Team as the situation has evolved. We hope the information provided online will be able to answer your questions, or will let you know what to do next.

During this time, our shop is staying open and customers will be advised of any delays on print products during the two-week closure. RYA eBooks will be unaffected, offering enhanced accessibility, functionality and animations, and we'll still be offering RYA eBook support for customers encountering any technical difficulties.

Whilst we might not be able to get out on the water or complete any practical training at the moment, the #COVID19 pandemic does mean that many of us have some extra time on our hands. There are a number of RYA courses that have options for online and distance learning, all you need is access to the internet. So why not use this time to get stuck in and refresh your knowledge or learn something new?

The RYA has teamed up with the British Sailing Team and the British Youth Sailing Team to launch project #SailFromHome, a programme of remote learning opportunities to inspire sailing fans over the coming months which will feature a range of online sailing-specific content including home workouts, expert sessions, club development guidance and fun challenges, as well as sailing tips for juniors. Follow the RYA social media channels to take part.

Now is also the perfect time to start eSailing, especially with the temporary closure of so many clubs and centres and everyone having to stay at home. It's a fantastic way to stay in touch and continue racing and practice your racing tactics from your own home.

Our Technical Support Hub is here to help you with any issues you may have with our digital products and services.

We remain committed to being there for our valued members and the wider boating community and we look forward to seeing you back on the water when it is safe and advisable for us to do so.