Please select your home edition
Edition
RYA Membership

RYA launches digital timeline and new video to mark 50 year anniversary of training schemes

by Becky Gilbert-Wood 5 Dec 2020 12:00 GMT
National Sailing Centre at Cowes © RYA

The RYA has launched a digital timeline and new video marking key moments in the 50 year history of its world-famous training schemes.

The first RYA courses were introduced in 1970 to provide clubs and sailing schools with a national training programme and standardised method of learning to sail - with qualified instructors, inspections and safety requirements.

50 years on, more than 270,000 people undertake some form of RYA training each year and the programme of courses is no longer exclusive to dinghies, but encompasses everything from personal watercraft to the inland waterways, the thrill of foiling, the globally respected RYA Yachtmaster™ and so much more.

Richard Falk, RYA Director of Training and Qualifications said: "The timeline celebrates key moments in the very broad and diverse history of the RYA's training schemes, starting with the launch of the National Sailing Scheme back in 1970.

"It's amazing to look back and see just how far we've come, with the introduction of seven different schemes and more than 100 different courses. In more recent years we've embraced evolving technologies with the introduction of eLearning and accessible eBooks, something that's been more important this year than ever before.

"As we celebrate our 50th year, we'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that's been involved with RYA training over the last five decades. It's thanks to the incredible work of RYA recognised training centres and instructors all over the world that we've helped so many get out on the water and enjoy it safely."

RYA courses deliver the skills and knowledge boaters need to stay safe and enjoy their time afloat. The schemes have not only improved boating safety around the world, but have given people from all walks of life the opportunity to discover the joy of boating and watersports.

And it's not just recreational boaters, there are many that have forged successful careers in the marine industry, all thanks to an RYA course.

This year, the RYA has been encouraging members, instructors and students to share their RYA training stories, showcasing the real impact it has had on the lives of so many.

RYA Instructor and 2020 Vendée Globe competitor, Pip Hare, is one of many that has got involved with the campaign and said: "Learning and later teaching as part of the RYA training scheme gave me the skills and confidence to feel comfortable, first as a crew, then a skipper. It gave me the platform I needed to start on the path to international offshore racing."

"The first steps into sailing are always the hardest to take and so whenever someone asks me how to get involved, I tell them to find a sailing school and book onto a course!"

All the stories are available on the RYA website. Visit View the timeline here, watch the video and find out more about the last 50 years of RYA training.

For more information about RYA courses and to find an RYA recognised training centre near you, visit rya.org.uk/training.

Related Articles

Next RYA Connected Webinar on 23rd June
Securing funding and finance for your club If you're interested in securing funding or finance to enable investment for capital infrastructure projects then we think you will want to know about this webinar... Posted on 13 Jun
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