Please select your home edition
Edition
RYA Membership

The RYA teams up with candid and inspirational podcast 'Our Voices'

by Emma Cotton 19 Feb 2022 13:51 GMT

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has teamed up with the up-and-coming podcast, 'Our Voices,' produced by Fascinate Productions, for a series of insightful episodes chatting with members of the boating community.

As a channel that encourages listeners to better understand themselves and society through listening to others, the interviews will focus on diversity in sport and celebrating some of the girls and women participating in boating.

During each of the episodes, listeners will hear the real-life stories from people within the boating community, as re-told in their own words. Subjects for discussion include when and how guests were offered their first chance to get on the water, what excites them about boating and what drives them to continue with the sport - whether that is as a hobby or competitively. Guests will also be invited to delve into any negative experiences that they may have faced whilst a part of the boating community, and to talk about what their hopes are for the future of the sport.

Initially started as a voice for NHS medical professionals during the pandemic, the 'Our Voices' podcast has evolved as a reliable channel for hearing real stories told by real people and has gained popularity for the honest and human portrayal of people's real lived experiences.

Commenting on the upcoming episodes and its hoped impact, Mel Hide, RYA Director of External Affairs, said: "The RYA is looking to reach new audiences and inspire more people to try boating, and maybe even fall in love with the activity they choose. Boating comes in many forms so there is something for everyone, no matter ability, location, and financial status. But sometimes people think it's exclusive and expensive so not for them. We want to change that perception. Helping us do that is a group of entrepreneurs who believe stories have the power to change minds and we're excited to sponsor Our Voices - the only short story podcast that takes a snapshot of people's lives."

Guests on the podcast are expected to range from weekend windsurfers to Olympic medallists and everything in-between. It is hoped that listeners to the interviews, regardless of background or ability will feel encouraged to find their nearest club or centre and to give boating a go.

Mel continues: "Through this association we hope to spark an interest in the RYA and drive those that are curious to want to know more about how we are keeping the sport real for everyone, in their communities, now and in future."

Alex Melia, Creator and Host at 'Our Voices,' said: ""I am very excited to partner with the RYA on the 'Our Voices' Podcast. I see a genuine opportunity to really encourage people from different backgrounds and different ethnicities into the RYA organisation as part of their EDI strategy. Our podcast is all about providing a platform for diversity: both diversity of background and diversity of experience. So, as we look to do future podcast series on the areas of celebrating women, raising awareness of disabilities, exploring role models, and highlighting key aspects of safeguarding, I see huge potential for people of a diverse range of backgrounds to discover and enjoy the thrill of boating and sailing through our association."

The 'Our Voices' podcast can be accessed via the 'Our Voices' website.

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