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RYA Connected Webinar: Growing membership through non-competitive activity

by Mark Jardine 12 May 11:04 BST 12 May 2025
RYA Connected Webinar © RYA

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.

Join us on Monday 12th May at 7pm for the RYA Connected Webinar, 'Growing membership through non-competitive activity'.

We will hear from Sarah Agnew, Committee Member at Poole Yacht Club, who have been supporting their non-racers (and those racers who also enjoy just messing about in boats) with 'scamping trips', friendly Friday sessions (that see more people on the water than any other club activity) and their 'Big Shots' improver sessions.

We'll also hear from Alasdair Simpson, Commodore at Arnside Sailing Club, which is based at a very tidal location, so they're only able to get on the water every other week. The club run dinghy cruises for members in the Lake District where Alasdair plans the route and arranges, with a recce beforehand, a suitable point to launch and stop along the way. The club is also developing paddleboarding trips, recently joining Paddle UK and training up Paddle Leaders.

Once again, many thanks to Gareth Thomas for devoting the time and energy to put this important webinar series together.

How did these series come about?

Back in 2019 and early 2020, together with the RYA, I was part of a hugely successful set of webinars which highlighted how sailing clubs were growing their membership and increasing participation in activities.

How do I watch or participate?

You are welcome to join in, ask questions or just watch. Register for the webinar on Teams here.

Note: Check your Teams is up to date before the webinar otherwise you can have problems seeing slides on presentations.

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