Olympic Sailor returns to his roots to help RYA Scotland launch new strategic cycle

Fynn Sterritt returns to his roots to help RYA Scotland launch new strategic cycle at Rooster RS Feva Nationals © RYA Scotland

Paris 2024 Olympian Fynn Sterritt has returned to his sailing roots to celebrate a new strategic cycle for RYA Scotland, marked by the launch of the governing body's revised strategy, People, Places and Communities, guiding the organisation from Spring 2025 onward.

Fynn helped launch the new strategy alongside RYA Scotland staff, volunteers, and young sailors at the Rooster RS Feva Nationals at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club on the 27th May.

With a focus on the People, Places, and Communities that define Scottish sailing, the strategy outlines aims to build on the sport's many strengths and support increasingly accessible and rewarding opportunities afloat.

Read People, Places, and Communities - Together on Water [PDF]

RYA Scotland's new strategy is a revision of its 2022-25 Strategic Plan which signified a landmark approach for a sport governing body, with a strong outward look to capture a true essence of the participation landscape across Scotland.

Speaking on this revised edition of People, Places and Communities, RYA Scotland CEO Finlo Cottier said: "Our revised strategy draws on the interactions and conversations we've enjoyed with the Scottish boating community over the last few years when communities have been readjusting to significant societal change.

"We are eager for People, Places and Communities to be a way of thinking and working, not just a document full of dry ideas. As a governing body our core role is to make a tangible difference to those who want to enjoy being on the water.

"Sailing gives participants young and old the chance to practise their decision making, develop resilience, and feel true independence to an extent not offered in many other sports.

"We're lucky to be in a position where we get to see the positive impact sailing and boating has on participants every day. By working to support the community who make this possible, we want to see more people in more places experiencing all our sport can offer.

"I think this event [the Rooster RS Feva Nationals] sums up our strategy really well. The people are here, the sailors, the coaches, the volunteers, the club members. The place is special, this is a superb venue, brilliant facilities. And the community that's around is buzzing."

Reflecting on the special environment sailing offers participants, former British Sailing Team athlete and Paris 2024 Olympian Fynn Sterritt said:

"Sailing is a sport where, while you can get help around the edges, you're on the water and it's just you and your sailing partner, and you've got to make the right decisions.

"It was great to see the sailors in those circumstances today with a smile on their face.

"Sailing is a super unique sport, it challenges you in many ways. I've certainly benefited from that, it gives you many skills for the rest of your life.

"It's fantastic to see the RS Feva Nationals come up here. Hopefully Scotland will secure some more major championships in the future."

"I've always loved sailing in Scotland, it obviously is an amazing place to grow up sailing. It's great to come back and see the next generation enjoy being out on the water.

"We've got some fantastic places to go sailing, you don't have to go far."

Emilia Ewer from Prestwick Sailing Club was competing at the Rooster RS Feva Nationals. Pleased to see Scotland showcasing what it has to offer, Emilia said:

"It's really good that there's enough people in the Feva fleet for the Nationals to be held here in Scotland.

"It's amazing that everyone can come and see the amazing scenery there is."

Describing the friendships she's made through the sailing community, fellow sailor Eleanor Wisdish added:

"I know lots of people all over Scotland now, friends are here from Aberdeen, and I'm from near Glasgow - so it's great to have connections all over."

In August, the UK Topper Nationals will take place at Largs Sailing Club, giving young sailors another chance to get stuck into a major event, put their skills to the test, and show what Scotland has to offer.

With RYA Scotland's refreshed iteration of People, Places and Communities best described as an evolution rather than revolution, the RYA Scotland team look forward to supporting positive impact in the community moving forward, working in line with the wider Royal Yachting Association's strategic vision, Together On Water.

For those looking to give sailing a try, the RYA run an online Activity Finder allowing anyone to find nearby clubs, centres and courses with a simple postcode search.