Sailingfast named official RYA Scotland Pathway Partner at Pathway Championships

Sailingfast founder Duncan Hepplewhite with RYA Scotland's Head of Sport & Performance Pathways Jamie Rogers © RYA Scotland

RYA Scotland has announced Sailingfast as an official Pathway Partner, with the partnership formally launched during RYA Scotland's Pathway Championships at Loch Lomond Sailing Club on 20-21 June.

The Championships brought together youth and junior racers from across Scotland for a competitive but friendly weekend of racing, with fleets designed to support established racers as well as sailors looking to build experience in a welcoming regatta environment.

Against the iconic backdrop of Loch Lomond, the weekend provided the ideal setting to celebrate and build on RYA Scotland's relationship with Sailingfast. Through the partnership, Sailingfast will provide support across areas including expert insight, apparel, prizes and discounts, helping to enhance the experience for sailors at key events and training opportunities throughout the season.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to helping sailors develop confidence, independence and resilience on and off the water, while strengthening the support network around young people as they progress through the sport.

Sailingfast founder and co-Director Duncan Hepplewhite said: "Sailingfast has always been passionate about supporting Scottish sailors, from club level through to international competition. Formalising our partnership with RYA Scotland's Performance Pathway feels like a natural next step and gives us a brilliant opportunity to build on that support, adding real value for sailors as they develop, compete and progress through the sport."

Fellow Sailingfast co-Director Emma Hepplewhite said: "We're really proud to be supporting RYA Scotland's Performance Pathway and the young sailors who are developing through it. It feels fitting to have launched the partnership this weekend, with so many sailors, coaches and volunteers together in a positive and supportive environment."

RYA Scotland Partnership Lead Steph Proud said: "We're delighted to welcome Sailingfast as an official RYA Scotland Pathway Partner. Their longstanding support for sailors, families and events across Scotland makes this partnership a really positive step for our Performance Pathway. By working together across a variety of areas, we hope to enhance the experience for young sailors and help create more opportunities for them to learn, develop and feel supported."

Sailingfast has been part of the sailing community since 2002 and is known for chandlery, boat part and boat sale services, as well as hands-on presence at events across the UK, offering practical support, kit knowledge and experience to sailors and families. RYA Scotland and Sailingfast have enjoyed many years of collaboration and so are thrilled to be entering into a formal partnership for the benefit of the up-and-coming racers in Scotland.

The announcement comes as young sailors prepare for a busy summer of racing, with the Scottish Sailing Pathway Championships providing an important early-season opportunity to build momentum, learn from racing experience and celebrate the breadth of talent developing through clubs and classes across Scotland.

RYA Scotland's Head of Sport & Performance Pathways Jamie Rogers, Sailingfast Director's Emma & Duncan Hepplewhite, and RYA Scotland Performance Committee Chair Donald Wood - photo © RYA Scotland