The water has always shaped the UK's identity, communities and economy – we’re an island nation, after all. But while research shows there's strong interest in watersports, many people face barriers to participation. The RYA believes that by challenging perceptions, removing barriers and creating more inclusive environments, more people can discover the enjoyment, freedom and wellbeing that time on the water provides. Building on our original strategy, our refreshed plan reflects changing social attitudes and participation trends, with a renewed focus on making sailing and boating accessible, and delivering impact reports and ten-year goals. The strategy is built around four long-term priorities:

• More People, More Often – encouraging lifelong participation and stronger connections with the water
• More Backgrounds – ensuring sailing and boating better reflect the diversity of communities across the UK
• Better Blue Spaces – protecting and enhancing waterways and coastal environments for future generations
• Brilliant Basics – providing the strong foundations, facilities, volunteers and support needed for the sport to thrive

"Greater access and stronger community support are key"

Backed by insights from our Reflections on Water and Watersports Participation surveys, the strategy highlights growing demand for watersports, particularly among younger and more diverse audiences. In the next decade, the RYA will work with clubs, training centres, volunteers, partners and participants to turn this vision into reality, ensuring sailing and boating flourish for generations to come. This in turn will protect our blue spaces – the more people are connected, the more they care.

'Our refreshed Together on Water strategy is about ensuring more people can experience the freedom, enjoyment and lifelong benefits of being on the water,' says RYA CEO Sara Sutcliffe. 'Water has always been part of my life, like it has for so many of us. It inspires, challenges and connects us, bringing a freedom that stays with us for life.

'Since launching Together on Water, we’ve embedded community into the heart of all we do, and we’re seeing the impact. This next chapter sharpens our focus: opening access, challenging perceptions and making our activities more inclusive and relevant to us all.'

Read more about our strategy at:
rya.org.uk/about-us/strategy-and-plans