CEO REFLECTIONS
Championing our diversity
CEO Sara Sutcliffe on inspiring more people to enjoy boating life with the relaunch of Together on Water
CEO REFLECTIONS
Championing our diversity
CEO Sara Sutcliffe on inspiring more people to enjoy boating life with the relaunch of Together on Water
As an island nation, we believe that anyone who wants to experience the benefits of being on the water should have the opportunity to do so, and not feel boating is inaccessible to them. That’s why I’m so excited about the relaunch of Together on Water. This next chapter for the RYA is one where we build on the strong foundations of our strategy, while being ambitious and bold in driving meaningful change.
Recently, I’ve toured our Midlands, London and South East regions, meeting the volunteers, instructors, staff and leaders who work to offer as many opportunities to as many people as possible. I saw first-hand the incredible diversity of organisations that make up our boating community – from inland waterways training centres and youth-focused facilities to volunteer-led sailing clubs and larger watersports venues. While every organisation was unique, a shared passion for getting more people on the water was clear everywhere I visited.
I learned more about how watersports are being used to support communities through projects, partnerships and pathways into boating. These visits reinforced the vital role that clubs, centres and volunteers play in creating welcoming, accessible and sustainable opportunities for everyone to enjoy boating. And the passion, commitment and resilience I’ve seen across our regions gives me great confidence for the future.
Sara with The Ahoy Centre’s Watersports Manager, Justin Apps (L) and CEO David Reader.
Sara with The Ahoy Centre’s Watersports Manager, Justin Apps (L) and CEO David Reader.
This relaunch isn’t about changing, but building on the strong foundations of our work. It’s about supporting the people who make it happen, and creating the change needed to ensure they can help more people discover the enjoyment, benefits and opportunities that being on the water offers.
Feel free to get in touch at ceo@rya.org.uk
THE BIG ISSUE
Together, we can inspire & connect
The RYA has launched a refreshed Together on Water strategy, setting out an ambitious vision to make being on the water a natural part of our lives and ensure more people can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sailing and boating. As an island nation, the UK’s identity, communities and economy have always been shaped by the water. The strategy aims to inspire a new generation to develop a lasting connection with the water while making boating more accessible, welcoming and inclusive, and protect our blue spaces for future generations.
Read more here
THE BIG ISSUE
Together, we can inspire & connect
The RYA has launched a refreshed Together on Water strategy, setting out an ambitious vision to make being on the water a natural part of our lives and ensure more people can enjoy the lifelong benefits of sailing and boating. As an island nation, the UK’s identity, communities and economy have always been shaped by the water. The strategy aims to inspire a new generation to develop a lasting connection with the water while making boating more accessible, welcoming and inclusive, and protect our blue spaces for future generations.
Read more here
Wildlife wonders
Orcas, Risso’s dolphins (pictured), basking sharks and sunfish were among the marine species spotted around the UK coast by boaters this summer, as warmer sea temperatures meant more frequent sightings. These coincided with National Marine Week (25 July-9 August), launched by The Wildlife Trusts to celebrate the wildlife travelling in UK waters, while highlighting the need to protect our seas and rivers. The trusts encouraged people to report sightings, helping experts track species. UK waters are part of vital routes for wildlife, from the European eels that travel from British rivers to the Sargasso Sea, to the Arctic terns that migrate thousands of miles. But climate change, pollution and fishing all put pressure on marine ecosystems.
Download The Green Blue’s guide to boating around wildlife safely and legally in UK waters at thegreenblue.org.uk
Preloved kit for new sailors
The RYA has partnered with kitround, a circular sports marketplace, to encourage sailors to donate preloved kit in a bid to help reduce waste and make the sport more accessible.
Kitround specialises in reselling, redistributing and donating new and pre-owned sports kit and the partnership will see collection points at major RYA events, including the iQFOiL World Championships, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show and RYA Connected events. You can also donate directly to kitround by emailing donatesailingkit@kitround.com. All items will be resold through a dedicated RYA kitshop, with proceeds supporting the RYA Foundation, funding projects to get more people out on the water.
Adam Stevens, kitround Co-Founder, says: ‘By giving sailing kit a second life, we’re not just cutting waste, we’re lowering the barriers that stop people getting into the sport.’
The partnership builds on the RYA’s wider sustainability programme, including its support for the Sustainable Sports Apparel Charter launched by 5Thread and ongoing collaboration with Musto as Official Clothing Partner to the RYA and British Sailing Team. Visit the kitshop at kitround.com/collections/royal-yachting-association
Licence evasion still an issue
Boat licence income is essential, but evasion is still a problem despite a fall in boat numbers
Despite a 2.1% fall in boat numbers, licence evasion is broadly unchanged at 11.8%, according to the Canal & River Trust’s 2026 National Boat Count. And the number of boats without a home mooring continues to grow, increasing by 3.6%.
Boat licence income helps fund essential maintenance. During the last financial year, 98 abandoned or unlicensed boats were removed from waterways, with further work planned to identify and remove sunken boats.
Alongside reviewing enforcement processes, the Trust is strengthening support for boaters facing financial difficulties to help prevent licence evasion. Between April 2025 and May 2026, its welfare team supported 1,676 boaters.
Former RYA Chair remembered
Former RYA Chair and RYA North West Regional Chair David Williamson has passed away. A much-respected figure in the North West sailing community and a steadfast supporter of the RYA, Dave dedicated his life to grassroots sailing and founded Derwent Water Marina, where his kindness, passion and commitment to outdoor education touched many lives.
Dave’s contribution to sailing leaves a lasting legacy. He will be deeply missed.
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