The national RYA Awards recognise outstanding individuals whose hard work and dedication make boating more accessible, encourage participation and inspire more people to enjoy time on the water.

This year’s winners included Jane Long, who received an Inspirational Instructor award. Jane has helped transform opportunities for women in boating by founding Women on Water (WoW) at Brightlingsea’s Colne Yacht Club more than eight years ago. What started as a small initiative has grown into a thriving community of more than 50 women.

You’ve been involved with Colne Yacht Club for many years. What are you most proud of?

Yes, I’ve been a member and volunteer for a long time, and lucky enough to serve as Commodore, President and now Chief Instructor. While those roles have all been rewarding, I’m immensely proud of starting the Women on Water group in 2018. The idea was simple – create a welcoming, supportive space where women could enjoy sailing, build confidence and feel part of a community, whether they were experienced sailors or stepping onto a boat for the very first time.

What first inspired you to set up the Women on Water group?

I’ve sailed all my life, but I saw that there were many women who stayed ashore. Not through lack of ambition or interest, but because they couldn’t see an opportunity to get afloat as an individual, rather than as someone’s ’other half’. The aim was to create an environment where women felt comfortable asking questions, trying new things and supporting one another. And laugh! It’s become about much more than sailing – it’s about friendship, confidence and belonging. We now attract many new women members who know that they can make mistakes, learn at their own pace – whether informally or by taking a course in our RYA training centre – and take ownership of their new skills.

What difference has the group made?

The response has been incredible. We now have about 50 women taking part, with weekly sessions that welcome everyone, regardless of experience. Some members are experienced sailors looking to improve their skills, others joined because they wanted to try something completely new.

We’ve welcomed women who have experienced personal knockbacks in their life or simply lacked confidence around the water. Seeing them grow in confidence, both on and off the water, has been one of the most rewarding elements of the journey.

"We welcome women who’ve experienced knockbacks in life or lack confidence"

Many women from the local community have become active members of the club, and several have gone on to qualify as instructors. Once established with the group, WoW members are buying boats, crewing on race boats, helming a club Sonata or cruising with other boat owners. Each person is finding their own pathway while keeping a foothold in the WoW group.

Has the group’s success had a wider impact?

Definitely. The success of Women on Water inspired us to create a similar initiative called Blokes on Boats, with the same focus on creating a friendly, supportive environment where men can also enjoy being on the water together. The Women on Water group has raised funds to help the club buy an additional Sonata keelboat, giving even more people the opportunity to take part.

We’ve also been able to share our experience with other clubs through the RYA Connected Conferences, where I spoke about the project. We’ve taken part in a case study video with club volunteers and sailors to showcase what we’ve achieved and encourage others to develop similar initiatives.

What does the RYA’s award mean to you?

You can’t achieve success like our WoW group without the enthusiasm and skills of many other women. I’m sometimes in awe of what our team can do! I get so much satisfaction from the generosity of time and commitment from others who share our aims. My award reflects what can be achieved when a team fits. That means a lot to me.