British boaters are being encouraged to support their local boating networks wherever possible during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

As Boating Business reports, the RYA is asking people to think again before cancelling payments to sailing clubs, marinas, class associations and other marine-related bodies to support them through the lockdown period.

“During these hugely challenging times people are looking at where they can cut costs,” said RYA sport development manager Alistair Dickson.

“However, we would urge boaters to think carefully about whether they need to cancel direct debits, subscriptions or other payments as many organisations will be depending on this support to them through this difficult period.”

In Northern Ireland, the RYANI says it will “endeavour to keep meaningful engagement with all clubs and organisations” as it briefs Stormont on the challenges facing the NI boating community and calls for inclusion in Executive support packages.

The RYA Northern Ireland says it is keeping developments regarding the COVID-19 virus in Northern Ireland “under close review”.

In a statement, the RYANI says it “will follow the guidelines set by the Northern Ireland Assembly and UK Government, and the advice provided by Public Health Agency Northern Ireland”.

“This continues to be a developing situation and RYA Northern Ireland will keep local clubs and centres fully informed of any changes.”

The RYA website is updated with its latest advice on Covid-19, which includes specific advice for affiliated clubs and Training Centres. The RYA will also update affiliated clubs via the RYA Club Room newsletter if and when this advice changes materially. Updates on the situation will also be provided via the RYA Wavelength newsletter.

As earlier reported on Afloat.ie, yesterday (Sunday 15 March) Irish Sailing called for “all organised sailing activity to cease with immediate effect” subject to review on Sunday 29 March, based on Government advice on social distancing and mass gatherings.

Instructors from clubs across Northern Ireland have met to discuss some of the biggest issues in sailing.

The event, which was held at RYANI’s HQ at Sketrick House in Newtownards, attracted over 50 attendees.

On the day there were workshops workshops for power, sailing, racing and navigation.

The day also included a consultation session on the Royal Yachting Association’s work in Northern Ireland, giving instructors a chance to express their views and feedback.

Mary Martin, RYANI’s development officer, said: “We’ve had great feedback from the day and it was a real success.

“Some of the highlights for attendees were a workshop on mental health and a chance to catch up with old and new acquaintances.”

The Instructors’ Day event runs annually and delivers continuous professional development for RYA instructors, coaches and centre principals. It is part of a UK-wide programme with the same goals.

Lyon Watersports, providers of windsurfing and other watersports kit, also attended the event, giving instructors a chance to learn more about what the company offers.

This event was generously supported by Gallagher, which provides bespoke insurance solutions to clubs, centres and instructors.

The RYA Northern Ireland is looking to recruit a Performance Manager to lead on the performance aspects of its strategy and support racing development in Northern Ireland.

To support this ambition, the Performance Manager will:

• Be responsible for the ongoing evolution of strong and sustainable performance pathway within Northern Ireland;
• Work as part of the RYA British Youth Sailing team to deliver the UK wide remit of ‘developing the best young racing sailors in the world’; and
• Ensure NI athletes have access to the best support programmes locally in order to help them perform on the international stage.

The successful applicant will be expected to perform the following tasks (not limited to this list):

• Manage RYA Northern Ireland’s performance programme investment;
• Work with colleagues within RYA, RYANI and with key stakeholders to secure and develop investment in high performance activity;
• Oversee the delivery of the Open Pathway Training, Youth Performance Programme and Performance Academy, working closely with Performance Academy sailors and ensuring appropriate guidance and support is given;
• Work closely with High Performance athletes to develop individualised programmes and to meet SportNI Sporting Winners objectives.

If you would like to join a dynamic team and help develop sailing in Northern Ireland, RYANI wants to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is noon on Thursday 12 March, with interviews expected to take place in late March. Full details and how to apply can be found at the RYANI website HERE.

The RYANI is calling on sailing clubs across Northern Ireland to bid to become host of the 2020 Women on Water Festival.

Following the success of the first-ever Women on Water Festival at Strangford Lough Yacht Club as part of the 2019 programme, the RYANI has announced that the next festival will take place this summer.

Active clubs co-ordinator Lisa McCaffrey says: “We were delighted with the success of last year’s Women on Water Festival and are looking forward to another great weekend in summer 2020.

“We hope to run the festival in June, which will allow participants to continue boating at their local club throughout the summer. This will also provide an opportunity for clubs to gain new members.

Lisa says the Women on Water programme, which was launched in 2016, “is a fantastic programme to get more females out on the water trying different water based activities”.

She adds: “The festival brought females from all experiences, from first-timers to lifelong participants, and allowed them to try out five different activities including dinghy sailing, yachting, powerboating, stand up paddleboarding.

“There were also informative workshops which allowed the participants to gain more knowledge about our sport and Northern Ireland’s waters.”

Clubs looking to host the 2020 WOW festival are now being invited to complete the expression of interest form by Friday 28 February. For more information contact [email protected] or call 07788238083.

The RYANI has congratulated Donaghadee sailor Oisin McClelland on his strong showing at the Hempel World Cup Series in Miami last week.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the Finn sailor from Northern Ireland finished fourth, just shy of the podium, after Saturday’s (25 January) medal race on Biscayne Bay.

RYANI chief operating officer Richard Honeyford said: “Oisin sailed well throughout the week in Miami. He secured three top three finishes in the 10-race series and really showed his skill in the stronger breeze.

“While he narrowly missed out on the bronze and a podium place in the end, Oisin’s hard work and training throughout the year really paid off.

“He is a fantastic role model for our young sailors and at RYANI we look forward to supporting Oisin as he continues in his campaign for the Tokyo Olympics.”

McClelland will have one more last chance to claim a spot in this summer’s Tokyo Olympics at the final European qualifier, the Hempel World Cup series event in Genoa, Italy from 11 April.

Over 150 guests at the RYANI Annual Awards ceremony in Queen’s University Belfast’s prestigious Riddel Hall last Friday (17 January) saw many sailors, instructors, volunteers and coaches receive well-deserved praise for a job well done in 2019, writes Betty Armstrong.

Outside of the main categories of Club, Instructor and Volunteer of the Year — which went to Stranford Lough YC, Ballyholme YC’s Kate Pounder and Royal North’s Lindsay McCarty Nolan, respecively — were many others which recognised the contributions of the young and the not so young in the promotion of the sport of sailing in Northern Ireland.

Across the region there are 28 affiliated clubs and training centres all led by a board of six headed by chair Jackie Patton, who herself has a long history of involvement in sailing. There are also 10 staff led by chief operating officer Richard Honeyford.

With sports journalist and U105 radio presenter Denise Watson in charge of proceedings, the evening ran smoothly, with every nominee’s story ably told.

The awards were followed by an inspirational presentation by Mikey Ferguson on his transatlantic Jacques Vabre ocean race with co-skipper Ari Huusela.

From left: RYANI development officer Mary Martin and COO Richard Honeyford with awards MC Denise Watson and Mikey Ferguson

Having raced for most of the 18 days with a delaminated mainsail, his advice to parents was: “If your son or daughter asks for a new main, buy it!”

To start were three notable awards, for Outstanding Project which went to Women on Water, the Chairman’s Award presented to the Ulster Sailability Team, and Lifetime Commitment recognition for Colin de Fleury, a previous Instructor of the Year.

In other awards on the evening, Ethan McCormac of Cushendall S&BC was named Young Sailor of the Year, while Jess Winton of Ballyholme won Club Race Coach of the Year, and Sam Corbett (Royal North) and Josh Reddy (Ballyholme) shared the Young Powerboater gong.

And as previously reported on Afloat.ie, Amy Armstrong and James Corbett of County Antrim Yacht Club were named Young Volunteers of the Year.

The event was sponsored by Carrick Marine, Garden Rooms NI and Whitenoise.

Sailing and Cruising NI is RYANI’s newest affiliated body, and over the last two years has established what’s been described as a “one stop shop run by sailors for sailors” in Northern Ireland.

In a new interview with RYANI development officer Mary Martin, founder Chris Cardwell sings the praises of the predominantly online club — an impactful, open platform which “provides immediate access to the largest group of sailors in NI”, currently comprising more than 2,000 menders.

These members come from all the sailing clubs in Northern Ireland, keeping everyone in the loop on upcoming meetings and events, crewing opportunities and buy/sell deals.

But many are based further afield, in Ireland and across the UK. And the group is also open to members with various marine-related interests, from kayakers and cruisers to fishermen and emergency crews.

“We encourage members to post their activities on the group to inspire others,” says Cardwell. “This is particularly true over the winter period when many are out of the water.”

RYANI has more on the story HERE.

A group of young people have joined together to have their say on sailing and boating in Northern Ireland.

The RYANI Youth Forum group, which is being piloted for one year, has been formed as part of an initiative to empower young people, encouraging them to participate actively in society.

With 18 members registered, it is the first time that the initiative has been set up within the RYA regions.

The group are also being given the chance to improve their own lives by highlighting their needs and interests, as well putting forward their views to the governing body.

RYANI chair Jackie Patton said: “At RYANI we hope that this group will, as individuals, return to their clubs as ambassadors for their sport, perhaps even set up youth committees. Already, there are a few clubs across NI that are very successful with this model.”

Earlier this year, young people and adults were consulted on the idea of a youth forum.

“It was clear that there is a desire for a new approach to youth development within RYANI as an organisation,” said Patton. “The intention being that this will enhance what is currently on offer and not a disruption to any other programme.”

To help with the smooth running of the initiative, RYANI has partnered with the NI Youth Forum. A professional youth work team has been engaged which will provide input and support.

At the first session, which took place on 30 October at Sketrick House in Newtownards, 12 young people met to create terms of reference, discuss programme content, schedules and communications.

Through the Youth Forum, participants will be able to avail of fun activities, extended boating experiences, residentials and valuable links with other youth organisations.

Patton added: “We believe as an organisation that young people have an important role to play, they can be part of the solution and must be listened to.

“The Youth Forum has been created as a platform to facilitate them. The timing is perfect, as we look towards the creation of a new RYANI Strategy.”

In other news, nominations are now open for the new RYA Regional Youth Awards which recognise outstanding dedication, achievement and performance on the racecourse.

Launched in 2014 as the RYA Regional Youth Champion Awards, the rebranded Youth Awards “will also celebrate achievements within the sport including volunteering and overcoming adversity”.

All regional winners will be invited to take part in a “once in a lifetime” sailing experience with the British Sailing Team.

Along with their families, winners will also be invited to the RYA Dinghy Show for the official awards ceremony on 1 March 2020.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for clubs, class associations and individuals to reward the young people who are really making an impact in boating, whether it’s though performance, volunteering, instructing, coaching or adventure,” said RYA programmes manager Michelle Gent.

Nominations are open until Monday 6 January 2020. Those nominated must have been under 19 years of age on 31 December 2019. Each of the RYA’s regional committees will select a regional winner from nominations received.

RYA Northern Ireland is celebrating the achievements of a successful year, following its AGM on Monday 28 October.

During the event, Jackie Patton was re-elected as chair and elected directors were appointed.

Susan McKnight was appointed as vice chair, David Williams as treasurer, James Ogg as chair of the Development Committee, Peter Kennedy as chair of Performance Committee, and Andy Corkill and Roy Totten were also welcomed.

Patton paid a special thanks to three board members who have stepped down: PJ Gault, Paul Bunting and Geraldine Duggan.

It was an action-packed year for the governing body, with many successes and highlights for Northern Ireland throughout 2018/19.

High performance sailors had a thrilling year with Liam Glynn from Ballyholme Yacht Club securing a third at the U21 World Laser Championships in 2018.

Newcastle Yacht Club’s Erin McIlwaine also made huge strides when she clinched first place at the Female Topper Worlds in 2018.

Meanwhile, Ryan Seaton and Seafra Guilfoyle, who are in the midst of their Olympic campaign, finished 17th in the 49er European Championships.

RYANI had a busy and fruitful year working with clubs to develop initiatives and membership opportunities.

The governing body was awarded an Inclusive Sport Award by Disability Sport NI, ran a successful Sea Bangor initiative, and club membership increased by 450 to 9,474 members. RYA’s membership also increased by over 6%.

Significant investment was made to allow clubs to develop their offering and to help boost sailing and boating right across Northern Ireland.

Over £8,000 was invested into 16 Focus Clubs which allowed the clubs to run Push the Boat Out, Bright Night Sailing and Women on Water events.

The investment paid off and through Push the Boat Out, clubs gained 90 new members. Three of the clubs were also able to run a school programme, which saw 70 young people taking to the water to try sailing and boating.

Throughout the year five new windsurf instructors were qualified, five sailing clubs were recognised as Sailability Foundation Sites and six clubs achieved Pathway Club status.

RYANI’s chief operating officer Richard Honeyford said: “It has been a very busy but extremely successful and rewarding year for RYANI. We have watched our sailors compete at a high performance level and achieve many of their goals and we have also been proud to support our clubs, helping them to find new ways to improve their offering and attract new members.

“The success of the last year will spur us on as we undertake another exciting year of sailing and boating in Northern Ireland.”