Our youth engagement programme, OnBoard, continues to grow from its re-launch in 2017 and provides UK clubs and centres with a toolkit of resources to engage new youngsters into boating. 278 clubs and centres around the UK are now part of the OnBoard programme which is an increase of 50 since the re-launch.
Sailability continues to be a jewel in the crown of the RYA and we have worked hard to better capture and promote the awe-inspiring stories which highlight the accessibility of sailing and boating, and the powerful impact it can have on people of all abilities. Over 180 delegates from Sailability groups across the UK attended the RYA Sailability National Conference, where the RYA Sailability Annual Awards were presented, recognising the invaluable contribution made by sailors, volunteers and partners across six categories.
Thousands of dinghy sailors across the UK attended the 69th RYA Dinghy Show with over 170 exhibitors filling the halls across four new zones. The theme was ‘A World of Opportunity - see where dinghy sailing can take you’ celebrating the wealth of opportunities that the sport provides. The weekend saw several prizes and awards presented, showcasing the fantastic achievement of the many deserved winners, including RYA and Yachts & Yachting Club of the Year. After 25 years at Alexandra Palace, the RYA announced that the show will move to Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre for 2021, news which was welcomed by many exhibitors.
In late March 2020, the RYA postponed all directly organised events and training in response to the developing Covid-19 crisis. Our focus quickly turned to developing guidance and support for affiliated clubs and centres, with our team of regional development
8 ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020
officers delivering online development forums to nearly 500 clubs and over 900 people within just one week.
SUSTAINABILITY
Over the past year we have invested further in our sustainability agenda, and have made significant progress towards embedding sustainability within our operations. Our environmental policy statement has been re-written to align with our ambition to take a lead in making our sector sustainable for the long term.
To show our commitment, we signed up to the UN Global Compact. The Compact commits us to take action in the areas of Human Rights, Labour, the Environment and Anti-Corruption so takes a broad view of sustainability in line with our thinking. In our own sector, we have also signed up to the UN’s Sports for Climate Action framework, which connects us to other sporting bodies that are taking real action on sustainability issues.
Over the past 15 years The Green Blue has continued to provide resources to members, clubs, affiliates and the boating industry. During 2019 we signed a new three year contract with British Marine to secure the future of this joint programme. A new, modern website, with enhanced content for all of our stakeholders, was launched at the Southampton Boat Show in September. In recognition of the lead that the RYA and The Green Blue have taken on sustainability issues, we were awarded the World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Sustainability Award in November 2019, fighting off stiff competition from other organisations around the world.
During the year over 200 staff, club and committee members attended sustainability workshops. This consultation process will prove key
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