Looking to the Future
These are exciting times, and I am delighted and proud to have the opportunity to lead the Association in this crucial leadership role, providing excellent support to our members, clubs and centres. The income generated by our membership subscriptions and affiliations fundamentally underpins much of the activity we deliver each year.
It is important that we continue to ensure boating is relevant and attractive to each generation, while we also help boating and all areas of the RYA community recover from the many impacts of the pandemic and adapt to the new normal. Our senior management team and Board are focused on developing our long-term strategy, looking beyond the traditional four-year cycle.
There are many challenges ahead,
including achieving the ambitions of our digital strategy, adapting to changes in volunteering and participation trends, the impact of inflation on costs, and continual improvements to safety despite increased watersports activity.
as a catalyst in education and character development in young people, as well as providing opportunities and positive experiences for everyone.
There is much to look forward to, as we seek to diversify and increase our membership base. We must ensure we are relevant to all generations and provide support and guidance to our members.
We are proud to be partnering with Sport England to enable everyone to benefit from sport and physical activity. To build on the positive impact of our programmes, we intend to develop how OnBoard connects to organisations outside the boating network, working closely with key partners and charities. We will build on the success of the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show, with a particular focus on increasing commercial income to reduce the financial commitment to deliver this valued and popular event.
However,
with a refreshed Board, new executive management and other key appointments, we are confident that the Association is in a strong position to continue to support all participants and stakeholders in boating and the marine leisure sector.
The importance of sport in the community has never been more significant. We must embrace the ability for boating to act
Our public affairs team will deliver a new engagement plan that aligns our strategic objectives with the Government’s core agenda around levelling up, net zero and sport participation to establish an informed group of influential advocates. We will also develop further guidance for members and affiliates to support their sustainability objectives and help to mitigate energy price increases.
Initiatives such as virtual inspections and revalidations will be critically reviewed to
determine what will remain in place in the future, thereby reducing our impact on the environment as well as reducing cost to our instructors and training centres. Our work on shifting the production of our packs and publications to the UK will not only support our efforts on sustainability but will also improve the continuity of supply that has been problematic over recent years.
We are excited to have submitted our bid to host the Formula Kite European Championships in 2023. Looking further ahead we look forward to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with preparations well underway.
In closing, I would like to say what an honour it is to play my part in the distinguished history of the RYA and to lead it on the next chapter in its journey – especially as we start planning for our 150th anniversary in 2025.
It is thanks to your continued support that we can collectively introduce more people to boating and watersport activities, promote safe practices, raise training standards, and feel proud of our national Olympic sailing team.
Thank you.
Sara Sutcliffe MBE Chief Executive
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