ON THE WATER Pathway
Female momentum A
pril saw the introduction of a new phase in British sailing, as the RYA launched The
Female Futures Group. Dedicated to increasing female participation and unlocking new opportunities for women and girls in the sport, this next phase of the British Sailing Pathway Review aims to make Great Britain the best place in the world for developing female sailors. Its aim is for every girl to have the chance to reach her full potential, whether competing on the world stage or shaping the sport as a coach or leader. The RYA recognised the need
for change following a 2023 strategic review, leading to The Pathway Evolution Project – an
“It’s about building ˖Ѓ˗˘˖˘ ˔˗
The RYA launches its vision for women in sport
creating chances for girls to thrive”
Pathway Club Clubs for junior racers
There’s been a fantastic response from clubs applying to host the new British Sailing Pathway Club programme for junior racers. The review process for applicant
˖˨˕˦ ˜˦ ˚˜˚ ˕˨˧ ˧˛˘ Ѓ˥˦˧ ˧˘ ˧ gain the new Pathway Club status are: Bosham Sailing Club, Exe Sailing Club, Hamble River Sailing Club, Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club, Notts County Sailing Club, Spinnaker Sailing Club, Snettisham Beach Sailing Club, Starcross Sailing Club, Warsash Sailing Club and Winsford Flash Sailing Club.
New applications from dinghy clubs in England are currently paused while applications are reviewed, to ensure a balanced spread across both the country and classes. More clubs will then be invited to apply. Clubs in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales (for all classes), as well as English ˜˗˦˨˥Ѓ˚ ˖˨˕˦ ˖˔ ˖˧˜˨˘ applying as normal through the RYA Portal at
rya.justgo.com Read more about the British Sailing Pathway at
www.rya.org.uk/racing/ pathway
initiative focused on making sailing more affordable, accessible and diverse. United by a shared mission, the RYA team behind the project and ten industry-leading women form the backbone of The Female Futures Group. They’re volunteering their time and expertise in areas from elite sailing and coaching to sports science and athlete development. Chair is Hannah Diamond (pictured), an internationally recognised sailor with experience in SailGP and America’s Cup competitions. ‘Many of us have been fortunate to have incredible opportunities in sport and sailing, but we know there’s still work to be done to ensure women and girls can see a clear future for themselves in the sport,’ said Hannah. ‘This isn’t just about increasing participation – it’s also ˕˨˜˗˜˚ ˖Ѓ˗˘˖˘ creating opportunities and making sure girls have support and visibility to thrive at every level.’
Nick Scott, RYA Director Of Racing
and lead on the Pathway Evolution Project, said, ‘We’re committed to taking decisive action to make change, ensuring that talent and ˔ˠ˕˜˧˜ ˧ ˚˘˗˘˥ ˗˘Ѓ˘ success in our sport.’ For more information on the Female Futures Group and Pathway Evolution Project, visit
www.rya.org.uk/racing/pathway
A shared vision
Committed to driving real change, the Female Futures Group’s initial key goals include:
More racers Supporting clubs and classes to increase the number of active female racers in Pathway classes by 2028.
Better Experiences Setting up ˙˘ˠ˔˘ʠ˦ˣ˘˖˜Ѓ˖ ˦˨ˣˣ˥˧ ˔˗ training across all RYA Pathway programmes, coaches and classes by 2026. This is to create thriving female development environments.
Aspirational role models Aiming for a 50% increase in female coaches and management roles by 2028, to enhance the visibility and impact of female sailors, coaches and leaders, inspiring the next generation.
Beyond statistics, the group is also focused on transforming sailing culture – breaking down barriers, ˙˦˧˘˥˜˚ ˖Ѓ˗˘˖˘ ˔˗ ˖˥˘˔˧˜˚ environments where female sailors can thrive.
rya.org.uk SUMMER 2025 61
Photo: Ricardo Pinto
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