the royal yachting association

• AMERICA'S CUP
• CLASSIFIEDS
• NEWSLETTERS
• SUBMIT NEWS

RYA appoints Chris Preston as new Chair

Related Articles

Upcoming Events

• Live on Sky
• Get Sky Sports
• Sky Mobile App
• Kick It Out
• Black Lives Matter
• British South Asians in Football

More Sports

Royal Yachting Association sets new diversity strategy amid perception of being too white

Royal Yachting Association is the national body for dinghy, yacht and motor cruising, all forms of sail racing, rigid inflatable boats, and also includes sports boats and windsurfing; almost 97 per cent of the RYA's staff are white; governing body has set out a plan to improve inclusivity

Friday 19 March 2021 17:50, UK

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) says their new Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy is "ambitious" but admit they still are battling against a perception of boating as being elitist, too white and for middle-class people or millionaires

The new plan outlines "10 steps to progress" - in terms of ethnicity, gender, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity - which will help to "make all forms of recreational boating inclusive, accessible and attractive to all".

Some steps include increasing diversity of staff, including in the boardroom - where there is currently no black or minority ethnic representation - creating new jobs and voluntary opportunities, developing mentoring programmes, providing support and development for clubs and centres and increasing diverse imagery and content.

RYA chief executive Sarah Treseder thinks the new strategy is "very ambitious" and told Sky Sports News the "biggest barrier" is changing the perception of the sport to the general public.

"I think often the perception is that we're all multi-millionaires," she said. "The reality is I've very rarely met a rich sailor.

"We tend to spend all our money on our boats and you can actually pick up a boat for a few hundred quid and really get some enjoyment out of it."

"But also the perception potentially is one where it is more male-dominated. It is older people and potentially that's connected with those individuals who have currently got the time and the energy to dedicate to volunteering at a club level, maybe disproportionately into a retired age bracket or a certain demographic.

"Whereas actually what we're starting to see is at the junior end and at the younger instructor end, there is far more diversity there."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The RYA is the national body for dinghy, yacht and motor cruising, all forms of sail racing, rigid inflatable boats , and also includes sports boats and windsurfing. Improving ethnicity across participants, coaches and staff is a key priority.

Treseder said: "There's a lot of intersectionality, there's a lot of areas where people's ethnicity, people's gender, people's sexual orientation, people's level of disability or otherwise kind of come together. So this is very much a holistic strategy.

"But we were really clear that the area of ethnicity was one where we were least satisfied with the progress that we had been making, where we felt there was most opportunity to change ."

Asher Robinson is one of the organisation's few black senior sailing instructors. He says he was fortunate that his mother persuaded him at the age of 11 to get his first experience of boats. Now he wants others to enjoy time on the water.

" I think it's important for sailing to be diverse because it's an amazing sport which I have enjoyed doing," Robinson said, who is also a Sailing Development Officer at the RYA.

"And I feel like there's so many people that are missing out just because of the lack of diversity. So just by having a bit more diversity, it'll be more welcoming and more people will realise what a great sport this is."

Finding the next Sir Ben Ainslie

The RYA say they have over 110,000 personal members - and 1,500 affiliated clubs and class associations - which represent approximately some 350,000 active sailors throughout the UK.

Could the next Sir Ben Ainslie have a diverse background?

Montel Fagan-Jordan won the 2018 Young Sailor of the Year award, which has also been won by four-time Olympic champion Ainslie and double world champion Hannah Mills.

Robinson says seeing a young black sailor being recognised made him very proud.

"A lot of good sailors and amazing sailors that have won that award have gone on to do amazing things in the sailing industry," he said.

"It was just amazing seeing another young black person actually winning such an award. It made me so proud."

Treseder says they already have several diverse stars. She highlights double Paralympic bronze medallist Alexandra Rickham, Montel Fagan-Jordan and Britain's first Paralympic sailing gold medallist Helena Lucas.

She added: "So actually I think there are already a number of very very successful - in multiple ways diverse people - right at the top of the sport.

"What we've maybe not done well enough is profile how well they're doing. And I think that's something we want to change."

Talking diversity and inclusion in boating with @RYA spring magazine. A lot to be done in sailing but I’m happy the journey has started. pic.twitter.com/v6HCFSAnP0 — Alexandra Rickham (@ARickham) March 7, 2021

One of Robinson's current projects is working with a RYA mentor to promote sailing in primary schools in the London Borough of Newham in east London.

He said: "We're actually going into schools and we are saying, 'look we've got the funding... have some fun and just come and experience sailing'. And what's great about it is they don't pay a single thing."

The idea helped pupils in one school to improve children's academic results and confidence.

" We interviewed them at the end of last year in terms of how they felt after doing it," Robinson added. "And their grades improved not massively, but noticeably.

"And when we asked how they felt, a lot of kids say they felt independent, they felt stronger, they felt more confident. And when you hear things like that, you just can't help but smile."

Getting ethnic diversity in the boardroom

Almost 97 per cent of the RYA's staff are white. In the boardroom 40 per cent are female and 10 per cent identify as LGBTQ+ but there are no black or minority ethnic members.

The new strategy has no quotas or guarantees for incoming board members but Treseder defends that approach.

"I think a lot of people potentially feel that the application of quotas somehow has a negative impact on the people that are then appointed," she said.

"And certainly speaking as a woman in business, I've probably been on the wrong side of that a couple of times. There's some feeling of 'has she really earned the right to have this role or is this somehow just fulfilling a quota?'

"And the other thing is, if we find people with the right experience, why stop at the quota?

"That seems to kind of set a cap on things so I don't think it is about establishing quotas. I think it's about establishing the richest gene pool of people applying that we can."

"However, with ten available seats on the board, the thought that not one of them would be filled by someone from a black, Asian or minority background doesn't make sense."

Treseder also explains why some committees at clubs and training centres are not as diverse as they should be.

"The membership of the committee is often the people who are the most regular participants in any club," she said. "It doesn't tend to be brand new people.

"Often if the diversity strategy is only just starting to communicate to the right audience in the right way, people have just started giving it a go, they would maybe feel nervous or reluctant to sit on a committee when it's a sport that they've only just started. So my sense is that that kind of governance level will filter through from actions to increase participation.

" The interesting bit is what day of the week do we hold the open days on, what food is served? What gender are the instructors who are giving people the opportunity? What are the changing facilities like?

"Where have we advertised the opportunity? What is the public transport access to the club like that will mean more people can turn up?

"And crucially, what's the follow up after people have maybe attended an open day? How do we encourage people to come back and give it another try?"

Ethnicity in Boating Forum

In developing their latest plans, the RYA worked with Emeritus Professor of Equality and Diversity in Sport Kevin Hylton, who works at Leeds Beckett University and is also chair of the Sheffield Race Equality Commission.

He suggested hosting a forum with ethnically diverse members without senior management to encourage open honest conversations about their experiences.

Thank you to everyone that joined us last night for the latest Ethnicity in Boating Focus Group. It was great to hear your thoughts and discussions on some of the RYA Diversity Strategy actions. If you'd like to get involved with the next meeting email [email protected] pic.twitter.com/xlQV6vDzR1 — RYA (@RYA) December 18, 2020

Robinson was one of those who was part of the Ethnicity in Boating Forum with people he had never met like double Paralympic sailing bronze medallist Alexandra Rickham, 2018 Young Sailor of the Year Montel Fagan-Jordan and Poole watersports instructor Lee Timothy.

The RYA leadership and staff left the group alone so they could speak about their experiences with each other in a safe environment. Robinson described it as "absolutely amazing".

"We had a meeting," he said. "There was nobody from the RYA. We spoke about our experiences and then with those experiences, that's where they came up with the action plan [part of the latest strategy].

"I think it's one of the best things I've been a part of in my life. I'm not exaggerating there because all I want is someone who's 11 [years old] just like I was, to be comfortable and know that they're going to be looked after."

Since the initial meeting with Professor Hylton, the Ethnicity in Boating Forum has met RYA management to propose ideas and changes for the newly-released strategy.

'Future success means tearing up diversity plans'

Professor Hylton, who helped guide the new diversity plans, says they are "proactive."

"The RYA has established a high bar in their strategy by aiming to change perceptions, behaviours, experiences, and realities. They are challenging themselves to make their sport more inclusive and are going the right way about it by moving with insight purposely forward," he added.

So how will the RYA chief executive define success?

"I think it's going to be a very long journey," Treseder says.

"I think real success for us is when we're going to be able to tear up that strategy because it's no longer needed. No one feels that it's a requirement that we have it written down on how to increase diversity because it's a reality.

"The benefits are going to be to all of us around the relevance and the vitality of the RYA looking towards the future in particular, and making sure that successive generations are moulding the sport, moulding boating to what works for them, which is going to look quite different to how it was fifty years ago... and how it is today.

"And therefore for clubs to survive and thrive, we need a much more diverse base of participants coming through."

• Upgrade Now

Not got Sky? Stream Sky Sports with NOW!

The Green Blue Announces Launch of 2024-25 University Sailing Sustainability Challenge with new sponsorship by Royal Thames Yacht Club

19 th September 2024 – The Green Blue is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024-25 University Sailing Sustainability Challenge (USSC) , beginning on 1 st September 2024 and running until February 2025.

Since its inception in 2015, the USSC has encouraged University Sailing Clubs (USCs) across the UK to adopt more sustainable practices, and this year marks a significant milestone. The challenge welcomes the Royal Thames Yacht Club as its new sponsor, bringing fresh energy and support to the challenge.

In addition to this new partnership, the 2024-25 Challenge introduces a revamped judging criterion, allowing clubs to be even more creative and flexible in their approach to sustainability.

Supported by the British Universities Sailing Association (BUSA), the USSC was created to help University Sailing Clubs (USCs) across the UK become more sustainable. Clubs participate in the challenge by appointing a Sustainability Officer who in turn will commit to The Green Blue Boating Pledge . They then select areas of focus from eight categories, including reducing waste, protecting biodiversity, and combating climate change.

Over the course of the challenge, clubs, and their Sustainability Officers complete tasks within their four chosen categories with the aim of submitting evidence of their work to the USSC judging panel.

An exciting opportunity for clubs and students to really show what they can do; the panel awards all clubs who participate and complete their tasks with an official USSC certificate of achievement. The judging panel also score all submissions with the top four participants being selected to receive a prize at the USSC Awards Ceremony, held during the prestigious RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show in February 2025.

“The younger generation of sailors are the future of the sport and it’s amazing how many of them are passionate about sustainability. By getting involved in the USSC, it’s a great way for individuals and university clubs to not only earn recognition but also set an example for the wider boating community. The work they do can make a real difference in protecting the environment, both in the present and for years to come.” said Kate Fortnam, Campaign Manager at The Green Blue.  

Last year an impressive 14 universities successfully completed the Challenge, showcasing their dedication to fostering sustainable values within their clubs. This year, with the support of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, The Green Blue anticipate even greater participation and impact.

“At the Royal Thames Yacht Club, we are committed to the adoption of sustainable practices both within the Club and on the water, and as such are delighted to be supporting the excellent University Sailing Sustainability Challenge. Our young people are the future, and it is critical that future is sustainable. May we thank all participants in this most worthy of causes.” said Richard Powell, Vice Commodore at the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

“We, the university community, benefit hugely from being a part of then the green blue challenge. Through the challenge we push ourselves, our clubs, and the clubs we sail at, to be more sustainable and to look at the ways in which the sailing community can support the protection of our waterways and our planet” said Amelie Sadler, Vice Chair at BUSA – British Universities Sailing Association.

If your club would like to be part of the challenge, visit The Green Blue’s website to find out more, sign up or contact us at [email protected] .

Alternatively, you can Follow the journey of the Challenge on social media:

• Facebook: @ @TheGreenBlue
• Instagram: @the_green_blue
• X (formerly Twitter): @TheGreenBlue
• LinkedIn: @The Green Blue

For further information about the Royal Thames Yacht Club, visit www.royalthames.com.

Related posts

19th September 2024 – The Green Blue is thrilled to

Leading the Charge – record breaking young skipper proves capabilities of eBoating through Round Britain eRIB endurance challenge

We did it! 18-year-old Harry Besley has completed a never

The future looks bright for vessel recycling

A clean marine environment remains high on the agenda for

Sign up to our mailing list

Get all of the latest information, news and updates from the green blue.

The legal basis for processing that information shall be consent. You may withdraw your consent at any time by unsubscribing within a sent email. Your personal information will be stored in accordance with the RYA privacy policy  

Discover everything on offer from the RYA at this year's Southampton International Boat Show

Find your local club or training centre

If you've been inspired by the Team GB sailors at the Paris 2024 Olympics and want to get started in sailing, here's everything you need to know. 

About the RYA

The Royal Yachting Association is the national governing body for dinghy, motor and sail cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing and personal watercraft, and is a leading representative body for inland waterways cruising in the UK.

Find out more

Supporting people who love being on the water, join a community of over 100,000 like-minded members and enjoy exclusive benefits while protecting the sport you love.

ICC Application

The International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft is intended to provide evidence of competence when requested by officials in foreign countries.  It is historically known as the International Certificate of Competence. 

With more than 100 courses to choose from, there's something for every age, ability and interest.

Sign up to receive the latest news, hints and tips, events, special offers and competitions from the RYA.

Read our Privacy Policy .

The University Sailing Sustainability Challenge has begun!

Calling all university student sailors! The Green Blue, the environmental programme of the RYA has officially begun the 2024-25 University Sailing Sustainability Challenge (USSC) , running until February 2025. 

Since it started back in 2015, the USSC has encouraged University Sailing Clubs (USCs) across the UK to adopt more sustainable practices, and this year marks an exciting change as there is a new official sponsor, the Royal Thames Yacht Club .

The 2024-25 Challenge, backed by the British Universities Sailing Association (BUSA) , introduces a new judging criterion, offering University Sailing Clubs (USCs) in the UK greater creativity and flexibility in their sustainability efforts. Clubs appoint a Sustainability Officer who commits to The Green Blue Boating Pledge and focuses on four of eight categories, such as reducing waste and combating climate change. Throughout the challenge, clubs complete tasks and submit evidence to the judging panel, earning a USSC certificate of achievement.

An exciting opportunity for clubs and students to really show what they can do; the panel awards all clubs who participate and complete their tasks with an official USSC certificate of achievement. The judging panel also score all submissions with the top four participants being selected to receive a prize at the USSC Awards Ceremony, held during the prestigious RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show  in February 2025.

“We, the university community, benefit hugely from being a part of then The Green Blue challenge. Through the challenge we push ourselves, our clubs, and the clubs we sail at, to be more sustainable and to look at the ways in which the sailing community can support the protection of our waterways and our planet” said Amelie Sadler, Vice Chair at BUSA - British Universities Sailing Association.

"The younger generation of sailors are the future of the sport and it's amazing how many of them are passionate about sustainability. By getting involved in the USSC, it's a great way for individuals and university clubs to not only earn recognition but also set an example for the wider boating community. The work they do can make a real difference in protecting the environment, both in the present and for years to come.” said Kate Fortnam, Campaign Manager at The Green Blue.

Last year an impressive 14 universities successfully completed the Challenge, showcasing their dedication to fostering sustainable values within their clubs. This year, with the support of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, The Green Blue anticipate even greater participation and impact.

“At the Royal Thames Yacht Club, we are committed to the adoption of sustainable practices both within the Club and on the water, and as such are delighted to be supporting the excellent University Sailing Sustainability Challenge. Our young people are the future, and it is critical that future is sustainable. May we thank all participants in this most worthy of causes.” said Richard Powell, Vice Commodore at the Royal Thames Yacht Club.

If your club would like to be part of the challenge, visit The Green Blue’s website to find out more, sign up or contact us at [email protected].

Alternatively, you can follow the journey of the Challenge on social media:

• Facebook: @TheGreenBlue
• Instagram: @the_green_blue
• X (formerly Twitter): @TheGreenBlue
• LinkedIn: @The Green Blue

Read further information about the Royal Thames Yacht Club.