RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference, Maidstone, 24 Nov 2019

It’s not too late to register for this excellent conference, free to representatives of local RYA affiliated clubs. The day is a fantastic opportunity for you to meet and network with other clubs, share ideas and success stories and discuss the current issues that are having an impact, both in clubs and the sport more widely. Places for this conference are free with lunch and refreshments provided at no cost. Due to limited capacity pre-booking is essential, so get in early to avoid disappointment. This year’s conferences are about ‘Putting people first’. That means understanding what your members, volunteers and new sailors need, and putting that at the forefront of your decision making. Whether you want to grow your membership, increase your volunteer base, develop your instructors and race coaches or simply get better at retaining members of all ages, interests and abilities, you will leave with the ideas and information you need to make it happen.

To find out more and register click here.

Only a few days left to get your tickets for the MSBA Conference…

Boating is changing and our clubs need to adapt to survive. Our 2019 conference on Sat 9 March will focus on the future of our local clubs, which still form the core of active boating on the Medway and Swale.  For more information click here.  To book tickets click here.

Medway/Swale Boating Conference, 9 March 2019

Liz Rushall

Dave Selby

Will your club exist in ten years’ time? Our 2019 conference will focus on the future of our local clubs, which still form the core of active boating on the Medway and Swale. A major report has highlighted a decline in participation in most but not all watersports. Sailing in particular is in free fall. So what exactly is going wrong and what are we going to do about it? Key speakers Liz Rushall and Dave Selby will present different views on how our clubs can adapt to a changing world. Other speakers will present how local clubs are successfully dealing with ageing membership and new styles of boating. Get your earlybird ticket here…

RYA Affiliated Clubs Conference, 24 November 2018

Steve Mitchell, Regional Development Officer, writes: A year on, after unveiling the 2017- 2021 regional plans, we are taking the opportunity to invite clubs to discover and discuss good practice within the region. At this conference clubs, the RYA and partners will be sharing the latest insights obtained though research, pilot projects & club development examples. A suite of workshops will be provided focusing on the key areas highlighted in the regional plans, so you can choose the support your club needs. This event is perfect for committee members with the opportunity to meet other clubs in your region.

Pre-booking is essential and we would like to encourage at least two people from your organisation and if possible at least one of these who is new to our conference and agenda items.  If you would like more than two people to attend from your club please email Steve Mitchell to confirm available capacity.  We thank you in advance for your support here. Places for this conference are free with lunch and refreshments also provided at no cost. Due to limited capacity we recommend that you book your places early to avoid disappointment. The day will be hosted by your Regional Development Officer Steve Michell. If you have any questions about the event please do not hesitate to contact via email steve.mitchell@rya.org.uk

Please view the conference agenda for the full range of workshops and speakers. A copy will be provided on the day, along with a list of delegates and additional supporting information. We look forward to seeing you there.

Further information and booking…

RYA Regional Cruising Conference, 24 Feb 2018

The RYA London and South East Region is putting on a conference that will appeal to many Medway/Swale boaters. It will be held at Newline Academy near Maidstone on 24 Feb 2018. This is likely to be a biennial event interleaving with the MSBA conferences, of which the next will be in spring 2019.

The RYA conference will be free to attend and is aimed at boaters connected with RYA affiliated clubs/associations and training centres. The day will be full of presentations and workshops that will cover a wide variety of topics for the cruising and racing sailor, such as:

  • “Tips & Tricks” for successful anchoring
  • Current Cruising issues including Brexit
  • Sail trimming
  • Motor cruising topics
  • Environmental challenges facing boaters today
  • and more!

The main focus will be on providing help and advice and there will be ample opportunities for attendees to ask questions of the presenters. Lunch and refreshments will be also be provided and will be free on the day.

Click here for more information and booking…

RYA Affiliated Club Conference, 2 Dec

RYA affiliated clubs can send up to four people for free to this excellent all-day conference which will be held near Maidstone. Lunch and refreshments are provided.

This year we will be unveiling the regional plans for the next four years and delivering the RYA national updates. There’s a choice of workshops that could help benefit your club and there will also be the opportunity to meet members of other clubs within your region. This conference is perfect for your committee members.

The day will be hosted by your Regional Development Officer Steve Mitchell. If you have any questions about the event please do not hesitate to contact him via email steve.mitchell@rya.org.uk

Please see conference documents.

Sign up here…

RYA Affiliated Club Conference, 12 Nov 2016

Get someone from your club along to this event!

The RYA London & South East Regional Affiliated Club Conference takes place on 12 November 2016 at New Line Learning Academy, ME15 9QL. Following the success of the Regional Affiliated Club Conferences which were introduced last year, a series of conferences will again be taking place across the UK during October and November. Each conference will include a national and regional update, along with a range workshops and clinics delivered by RYA staff, contactors and volunteers.

To book your place at the conference please click here.

The conference is an opportunity to feedback some of what has been happening across the UK and in clubs within the region, and to look forward to ensure that 2017 is even more successful for clubs. It will also provide us with a great forum to engage with RYA staff and volunteers who will be on hand to answer any questions we may have.

MSBA/RYA Conference, 7 March 2015

StaceyClarkA great day for two hundred delegates, exhibitors, speakers and organisers. Pictured left is Stacey Clark, RYA Chairman, during his keynote speech.

Our photographer, Alex Cheshire, has kindly published photos of the conference here…

We are grateful to our sponsors Peel Ports, Medway Council and the BMF. The following exhibitors also supported the event: Chatham Marina, Clarke & Carter, Cruising Association, Gillingham Marina, Kent Police, Medway Bridge Marina, Medway Queen, Medway Watersports, Pirates Cave, Queenborough Harbour Trust, Volspec Ltd.

Nick  Ardley spoke on Medway’s Hidden Past. Here’s his account of the day…

Medway/Swale Boating Conference, Saturday 7 March 2015

Yellow buoyThe MSBA and RYA South East are bringing you another great boating conference on Saturday 7 March 2015. Only £15 including lunch etc thanks to our sponsors Peel Ports, Medway Council and BMF Kent & Sussex.