Medway and Swale Boating Association
The voice of boating on the tidal Medway and Swale
Passage Planning Lecture (free, all welcome)
Tuesday 26th March – start 18.30
VHF/ GMDSS courses
(Price £90 plus £60 to the RYA including handbook and lunch, from 08.45 to approx 18.00 hrs)
Tuesday 9 April, Wednesday 29 May, Tuesday 4 June, Tuesday 23 July, Tuesday 6 August, Tuesday 10 September, Tuesday 8 October, Tuesday 12 November, Tuesday 10 December.
Book now while there are places still available at this workshop.
Following on from the recent webinars focusing on Pay-and-Play and Alternative Activity formats, the next in the series will focus on growing membership and club activity through effective marketing and communications. This could be the use of traditional forms of marketing (leaflet drops, events or open days) or better use of social media, web presence or the use of apps to co-ordinate beginner and other sailing activity.
Hosted by Matt Sheahan, respected sailing journalist, the one hour webinar will include short presentations and a Q&A session with some clubs that have successfully used marketing and communications to boost activity and membership. The aim is to share their insights on their challenges and successes with the wider sailing club community and watersports sector.
You will be able to ask questions and interact with the panel. The webinar is going to be recorded and will be available to view afterwards.
The trends highlight some people being ‘turned off’ by competitive activity, looking for activities which are easier to access and for unique experiences; all of which create challenges and opportunities for sailing clubs.
Here’s a web page with links to all of the recent ‘Futures’ webinars: https://www.rya.org.uk/programmes/Pages/future-webinars.aspx
The RYA Regional Youth Champion Awards recognise the outstanding achievement and performance of talented young people in sailing, windsurfing and powerboating. The awards are a fantastic opportunity for clubs and class associations, as well as individuals, to reward those making an impact through performance and dedication – recognising the rising stars of the future.
For more information and to make your nomination visit www.rya.org.uk/go/youthchampion
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…
The RYA’s Push the Boat Out programme is a great way to introduce people to boating and get new club members. If any RYA affiliated clubs/centres on the Medway are considering offering Push the Boat Out events in May next year, they can sign up their initial interest via the link below. More details will then be requested early in 2019 so that PTBO resources can be printed for them and despatched in time.
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.
Please make sure your club or organisation is represented at our business meeting on Tuesday at 7pm at Strood Yacht Club. Directions to the club are here…
If you are an RYA qualified sailing instructor, Faversham Sea Cadets need you! There are opportunities for subsidised career development. If you are available please contact P.O. Goldsmith at b.t.goldsmith@talk21.com
The event is open to MYC cadets, cadets from other RYA clubs and guests of MYC cadets. Attendees who wish to camp on site must be over the age of 12. The entry fee this year is £215, which is fantastic value for money with three meals a day, all sailing and evening activities and a hoodie/sweatshirt included in the price.
This event is only possible thanks to the time given generously by parents of cadets and other members of the club. Parents, etc, can you please let the organisers know by email via the link below which days you are available to help, either afloat with safety boat duties or shore side with breakfast, lunch, evening and night duties. A first draft duty rota will be issued soon, so it may be better to volunteer for what you want to do early.