Do you want to develop your Club and increase Membership and Participation?

‘The number of people taking part in all forms of water sports is increasing, yet most sailing clubs are struggling to attract new members or to increase the regular turnout of existing members. The lack of a large proportion of the membership being active results in less volunteers to run the facilities – the bar, the catering, doing the cleaning, serving on committees and running regattas, races and youth events – the list of jobs is endless, yet the manpower seems limited.’

This is also a growing concern for clubs where the age profile is climbing and they need to attract younger members to survive in the long term. Coupled with this is that falling subscriptions lead to a shortage of funds which stops development to improve facilities (and thus attract more members).

Is this a problem for you?

How can we in the Eastern Region help you to develop your club? Fortunately we have an energetic person in the shape of the RYA Eastern Region Development Officer, Robbie Bell, who has a host of ideas for overcoming some of these apparently un-surmountable challenges.

The first action is to call Robbie Bell and have a chat on 07747 563298 or drop him a line by .

Robbie says:

“The above are just some of the challenges that I may be able to help you find answers for. In the RYA we recognise that a club’s future is dependent on the people involved in all aspects of club life. It is essential to ensure that your club stays healthy, with a strong membership, plenty of activity and stable finances.” “If your club is interested in moving forwards ask yourselves three questions:

• Where are you now?
• Where do you want to go?
• How are you going to get there?

Then talk to me.” “There is also an ‘RYA Guide to Club Development’ which I can get for you and help you with.” Some clubs have found that becoming an RYA Training Centre has helped in training more volunteers and increasing their membership. The process is relatively straightforward and again Robbie can help you.

The RYA also has several national programmes, which include: OnBoard, Team 15 (Windsurfing), Volvo Champion Club and RYA Sailability.

Check out these websites:

• RYA Main site: www.rya.org.uk
• RYA Volvo Champion Club Site: www.rya.org.uk/vcc
• RYA Sailability Site: www.sailability.co.uk
• RYA OnBoard Site: www.ruob.co.uk
• RYA T15 Site: www.team15.org.uk

If becoming a Volvo Champion Club looks attractive or you want to link into junior racing initiatives then contact Paul Wren, East Zone High Performance Manager: Call Paul Wren and have a chat on 07909 994642 or drop him a line by .