Yearly Report for RYA Northern Ireland 2024-2025
RYA Northern Ireland Makes Significant Progress Towards 2024/25 Goals
RYA Northern Ireland has made notable strides towards achieving its goals outlined in the five-year strategy, "Navigating the Future," as detailed in its recently published 2024/25 Annual Report. The report covers the period from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.
Maximizing Athlete Potential
Youth sailors from Ballyholme Yacht Club (BYC) demonstrated impressive performance, qualifying for prestigious championships and international competitions. This included Dan McGaughey finishing 1st in the ILCA 7 Irish Nationals and Emily and Annabel Ridout winning the RS Feva National Championships. The success led to plans for accessible boat hire and reduced coaching costs to bridge progression gaps for emerging athletes.
Inspiring People to Give Their Time
While specific volunteer recruitment figures were not detailed, community involvement was evident at events such as the RYA Northern Ireland 50th Anniversary Dinner, where key figures like Mickey and Olympian Bill O’Hara participated.
Improving Diversity
The report does not provide explicit data on diversity initiatives or outcomes. However, RYA Northern Ireland’s annual reporting likely includes strategic references to diversity as part of its development aims, consistent with broader RYA commitments.
Re-imagining Pathways
The sale of the new Ovington ILCA 7 boat and reinvestment into older boats for hire and affordable coaching reflects innovative approaches to supporting sailors transitioning between training stages.
Other Achievements
- RYA Northern Ireland achieved its goal of reaching 3,633 female members, representing a 10% growth in female membership.
- A female-focused camp was held in April 2024, engaging 23 girls between the ages of 12 and 21.
- The NI Sailing Team was launched, consisting of 10 ILCA sailors, 13 Topper sailors, and 8 RS Feva sailors.
- Several Team Racing sessions were held, engaging over 40 new participants across three locations.
- One Race Coach Level 3 Course was delivered for the first time in Northern Ireland, with seven participants.
Financial Highlights
- £24,500 was given to sailors in funding.
- 26 shadowing/mentoring opportunities were provided.
Looking Ahead
The 2024/25 Annual Report also includes a summary of progress in celebrating the sport via social media, workshops for clubs to connect and empower, lobbying and advocating on behalf of participants, strengthening governance structure, and a summary of RYA Northern Ireland's finances. More detailed performance metrics and diversity impact can be found by reviewing the full report.
- RYA Northern Ireland is exploring innovative financial models by planning accessible boat hire and reduced coaching costs to nurture diversity and inclusion within sports, particularly for emerging athletes.
- In addition to significant progress in reaching 3,633 female members, representing a 10% growth in female membership, RYA Northern Ireland is also focusing on business strategies that promote diversity and inclusivity within the sailing community.
