ISC – a RYA Volvo Champion Club

The General Committee has confirmed the Sailing Committee's November decision that the club should join this RYA scheme, and be a Champion Club.  The relationship with the RYA which has to be built on and developed, will lay with Chris darling who Captains the RS 200s and with David Sloper, who represents the 420s. They will be supported by the club office and we expect that the youth sailors should see some new ideas and training opportunities.

The RYA system is recognised to be a key factor in the increasing popularity and growth of the sport, especially at Olympic level.

For those who need the background:-

What is an RYA Champion Club?

It is a badge, representing a quality standard that indicates that the club promotes a vibrant and organised youth and junior training regime, and is continuously introducing young people into racing.

Advantages for ISC?

1. A contracted, qualified RYA coach to provide 2-3 free coaching days at the club.

2. The accreditation and branding of an RYA ‘centre of excellence’.

3. Free training of club volunteers to gain their coaching qualifications.

4. Permits the Club to make grants under the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme.

5. Support and consultancy from the RYA and the local High Performance Manager
for all aspects of club and race management.

6. Trade prices for Musto sailing kit for coaches. And subsidised boat show tickets.

7. Opportunity to develop links to gain additional financial support (e.g. with Volvo).

There may be less tangible reciprocal benefits from the RYA, as we are seen to publicly endorse their Champion Club programme

“Why does Itchenor need a badge from the RYA? We are successful enough without them?”

The recent high standards achieved by our junior members have been assisted undoubtedly by the RYA. By joining up we are effectively strengthening and promoting their system, by which we will eventually benefit. The access to the consultancy advice may be of considerable assistance.

What does the club have to do to join up?

1. Provide a structured race training programme in one of the RYA recognised junior classes such as the Mirror and have sufficient numbers of the class.

2. Provide regular class racing in a safe and secure environment.

3. Encourage sailors to attend relevant competitions and open meetings.

4. Participate in the RYA Zone, Youth and National Squads.

5. Have sufficient coaches, volunteers and physical resources to achieve these aims.

It can be seen that we currently pass all these tests and so there are no changes to the club management or operation necessary. Neither are there any changes required to our membership selection procedures. To maximise the benefit it may be worth nominating someone to liaise with the RYA.

Is there a downside?

There doesn’t seem to be. If in the future, for whatever reason we could not pass the criteria above (or the RYA changed the criteria) we could simply withdraw from the accreditation. There is no fee payable.