Inspire. Celebrate. Support – the motto for the RYA’s new Sail for Gold initiative to bring the excitement of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as close to home as possible for the country’s clubs, centres and marinas.

With Britain going into the 2012 Games as the world’s top performing Olympic sailing nation once again, the media spotlight is inevitably set to focus on a number of key performers and possible 2012 medallists as the countdown to the Games really begins.  There has never been a better opportunity to inspire more people to go sailing more often.

Sail for Gold provides a framework of national and local on and off the water activities and events in the run up to the Games, so clubs and centres can play their part in inspiring new and existing sailors to get out on the water; enable all sailors to really embrace the spirit of the Olympics and show their support for the British sailing team for London 2012.

Launched in March so far more than 250 clubs and centres nationwide have already signed up for Sail for Gold, with volunteer Sail for Gold activators driving their club’s Sail for Gold activity to embrace the build up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta at Weymouth and Portland in June provided the first chance for people to really get into the Sail for Gold spirit, with clubs and centres taking advantage of Medal Race day to create special events. These included Sail for Gold club races, family fun pursuit races, open days, inviting members to bring guests for free and holding social events. Special RYA weblinks enabled clubs to show up to-the-minute regatta news, audio commentary, live tracking, interviews and results in the clubhouse.  The RYA also provided unique Sail for Gold medals to give out at their events.

Celia Edgington, RYA Sail for Gold Coordinator explains the philosophy behind the programme: “The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games provide the perfect opportunity to showcase and celebrate our sport making people nationwide feel genuinely connected to, and part of this incredible sporting event.

“Through Sail for Gold we are inspiring the country’s clubs, centres, marinas and boating organisations to run activities to inspire increased participation, whether newcomers or existing sailors sailing more often, and feel a part of something much bigger.

“We also want people to recognise just what an incredible, unmatched sailing heritage this country has and enable them to support the team.

“We know that not everyone will be able to visit Weymouth and Portland to show their support in person as spectators at the Olympic and Paralympic sailing events so our aim is to provide various ways for everyone to support the British team, as well as get involved in other regional activities.”

So what other events are in store for you to watch or take part in for the rest of 2011 and 2012?

Find out more about all the event and details on how to get involved or become a Sail for Gold Activator visit www.rya.org.uk/sailforgold or check out the latest news on the Sail for Gold Facebook page.