The RYA has announced RS Sailing as an official partner for the 2025-2026 RYA Connected series of events, webinars and activities, launched in tandem as the 2025 RYA Connected Conferences are currently underway.
The partnership will see RS Sailing support the annual nationwide programme designed to connect, empower and inspire leaders across the RYA’s extensive affiliate network — including sailing clubs, class associations and training centres.
The RYA Connected Conferences 2025 bring together hundreds of affiliates across the UK to share ideas, hear from expert speakers and access practical tools to help their organisations and the wider sport thrive. From leadership and governance to volunteer recruitment and community engagement, these events are designed to support those shaping the future of sailing.
“RS Sailing is delighted to sponsor the RYA Connected Conferences. These conferences provide a vital platform for sailing clubs, class associations and volunteers to share knowledge and strengthen the UK sailing community. The partnership reflects RS Sailing’s longstanding commitment to supporting grassroots sailing – fostering inclusivity and encouraging participation at all levels. Working with the RYA we aim to ensure sailing remains vibrant accessible and sustainable for future generations. We are excited and encourage everyone to join one of the editions and share their passion for the sport with us,” said Michiel Geerling, Commercial Director, RS Sailing.
The 2025 RYA Connected Conferences run between 8 November until 30 November and are free to attend for all RYA Affiliates. While opening conferences have now closed, there is still time to book for the remaining regional events:
- 22 November – Ipswich (East)
- 23 November – Crawley (London & South East)
- 29 November – Taunton (South West)
- 30 November – Southampton (South)
“RYA Connected is all about helping clubs, classes and centres come together to share ideas, learn from each other and keep our sport moving forward. It’s great to have RS Sailing involved this year — they share our passion for supporting the people at the heart of sailing and helping more communities enjoy everything the sport has to offer,” said Gareth Brookes, Head of Regions, RYA.
“I’m really excited to be involved with the RYA Connected programme and can’t wait to speak with clubs to better understand their needs. I’ll be on hand to talk through our full range of RS boats and how they can support training programmes of all kinds – we offer flexible packages to suit every individual club or centre.
I’m particularly looking forward to talking about the Eric Twiname RS Tera and RS Feva Schemes. We’ve delivered over 300 boats with the RS Tera scheme (which is in its 15th year in 2025) and the RS Feva Scheme now joining the scheme in its second year!
From the smallest RS Tera, perfect for starting to sail or race, right through to the RS Venture and RS21 keelboats, RS has a wide range of training boats to suit every sailor’s ability and ambition,” said Lily Fox, Training & Fleet Sales Executive, RS Sailing.
Find out more and book your place via RYA Connected | Events.
