The RYA and British Sailing have unveiled the refreshed Together on Water strategy, setting out an ambitious ten-year vision to connect more people than ever before with the water and the benefits it brings.
Building on the foundations of the strategy first launched in 2023, the refresh outlines a clear plan of action designed to grow participation, strengthen communities and safeguard the waters that inspire millions across the UK.
At the heart of the strategy is a bold ambition to:
- Double active participation in water-based activities over the next decade.
- Enable 10 million people to experience a meaningful connection to blue spaces.
- Create more opportunities for people from all backgrounds to get on the water and feel they belong.
“Since originally launching Together on Water, we have put our community at the heart of everything we do, and we are already seeing the impact,” said Sara Sutcliffe, RYA CEO.
“We have listened and we know that being on the water can be life-changing, but too many people still feel that spending time on the water is not accessible to them, and that must change. As an island nation, being on the water should be part of our national identity.”
In order to achieve these ambitions, the strategy is built around four cross-cutting priorities:
- More People, More Often– Growing participation and helping people develop lifelong connections with the water.
- More Backgrounds– Opening opportunities and creating a welcoming community where everyone feels they belong.
- Better Blue Spaces– Protecting and enhancing the waters that connect us all.
- Brilliant Basics– Providing the strong foundations, systems and support that enable everything the RYA does.
From challenging dated perceptions to enabling more young people to unlock opportunities that extend far beyond participation, Together on Water is about making time on the water something people can grow up with and return to throughout their lives. The refreshed strategy is informed by key insights from the RYA’s Reflections on Water Survey and the National Watersports Participation Survey, which highlight the significant role that water plays in people’s lives.
The research shows that:
- People are drawn to the water because of how it makes them feel.
- Strong communities help more people thrive on and around the water.
- Reducing barriers will enable more people to participate.
- Future growth depends on reaching and welcoming new audiences.
- People who feel connected to blue spaces are more likely to protect and care for them.
Through Together on Water, the RYA will continue to support and empower the people who make activity possible, working with the incredible network of clubs, training centres, volunteers, partners and communities. Areas of work include creating opportunities through volunteering, leadership and careers, supporting under-represented groups and building programmes that connect people where they live.
Sir Michael Arthur, RYA Chair added: “We know this ambition is bold, but due to the invaluable support from our members, dedicated network and partners, we are not working alone. Together on Water has always championed the joy of sailing and boating and now the RYA enters its next chapter with a sharper focus as we turn that vision into action.”
