This group is tasked with looking after the development element of the work done by RYA Scotland, and with providing guidance and help to the relevant staff. It s a flexible group, with a rotating chair and secretary, allowing the responsibility of the work to be spread throughout, and allowing individuals to develop and expand their skills.
It is principally concerned with participation development and volunteer development, across all disciplines, and ensuring that sustainability is possible. Therefore, club development, instructor training, Sailing in the City , Team 15 Scotland , inspections and sports development are all discussed by this group. Training in specific areas is also arranged, such as a Yachtmaster Instructor Power course, being held in early 2007. This group will consider putting on any training, if it is felt to be relevant to sailing in Scotland. Open participation events are another area of work, and the group is keen to support Open Days arranged by both clubs and centres, in whatever way it can and welcomes information about when such events have been organised.
Funding can be accessed through this committee to support the following two areas: Club Instructor training, and training in good and safe practice for clubs. To access this funding, simply send a letter or drop an email to
Jane Scott, Development Manager, who will then forward the information to the group.
They do also hold the responsibility for the funding for the RYA Scotland Club Development Strategy, which also has funding for development in certain areas, such as After School Sailing Clubs, Racing Instructor Endorsements, Club Racing Coaches courses, Club Race Officer training and Senior Instructor training.
To date they have supported organisations all over Scotland, from schools sailing in Shetland, to First Aid training in North Berwick, and in 2006 they supported 6 club based Instructor training courses (which resulted in 36 people gaining qualifications in Scotland). They are keen to ensure that they support available is relevant and/ or useful, and welcome comments on how they might best support clubs and training centres again please do not hesitate to contact Jane Scott to discuss your thoughts.
The current membership includes;
- Leanne Fisher Fife Council
- Jane Robertson East Lothian YC
- Kirsty Brunton Dalgety Bay SC
- James Urquhart Edinburgh Leisure
- Tim Wilson RNLI
- Richard Whitton Windsurfing
- Iain Richardson West Lothian Council
- Robin Nicol RYA Scotland Windsurfing Co-ordinator