Felpham Sailing Club is now recognised for Youth Sailing by the RYA

What does it feel like to be recognised with a National Qualification?

Well quite good actually, whether it is passing a GCSE, an A Level or similar qualification it’s good to know that one has achieved a certain standard.

What does it feel like when the RYA, our National Governing Body, recognises what we do at Felpham Sailing Club?

Well that feels very good to know that when we are delivering training to our members we deliver it to standards laid down by the RYA, achieving sailing & powerboating qualifications that are recognised around the world.

And what does it feel like when the RYA recognises our excellence in youth development by accrediting the Club as a “British Youth Sailing Recognised Club”?

Well that feels just brilliant. We know our youngsters are a credit to the club, do outstandingly well at dinghy racing, and make great instructors. We have been doing that year on year and the club is a hive of activity and fun.

And what does it feel like when you discover that only 15 clubs have been recognised nationally as “British Youth Sailing Recognised Clubs”?

Speaking for myself I am absolutely astonished and incredibly proud!

A lot of people give up a lot of time and energy to make the club zing along, and many more come along to enjoy the friendly and fun environment. All these people should feel astonished and proud too.

The nearest sea clubs with the same recognition are Warsash (on the Hamble) going west, and North Norfolk going east. The nearest inland club is Papercourt. Felpham is the only BYS Recognised Club in Sussex, with no others in the South East!

Just fifteen sailing clubs have been chosen to become the country’s first British Youth Sailing (BYS) Recognised Clubs as part of a new scheme celebrating excellence in developing the sailing stars of the future.

The Recognised Clubs initiative sees the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) working alongside sailing clubs around the country to promote grassroots sailing and support junior and youth sailors as they develop racing skills.

Chris Atherton, the RYA’s senior high performance manager, said: “The key challenge for our sport is to encourage more young people to start participating in sailing and progress into racing.

“This is best done at club level and a successful junior and youth training and racing programme will enable a club to flourish.

“The BYS Recognised Club status distinguishes those sailing clubs with a commitment to the development of junior and youth racing and race training, which is delivered in a safe and fun environment.

“We’re proud to announce the first tranche of British Youth Sailing Recognised Clubs, and would like to invite any sailing clubs which think they meet the criteria to apply for BYS Recognised Clubs status.”

In order for a club to achieve BYS Recognised Club status it must meet a series of exacting standards.

The full text of the RYA Press Release is here: http://www.rya.org.uk/newsevents/news/Pages/top-sailing-clubs-awarded-for-developing-tomorrows-sailing-stars.aspx

From now on expect to see the BYS logo on our letters, communications and flying high on a flagpole at FSC. It is on our website too.

A huge thank you to all those who have contributed to this fantastic achievement. Well done!

Roger Belton
Felpham SC  Training Principal

June 2018