RYA Sets Ten-Year Plan for Participation and Water Access

A long-term direction for boating

The RYA and British Sailing refreshed their Together on Water strategy in September 2026. It builds on an earlier plan and sets a ten-year framework for participation and public engagement with boating.

Although the programme begins in recreational sport, the marine industry has a stake in how people first gain access to the water. Many future instructors, crew and technical specialists enter through club or training environments.

Clubs and volunteers remain central

The strategy recognises clubs, coaches and volunteers as an important part of the network that delivers on-water activities. Training capacity and welcoming first experiences can determine whether newcomers return for a second season.

The document sets ambitions, rather than reporting that every target has already been reached. Its implementation will depend on partner organisations and the resources committed over time.

Blue spaces as a shared asset

The plan connects increased participation with care for the waters and coastlines that people use. Protecting access and supporting responsible activity therefore sit alongside the organisation’s sporting and educational priorities.

Those concerns are relevant to both small boats and the wider yachting sector, where harbour access and environmental conditions affect operations. Site-specific rules and conservation requirements remain with their own authorities.

What the industry can follow

The useful future measure will be how reported participation, access and environmental work develop against the strategy’s goals. Suppliers and maritime employers can also watch the training and club networks that help bring new people into the sector.

RYA’s official September announcement establishes the scope and timeframe of the strategy. This article reports the published plan without presenting future participation figures as achieved results.