CEO’s foreword

Having formerly worked at the Scottish Association for Marine Science, my move across from marine science to marine sport might sound like a big leap. But both share the critical concept of impact – whether it’s science or sport, the positive difference we make to individuals or communities has to be central to our mission.

Numbers can sometimes just be a snapshot in time and don’t describe the journey that our sport is going on – including the highs and the lows. This impact report is full of real stories from real people in real clubs who are changing the way that sailing and boating can support communities.

It’s very exciting to provide this introduction to the RYA Scotland Impact Report Year 1 for 2022-23 just a few weeks after starting my new role as CEO.

I’m originally from the Isle of Man and now live in Oban – both are locations with strong maritime communities, supporting sailing and boating opportunities for all. My own touch point with RYA Scotland was nearly 10 years ago when they provided critical support for my local sailing club, encouraging us to look beyond our own sailing community and build local partnerships. The support that RYA Scotland is providing to many clubs and organisations so they can develop wider relevance and engagement within their community was a key part of my motivation to take on the CEO role.

But how do we measure impact – the difference we can all make? Quantitative metrics only give a fraction of the story and are very one-dimensional. Numbers don’t tell us about the human impacts, the quality of experiences or the long-term benefits to individuals and communities.

The RYA is also on a journey and it is one of making our sport more appealing to more people. A refreshed RYA strategy sets out to positively impact peoples’ lives by supporting them to enjoy the benefits of being on the water. Central to all of this is making sailing inclusive and bringing new people into our sport. Imagery has a role to play here, and so we also welcome a new visual identity for the RYA which we hope will resonate with many more people within our communities as it rolls out over the coming year.

Impact is everywhere. I am looking forward to seeing the growing influence that our members and affiliates have on people, places and communities.

Finlo Cottier, CEO RYA Scotland