RYA Scotland AGM

Just back from the RYAS AGM at the Falkirk Wheel. What a venue! On arrival delegates were treated to a sailing display by On Board sailors, Blair and Ryan from the Lowport Centre at Linlithgow in the new On Board Topper Fleet.

Chairman Hamish MacKay ensured a brisk pace through the multiple items of business including discussion of the new RYA Scotland strategy and new plans to ensure greater involvement of clubs in the RYA pathway. Roy McCubbin, High Performance Manager announced the establishment of a new post, the class pathway officer, to work with Scottish Sailing Clubs on developing class sailing in Scotland.

Exactly on time, Hamish handed over to former 470 crew mate Steven "Sparkie" Park, a product of RYAS and now Skandia Team GBR Olympic Manager. Steven gave a fantastic presentation on the experiences of the GBR Olympic Team sailors with a particular focus on Quindao 2008 and the remarkable performance of the GBR Team. Steven emphasised in particular the efforts of every member of the GBR and RYA support team, from the sailors themselves, to the expert support team, right down to the members of every club who has worked to raise the standards of racing all across the UK.

Finale of the day was a demonstration of boat handling and finesse in the Falkirk Wheel basin by Scottish Topper Squad sailors Andrew McGowan (GBR Topper Squad 2009), Jamie Noyes (Topper JDP National Squad 2009) and Alexander "Chuckie" Still.

RYAS is looking forward to another successful year promoting, developing and defending Scottish Sailing.