A Year of Progress: RYA's 'Reflections on Water' Highlights People, Initiatives and Accessible Watersports

Marking a significant milestone, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) celebrates the first anniversary of their national campaign, ‘Reflections on Water’. This initiative, launched in January 2025 as a continuation of RYA’s ‘Together on Water’ strategy, has been instrumental in celebrating the people and progress shaping the UK’s ‘blue spaces’, thereby reaffirming RYA’s commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming watersports atmosphere.

The past year saw ‘Reflections on Water’ metamorphose into a vibrant online hub, thriving with a wide array of personal stories from sailors aged 12 to 91. These narrations, curated from individuals across the UK, include experiences from athletes, coaches, volunteers, enthusiasts and ordinary individuals, reflecting the depth and diversity of the watersports community. Available to the public, these narratives serve as an inspiration, fostering a sense of unity and shared enthusiasm within the maritime fraternity.

Over and above sharing stories, ‘Reflections on Water’ has played a pivotal role in the endorsement of several RYA programmes aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment. This includes promoting initiatives such as increasing female participation through the RYA Female Futures Group, training future instructors as part of the ongoing Urban Winds Project in London, and launching RYA’s first youth ambassador programme for 16-25-year-olds - the Futures Lab.

The campaign’s focus is also rooted in understanding and eliminating the barriers to participation. To this end, in November 2025, RYA conducted their largest study yet - the Reflections on Water Survey, designed to gain insights into life on the water in the UK.

Currently, data from over 5,500 responses to the survey are under analysis. Early indications reveal barriers such as cost and a lack of diverse representation. On the positive side, respondents highlighted the significant social benefits and sense of community that watersports and sailing foster. Further findings from the survey will be published later this year.

‘Reflections on Water’, therefore, has not only served as a celebration of the watersports community but also as a beacon for positive change. It underscores the continuous evolution of the marine enthusiast community, promoting growth, adaptability, and mutual support. The success of this initiative reiterates the RYA’s commitment to building a future where everyone belongs on the water.