Discover the Power of Youth: RYA Launches Futures Lab to Empower Young Voices in Sailing

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is setting a new course with the introduction of the Futures Lab - a pioneering project designed not just with the youth but also for the youth. Amidst the headwinds of evolving sports and rising participation barriers, the number of young people taking up sailing has stagnated. The RYA is determined to change this course and bring youth back to the helm.

With Futures Lab, RYA seeks not to make assumptions but to foster an ecosystem where the insights and ideas of the younger generation can guide genuine transformations. In this pursuit, they are inviting a group of committed 16-25-year-olds to steer the direction of sailing and outdoor adventure.

Volunteering for Futures Lab provides these young changemakers an enriching gateway to influence the work of the RYA and the future of sailing itself. Reaping a host of benefits, members will be empowered with access to free leadership training through Unloc, a renowned education nonprofit that aids young innovators across the UK. They will also gain a grasp of key skills including teamwork, communication, planning, and problem-solving.

The boat doesn’t stop at these. Members will also gain a deeper understanding of critical topics such as Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, Safeguarding, and Sustainability while networking with industry experts and like-minded peers from across the UK.

RYA’s Futures Lab proves to be more than just a channel to have their voices heard. With the support of over 100,000 community members, 24,000 instructors, 250,000 volunteers and more than 2,000 Recognised Training Centres, the members will contribute directly to brand-new and ongoing initiatives, including - national event planning, youth training schemes, and broader strategic decision-making.

Through bi-monthly ’labs’, in-person gatherings, and more, they will confront and overcome challenges, co-create solutions and ensure that the needs and aspirations of their generation are echoed in the future of sailing. RYA’s Futures Lab sets an example that with youth in the right place, the future of sailing is certainly in safe hands.