About the RYA. The Royal Yachting Association is the national governing body for dinghy, motor and sail cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing and personal watercraft, and is a leading representative body for inland waterways cruising in the UK.

The RYA's training courses and qualifications are recognised and respected all over the world. With more than 2,400 recognised training centres across 58 different countries and more than 100 courses, there's something for every age, interest and ability.

About the RYA . RYA stands for Royal Yachting Association. Set up in 1875 as the Yacht Racing Association, the RYA has since become the national governing body for dinghy, motor and sail cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative body for inland waterways cruising.

I am committed to sailing in all forms, dinghy, training, cruising and yachting. I believe the RYA represent the sport and my interests well whilst working with whole communities.

2025 marks the 150th Anniversary of the RYA, a milestone celebrating a century and a half of leadership, innovation, and passion for boating in the UK and beyond. From pioneering unified racing rules to fostering Olympic champions, promoting accessibility, embracing sustainability, the RYA’s journey reflects the evolution of boating.

See what events, shows and conferences are coming up from the RYA and how you can can take part.

The RYA works to ensure that legislators, regulators and other authorities understand, and take account of, recreational boating activity. Read what the RYA is currently doing to represent the views of members.

For recreational boaters who value their time on the water. For RYA Instructors, Level 2/3 Appointed Race Officials or Coaches, Commercial Endorsement holders, British Youth or World Class Sailors. You have not accepted all cookies, so some of the functionalities on this page will not work. Kindly ...

RYA Northern Ireland Annual Awards: A look back at the 2024 winners

Information about the RYA around the UK. From urban clubs offering an oasis from city life to the picturesque Lake District and Isle of Man, this region has every kind of inland and coastal boating from dinghy to yacht sailing.