History of the LRYSA

The Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association (LRYSA) was founded in 1967 operating from John Merrick’s Lake (Charnwood), and Hinckley Wharf (Hinckley) and later Bosworth Water Trust (Market Bosworth). The purpose of the LRYSA has always been to make water sports accessible and affordable to all sections of the community taking away the high costs and elitism of private clubs. We do this by charging no membership fee, providing all boats and equipment by fund raising ourselves, and by providing reduced cost instruction by our fully qualified volunteer instructors and coaches.

The LRYSA is a charity run wholly by unpaid volunteers (currently aged between 14 to 82) who are trained to the high standard set by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and all of its activities are governed by the standards and requirements of the RYA and of the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) and all DBS checked.

Courses / Activities and who we reach …

Schools Training: 15 Leicestershire Schools in 2014 (from Syston to Hinckley) - Stage 1 + 2 Sailing and Canoeing

Special School:  Wide range of Learning Difficulties - Stage 1 Sailing

Vista: Sight loss / The Blind - Stage 1 sailing

Mossaic: Severe disabilities - Basic water sports

General Mixed learning difficulties/physical impairments -Stage 1 sailing

Saturday morning Kids Club: for beginners of all abilities

Adult Sailing: Level 1 + 2

Advanced race training

Leicestershire Youth Racing Team: coaching and management. This is the only youth racing team representing Leicestershire nationally

Power boat/ safety boat training

Sailing Instructor training and qualifications (Assistant Instructors from 14 years +)

Racing coach training and qualifications

Organising and running local and national regattas

Who Benefits ?

Young people and adults from all backgrounds and abilities.  

People on low income

People with low self esteem

People that have become isolated from society

People with dysfunctional families

People from areas of deprivation (including a number of schools in the 7 disadvantaged wards)

People recovering emotionally from mental illness issues

Sailors who want to progress on to become instructors, coaches and racing coaches

Sailors who want to progress to national and international competition

All of our sailors will have access to safe and usable equipment

Potential Outcomes

The potential impact of our activities for children and families attending our sessions ...

Promote Good Health and wellbeing and just having fun in the fresh air!

Provide a challenge by learning and developing new skills including working as a Team

Increase self-confidence, motivation and general self-worth

Improve communication / social interaction / comprehension / awareness skills

Provide the opportunity to gain RYA approved qualifications (with certificates) to gain a real sense of achievement

Provide an opportunity to become part of the race team (representing Leicestershire at national events)

Provide the opportunity to train as an instructor and volunteer their time to help others

Provide an environment where families can work together - parents & guardians are invaluable in the running of the LRYSA