Volunteer roles within sailability
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Sailability. So many different types of people give their time to support sailors in getting on the water - there is a role for everyone, on or off the water.
On the water
You might be a sailor who wants to give something back, or a sailing club member who wants to do something with the skills you have. Whatever your motivation there is a role on the water for you.
- Instructing and coaching - Teaching people to develop skills in different boats, or guiding sailors to become successful competitors.
- Helming and crewing - Some people always need someone in the boat with them - either as helm or crew. Get to know people, enjoy sailing with them and develop your own skills at the same time.
- Race management - There are some keen competitors across the Sailability network so there is often a role for race officers, mark layers, judges and umpires.
- Safety boat crew - Use your RYA Powerboat qualifications and be part of the safety fleet.
Off the water
It doesn't matter if you can't sail (yet). There are so many ways you can make a difference on dry land, so sailors have a safe, fun and welcoming experience. Where ever your talents lay, you can put them to good use.
- Point of contact - Provide a warm welcome and contact point for enquiries, develop partnerships with local community organisations that can reach disabled people who may want to come sailing.
- Preparing boats and sailors - There is kit to be handed out, boats to be rigged and launched (its quick and easy to learn how) and sailors who need support to get in and out of boats.
- Maintenance - Boats need maintaining so they are safe and ready to use, buildings and grounds need looking after.
- Running a small organisation - Membership schemes need to be run, monies fundraised and accounted for, legislation and regulations complied with, and other volunteers supported and developed.
- Digital, communications and marketing - Develop a club or centres website as a great shop window so disabled people are inspired to get active on the water, run social media accounts and promote what the club or centre does locally.
Reflect on what you want to get out of volunteering, consider how much time you have to give, and use our search tool to find a club or centre near you. You won't regret it, and it might be one of the best things you do
Volunteering is the heart of RYA and club activity
Find out more about how volunteers are making a difference at charities, clubs, on the race course and at the RYA.
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