Creating confidence and connection
Vanessa Weedon-Jones shares her passion and drive for getting women on the water
RYA East Region
The East region covers Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex (excluding Thurrock)
A haven for getting afloat, this region offers a diverse range of boating from inland waters and navigable rivers to tidal estuaries and offshore sailing.
The beautiful Broads National Park has more than 125 miles of lock-free waterways to explore, taking boating enthusiasts through unique landscapes while immersed in nature.
Not only a haven for leisurely cruising, the East region is also home to a busy racing scene.
Among the many vibrant dinghy racing and watersports clubs is Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire, located on one of the country’s largest inland reservoirs.
The wild and intricate landscapes of the stunning East coast meanwhile have every kind of sailing from Swallows and Amazons pottering in the creeks to full-on dinghy and offshore racing.
Rich in tradition, there is also a plethora of popular summer regattas, including Burnham Week, Pyefleet Week at Brightlingsea, and Mersea Week from the island of the same name in Essex.
For both spectators and sailors, a must-do event is the unique Three Rivers Race from Horning, which sees competitors racing though the day and overnight, lowering their masts under three bridges, and hoping to reach the finish in time for breakfast!
Bedfordshire (including Central Bedfordshire & Bedford) • Cambridgeshire • Essex (excluding Thurrock) • Hertfordshire • Norfolk • Peterborough • Suffolk
Regional events
Get involved in all the latest RYA events both on and off the water. Whether you're a complete novice or seasoned professional, our goal is to inspire and help you connect with the sailing community.
The team
The RYA London and South East regional team are here to support you, your club or centre. We are a team of volunteers, staff, and contractors who work closely together to provide a network of support to grow activity and membership across the region.
Together, the team provides:
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Liaison between the Region's Clubs and the RYA;
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Co-ordination and encouragement of RYA National Training Schemes;
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Representation of the wider interests of all forms of sailing, windsurfing, cruising, inland waterways and powerboating within the Region.
The East Region Committee is an integrated team composed of three groups who work together for the benefit of the Region:
- 12 Local Associations who each elect a volunteer at their AGM to represent their association on the East Region Committee
- Specialist Appointment Volunteers: Regional Planning Environment Coordinator, Regional Race Management Coordinator, Regional Rules Adviser, Training Fleet Manager
- Regional Staff
Area Associations Represented:
- Association of Nene River Clubs
- Association of Southend Clubs
- Bedfordshire and Cambridge Area Association
- Blackwater and Colne Area Sailing Association
- Crouch Area Yachting Federation
- Great Ouse Boating Association
- Harwich Area Sailing Association
- Herts and West Essex Inland Waterways
- National Schools Sailing Association
- Royal Naval Sailing Association
- Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association
- North West Norfolk Sailing Association
Regional Manager: Robbie Bell
Robbie’s role is to work across the RYA East Region supporting clubs and training centres developing activity and membership. He manages a team of Sailing Development Officers who are in turn responsible for the delivery of key initiatives ranging from the OnBoard programme through to funding advice for clubs and supported open days. Robbie organises the annual Affiliated Club Conference and a range of instructor development opportunities including the Instructor Training Day and regional courses, and is responsible for ensuring RYA recognised training centre Inspections are completed during the year. Robbie sails an RS700 at Snettisham Beach Sailing Club and travels to events when he can. Robbie always enjoys visiting clubs throughout the region and getting afloat.
Regional Developer: Jane Ellison
Jane is responsible for supporting Sailability Groups and developing female participation in the region, Jane is also available to support clubs with creating a welcoming environment for all, in particular for those that may have challenges with accessibility.
Sailing Developer: Jen Miller
Jen’s primary role is to support the development of junior sailing through the OnBoard programme, directly helping clubs and centres with upskilling their instructors to deliver engaging sessions and develop character within their participants. Jen also helps coordinate regionally organised instructor training.
Volunteers (Officers)
Chair: Alice Davies
Vice Chair: Sara Hopkinson
Secretary/Treasurer: Tim Wood
Specialist Appointment holders
Rules/Disputes advisor: Graham Louth
East Regional Planning and Environmental Coordinator (ERPEC): Bob Calver
Race Management Coordinator: Paul Jackson
Volunteering
Motivated and enthusiastic volunteers play a key role in developing and maintaining thriving and successful clubs. Learn how you can support sailing clubs and centres around the UK
Together On Water
Find a club, centre or water sport activity near you.