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RYA North West Region

The North West region covers Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside

The North West offers a wealth of boating with waters as varied as they are stunning, with inland and coastal locations ranging from Merseyside and Greater Manchester to the wild landscapes of the Lake District, Morcambe Bay and the Isle of Man.

Combining a supportive sailing and boating community with opportunities for both cruising and racing, amid striking scenery, the region is home to an array of large and small friendly clubs and training centres, all of them offering fantastic activities afloat.

Activities include cruising and racing, paddleboarding, windsurfing and foiling - for all levels from beginner to expert, whether you are looking to join a club or visit for an event, weekend or holiday.

Much loved regattas include family-friendly Bassenthwaite Week, combining keen competition with a relaxed holiday vibe, and the legendary Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy on Ullswater, which attracts more than 200 racing dinghies, with a start line that spans the width of the lake!

The Lake District was also the setting for Swallows and Amazons, the children’s sailing and adventure story by Arthur Ransome, with locations thought to include Coniston and Windermere.

Looking for an urban oasis, high energy sailing or the tranquility of messing about in a boat while taking in some of the UK’s most breathtaking scenery? This region has it all!

Cheshire including Halton & Warrington • Cumbria • Greater Manchester • Lancashire including Blackpool & Blackburn with Darwen • Merseyside • The Isle of Man

Get ready for the RYA Junior Club Championships

Find out how your club can get involved in this autumn’s inaugural club competition for junior racers

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Nominations now open for the 2026 RYA Awards

Celebrate the people and organisations making a difference in our boating community

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Southampton International Boat Show 2025 is back with discounted RYA Member tickets

Exclusive limited time offer – tickets now live

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boats sailing across sparkling waters

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 North West 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: 

  • Liaison between the Region's Clubs and the RYA; 

  • Co-ordination and encouragement of RYA National Training Schemes; 

  • Representation of the wider interests of all forms of sailing, windsurfing, cruising, inland waterways and powerboating within the Region. 

Chair: Richard Hemingway

Deputy Chair and Treasurer: Jennifer Mooreby

Secretary: Peter Hadfield

Race Management and Co-ordinator: Adrian J Stoggall

Racing Rules advisor and Environmental, planning & coastal navigation: David Taylor

Regional Manager (North East / North West): Adam McGovern

wide shot of a dinghy race

Together On Water

Find a club, centre or water sport activity near you.