Making a difference

Representation and making a difference

We welcome your thoughts, Let our representation team know your views and concerns on our current issues.

Let us know

The RYA works to ensure that legislators, regulators and other authorities understand, and take account of recreational boating activity

Recreational boating in the UK has a long established tradition of self-reliance and individual responsibility. Consequently, we continue to enjoy relative freedom to pursue our boating activities, but this freedom cannot be taken for granted.

Today, our coastal waters and inland waterways face increasing pressure from competing commercial, environmental and leisure interests.

For these reasons, it is vital that recreational boating interests are represented effectively to ensure that Government, in all its forms, takes full account of our activities when balancing competing interests.

Read the RYA's stance

man hosing his dinghy whilst on shore on wheels

Environment and sustainability

Learn more about how to make your boating more sustainable with practical advice and resources for clubs and boaters.

Issues that we are working on for you

Carriage Of Pyrotechnic Flares

The RYA is keen to ensure that technological advances in distress alerting are embraced as widely as possible.

Offshore Wind And Tidal Energy Installations

The RYA acknowledges the Government's desire to promote renewable energy, however we are keen to ensure the navigational safety of recreational boating around the coast.

Marine Planning

The RYA is representing boating interests as the development of UK marine plans progresses.

Marine Conservation Zones

Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) aim to establish a network of conservation sites which will ‘contribute to the conservation or improvement of the marine environment in the UK marine area’.

Boat Registration

The RYA advocates for the continuation of voluntary boat registration in the UK.

Planning and licensing

Water quality: our position

The RYA is a founding member of the Clean Water Sports Alliance. The Alliance is advocating for the restoration of the UK’s blue spaces for the enjoyment of all.

Protect Our Playground

The rights to our waters. The future of our waters.

The power of community

Together we raise sails and sailors

Reflections on water

An RYA campaign shining a light on you