Gaidhealtachd Sailing ‘Promoting Dinghy Sailing in the Highlands’ Introduction Gael Force Ten, the sports initiative in the Highlands, has been enormously supportive of the sport of sailing, and has helped to develop strong dinghy sailing activities in sailing clubs based in the Highlands for the last 4 years. Thanks to their support, a large number of people have managed to achieve RYA coaching awards, which in turn has led to increased numbers of people taking part in structured activities. This development has encouraged clubs to grow, and we have now reached the point where the GFT Sailing Planning Group feels it is time to create a new group/ organisation to take forward identified initiatives, in order that the discipline of dinghy sailing can continue to develop and expand in the Highlands, and representation can be made of the disciplines of windsurfing, powerboating and PWCs. Background Currently there are approximately 14 sailing clubs in the Highland area, which are supported by work done by the Gael Force Ten Sailing Planning Group (GFTSPG) and the North of Scotland Yachting Association. Much of the work done by the GFTSPG is targeted specifically at clubs whose main work is dinghy sailing, an area not generally covered by the North of Scotland Yachting Association. Gaidhealtachd SailingRather than have a cumbersome name, it is felt that this name was adequate, as it covers the highlands and islands, and specifically says sailing Gaidhealtachd Sailing would be responsible for all aspects outwith the NSYA, specifically the following: Coach Education and development Volunteer training and development Club Development
Gaidhealtachd Sailing would replace the current Sailing Planning Group and continue the work done by the Group and will continue to work with Gael Force Ten. Gaidhealtachd Sailing would continue to work with RYA Scotland, and once constituted, would become affiliated to the RYA, which will allow the organisation to access new funding and resources, which will support the development of sailing in the Highlands.
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