Scotland’s Boat Show 2017 

RYA Scotland spent the weekend of Scotland’s Boat Show getting hundreds of people afloat, many for the first time. Hundreds of show visitors had the opportunity to try boating in a range of practical on the water experiences aimed at inspiring participants.

Scotland’s Boat Show, hosted by the Holt Leisure Group, has been supported by RYA Scotland, sharing a goal of getting people afloat at the largest boat show in Scotland. Working in partnership with RYA Training providers sportscotland National Centre Cumbrae, You & Sea, Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, Britsail and Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, RYA Scotland coordinated over two hundred free sail and powerboat experiences over the three day event.

The feedback was fantastic from the participants and is best summarised in their own words: “What an amazing experience that I have never done before and will definitely do again.” Deborah Cook – “Absolutely fantastic, a good laugh on the boats. Never driven a powerboat before and I’d definitely try it again.” Jordan Nicol – “It was great fun, my first time ever on a sailboat on the Clyde, a real first for me!” Andy Tennent – “Brilliant, fantastic and we were really looked after. I’m going to try this again.” Ray Martin.

Scotland National Centre Cumbrae, along with You & Sea, provided practical powerboat experiences at the show that really gave people a hands on feel for the exhilaration and freedom of exploring our waters.

Ewan Curruthers of You and Sea, commented: “The show has been absolutely amazing, with massive enthusiasm from all the people despite some less than pleasurable weather at times. A big thank you to everyone who participated, it’s been brilliant and the boats haven’t stopped. There has been a great buzz around the pontoons with people bringing family and friends along to give it a try.”

Tom Thurlow of the National Centre added “It’s been great getting more people out on the water and giving them a taster of powerboating. We recognised a few faces who had been on courses with us over the season and they are back to try something different.”

The larger vessels sailing experiences were delivered by Britsail and the Ocean Youth Trust. The trust’s ALBA Volunteer took groups out for longer sessions and highlighted the opportunities available through the trust. Nick Fleming said, “We always enjoy Scotland’s Boat Show as a great opportunity to engage the boating community and help introduce new people to sailing. The involvement with RYA Scotland’s on the water activities has been very successful again this year.”

Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park provided a number of Hansa Dinghies, offering a small boat sailing experience sailing around the marina and provided accessible by all. Neil MacDonald noted at the end of Saturday’s sessions “It has certainly very busy as we haven’t stopped all day and had some great feedback.”

James Allan of RYA Scotland said. “It’s been a really successful weekend at Scotland’s Boat Show even though we did get some horrendous weather we managed to get lots of people out on the water and introduce them to boating. There has been a real buzz around all the stands with a lot of folk coming along and enjoying seeing what boating has to offer. We’re delighted we’ve achieved everything that we set out to do, with some great work from our partners, staff and volunteers who helped deliver the experiences over the weekend. I’m really pleased for everyone involved and we’re already looking forward to next year.”

Kevin Blamire, Scotland’s Boat Show organiser added. “We’re absolutely delighted with some great feedback from exhibitors, who are already booking for next year. I’m particularly impressed with the response to the programme of getting people on the water by RYA Scotland and their partners which has been phenomenal. Our next step is to sit down with RYA Scotland to see how we can expand next year as we always look to move onwards and upwards and get more people on the water.”

The RYA Scotland Pavilion hosted a range of marine trade bodies and of course the main RYA Scotland Stand where volunteers and staff were on hand to discuss the work and the many benefits of becoming an RYA member.

RYA volunteer, Brian Wilson was on the main RYA stand receiving many enquiries from members of the public. “It was great talking to people and people said it was great to talk to us. We had lots of interest in courses, how to get started and guiding them through training schemes and where the training centres are that run them.”

For the first time there was a RYA members lounge at the Chartroom Restaurant during the show that included a Gold Members Brunch on the Saturday and a Cruising Raft Up on Sunday.

Ewan Macpherson, Chair of RYA Scotland was one volunteers who greeted many of the members who sought shelter inside the Chartroom notes, “ A superb opportunity to meet with members face to face and to explain, particularly to cruising sailors, all the seriously hard work that goes on in the background to ensure that they can enjoy their leisure activity. Having our team of specialists on hand who can provide detail to some of the really intensive activities that they carry out on behalf of members is very valuable. The Members lounge has been an excellent addition to the show this year.”
RYA Scotland wishes to thank all those involved in the weekend and if you wish to take your boating further then use our handy ‘Where’s my nearest?’ function on the link below to connect with the closest training centre or club to get the most out of your time afloat.

https://www.rya.org.uk/wheres-my-nearest/Pages/Directory.aspx#list/