RAYC Magenta Day 2019

Background

The Magenta Project has teamed up with the RYA, the national governing body for sailing in the UK, to help promote more women racing keelboats at club level. Through tailored coaching sessions at clubs up and down the country, run by RYA qualified Magenta Project coaches, the on and off the water race training days, run in conjunction with host clubs, will aim to get more female club members on the water racing, more often.

The days are not only aimed at improving racing techniques, but will offer opportunities to gain skills in coaching, race management and other areas of the sport. This aims to give more confidence to women wanting to participate in club racing and drive improved opportunities for women in their local club sailing.



A tailored program has been devised to create a safe learning environment to build confidence and ability with input from some of the country’s top female sailors and coaches, including Paralympic gold medallist Helena Lucas, three times Volvo Ocean Race sailor Abby Ehler, around the world navigator Libby Greenhalgh, solo sailor Mary Rook and Clipper Race skipper Nikki Henderson to name a few.

The initial call-out to clubs has been an overwhelming success and the initial aim of hosting five Magenta Days in 2019, has been doubled with ten clubs coming onboard in year one, spanning the depth and breadth of the UK.

The RAYC is proud to be one of the 10 clubs selected and will be hosting Nikki Henderson and Ellie Draper, both have a wealth of experience of international sailing.

Objectives

  • Create an open, inclusive, learning environment where women build confidence in their racing skills.
  • Connect with other like-minded females of all ages throughout the club, building a network and community to continue into the future
  • Encourage female members to try something new whether they are new to racing, crew position or boat type
  • Introduce and promote the British Keelboat Academy and encourage team participation in British Keelboat League and other national events
  • Provide a framework and example of how clubs can instigate and continue race training and coaching in future
  • Promote clubs female member base

Training day format

0800 : Volunteers meet for briefing
0830 : Registration of Magenta Day participants
0845 : Days schedule and safety briefing
0900 : Rig boats with coaching oversight
1000 : Sailing session 1 – focus boat handing round a race course
1230 : Lunch (on the water)
1300 : Sailing session 2 – focus on starting and race ready
1500 : Off the water
1600 : Debrief
1730 : Close and next steps

We also hope to be able to offer all RAYC members and guests a presentation from our coaches about their sailing experience.  More details on this will follow soon.

Links and Further information:

2019 Magenta Day Signup Form

The Magenta Project Website