Alongside competitions, special offers and expert advice available on the RYA Stand (BO32) and in the RYA Members’ Lounge, and visits from our sailing Olympic medallists, the RYA will also be unveiling its new look membership at this year’s Southampton Boat Show (16-25 September).
Over the last two years the RYA has undertaken a full review of its membership and has been working towards developing a new clearer, simpler and more compelling membership offer.
“In this time we have surveyed, interviewed, assessed, analysed, discussed and debated numerous pieces of information and data from members, non-members and ex-members”, commented RYA Membership Development Manager, Conor Swift.
“The new model will consist of four categories that we believe, represent all aspects of the wider boating community and will offer something for everyone. From the novice boater, Pathway aims to lead you through the early stages of your boating, while Accredited members are recognised for the work they do in the boating community. In the long term we will be able to tailor the offers and information we provide to each of the categories to really enhance your RYA membership”, Conor added.
Whether joining for the first time or renewing their membership, visitors to the show will be some of the first to pick up their new look membership cards from one of the four new categories:
- Pathway – For those who have just discovered boating
- Personal – For recreational boaters
- Associate – For boaters who are members of an RYA affiliated club or association
- Accredited – For RYA Instructors, RYA race officials, RYA race coach level 2 & 3, commercial endorsements holders, British Youth Sailing Squad and World Class Programme sailors
Each category will have a unique colour identity that will run across the Website landing page through to membership cards and stickers; Pathway – Teal; Personal – Navy; Associate – Red and Accredited – Grey. There will also be new look Gold cards for RYA Gold members and a Black card for RYA Life members.
Within each category members will be able to choose from U18, U25, Adult and Family membership types which will denote how much you pay for your membership. Membership prices will remain largely unchanged with just a slight increase (approx. 42p per month) in the cost of Junior membership as it amalgamates with our Youth offer to form the U18 membership category. We will also continue to offer enhanced benefits to Gold and Life members from our 50 plus member reward partners.
The new look membership will be phased in from 01 September 2016. RYA Life members will receive their new look ‘Black Cards’ from the beginning of September. Existing members that meet the criteria for the new Accredited category will be moved over to this category from the beginning of September, with all the remaining existing members moved in to the new Personal Member category. Members moved to the Personal member category will then be able to move themselves into another category if they feel it suits them better (subject to meeting category criteria).
For new members the new categories will be available to select from the beginning of September 2016.
Drop by the RYA Stand or Members’ Lounge for more information or contact the RYA Membership Team at [email protected]
As well as the unveiling of the new look membership there are a whole host of other membership activities taking place throughout the show.
On Friday (16 September) we welcome the Team GB sailors, fresh from Rio 2016 to an exclusive RYA Gold Members event in the Members’ Lounge, to hear all about the Games, the racing and what’s in store next. (Invitation only event).
We will be welcoming a number of RYA member reward partners to the lounge throughout the week to tell you more about their great offers, with visits from Gill, Spinlock, Bulb, Sebago, Techniblock and Honda Marine.
New this year. Throughout the week, Monday to Friday, 15.30-17.30, RYA members can claim their FREE tea and coffee voucher in the Members’ Lounge and enjoy a cuppa on us (subject to availability). While you’re there don’t forget to take advantage of our Refer a Friend Programme. Share the benefits of RYA membership with your friends and family and when they sign up not only will they receive 25% discount on their new membership you will receive two special thank you gifts; an RYA branded umbrella or Overboard waterproof bag.
And if that’s not enough, members also enjoy:
- Private table service dining area
- Self-service cloakroom
- Dedicated lounge area to sit and relax
- Easy access to a Starbucks coffee station and the Holiday Inn bar if you fancy something a bit stronger!
- Access to the Holiday Inn’s Spirit Health Club throughout the duration of the show, including gym, sauna, pool and Jacuzzi
RYA member FREE ticket offer
This year we’ve teamed up with British Marine Shows to offer every RYA member a free ticket to this year’s show with the opportunity to purchase up to three additional tickets at the special price of £11 (£1.95 will be applied per transaction for purchased tickets).
RYA members can take advantage of this great offer by visiting the Southampton Boat Show member benefits page www.rya.org.uk/go/sbstickets
To find out more about what’s on at the Southampton Boat Show visit www.southamptonboatshow.com