RYA Northern Ireland has announced the appointment of Greg Yarnall as its new chief operating officer.

Currently development director with Table Tennis England, he will join the RYANI in September 2022. He succeeds Richard Honeyford, who took up a new post as executive manager of the NI Sports Forum earlier this summer.

Yarnall has significant experience in the sport, recreation and charity sectors, working as part of the senior leadership team with Table Tennis England since 2016, having previously worked in management positions for Beanstalk Charity and Northamptonshire Sport.

He has also been an active coach and volunteer across a wide range of sports for the past 20 years.

“It is an honour to take on the chief operating officer role for RYANI and I would like to thank the board of RYANI for giving me this opportunity,” Yarnall said.

“The sports sector has been through some challenging times over the past couple of years and I am excited to start working with the team of staff, the board and the clubs, volunteers, centres and partners across Northern Ireland, to continue and grow the work of RYANI.

Susan McKnight, chair of RYANI said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Richard Honeyford for his hard work as former chief operating officer and we wish him well in his new role. I would also like to thank Gayle Logan for her work as interim chief operating officer and leading the team over these few months until our new COO starts in September.

“I am pleased to extend a warm welcome Greg Yarnall to the RYANI team. We are delighted that Greg has accepted the post as chief operating officer and I am confident that his appointment and extensive experience will be a fantastic asset to our sport.

“This is an exciting time for sailing and boating and I am looking forward to seeing the team continue their dedicated work under Greg’s leadership.”

RYA Northern Ireland has announced this year’s Women on Water Festival, which is set to be an action-packed day at Donaghadee Sailing Club.

This event, which will take place on Saturday 23 July, will be the third festival to run since 2019.

The Women on Water programme in Northern Ireland has grown from strength to strength in recent years and the festival offers both experienced sailors and those who have never even stepped on a boat to come together to try some water activities, have fun and meet new people.

RYANI’s active clubs coordinator Lisa McCaffrey says: “We are delighted to be able to run the Women and Water Festival at Donaghadee Sailing Club this year. It’s always such a fun-filled day and the Festival really helps to support and grow female participation in boating.


“Last year the key motivator for coming along was to have some fun and everyone who attended certainly did that! We had participants from right across Northern Ireland attending Carrickfergus Sailing Club and some of our participants are now continuing on with their boating journey at their local club.


“It’s also a great opportunity for participants to develop skills and water awareness, as well as improving their health and wellbeing.”


There will be an opportunity to take part in dinghy sailing, keelboat sailing, powerboating, paddle boarding and snorkelling.



Spaces are limited so anyone interested is advised to book early. Participants do not need to have any sailing experience — just the ambition to try something new and meet some fantastic people.

To find out more about the festival, contact [email protected].

Enthusiastic young sailors from across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to apply to be in with a chance of being awarded their own boat.

Through an ongoing partnership between the John Merricks Sailing Trust (JMST) and RYA OnBoard, 10 boats are awarded to deserving young sailors every year, providing them with the opportunity to progress their skills and continue to participate in the sport.

Connie Wilson from East Antrim Boat Club was given a boat by the JMST last year, and she says it has made a huge difference to her: “I recently took part in my first regatta in my JMST Topper — the Irish Sailing Youth National Championships at Ballyholme Yacht Club. It was a great experience in some very challenging sailing conditions.

“Knowing that I have the use of a boat for the next couple of years, whether it be at the club or at a regatta, has definitely made it easier to forward plan and I take great pride in my boat.”

RYA Northern Ireland’s active clubs coordinator Lisa McCaffrey says: “This is the chance of a lifetime for young sailors. Each year JMST kindly donates boats to promising youngsters who are committed to the sport but may not have the opportunity or financial backing to achieve their goals.

“The JMST Scheme provides young sailors from across the country with their own equipment and after two years it is then given to their supporting organisation — usually their club.

“This is a fantastic way to support our sailors and now is the time to submit applications if sailors are interested. We have had many successful sailors from Northern Ireland and they’ve made great progress in developing their skills with their JMST boats.”

More information on the JMST, set up in the memory of 1996 Olympic silver medallist John Merricks, can be found on the RYA website. The closing date for 2022 applications is Monday 20 June.

Donaghadee Sailing Club in Northern Ireland recently signed up to become an OnBoard club, as part of the RYA’s grassroots programme to get young people aged 8-18 into sailing and windsurfing.

With the club in the focus of RYA’s Spotlight series this month, Commodore Steve Dickson explains the motivations behind the move.

“Since the club participated in the pilot scheme of the Bright Nights Programme a number of years ago, it was an obvious step to make the jump, getting further resources into our hands to reintroduce our scheme post-Covid,” he says.

OnBoard at Donaghadee has brought about a “fun and informal” youth sailing training environment since last August as pandemic restrictions eased.

“We’ve ambitious plans to have another pre-Covid year again like 2019 with almost 100 new junior/family members, and our multiple Friday evening sailing sessions booked out,” Dickson says.

“We all long for those carefree balmy summers evenings again, the buzz around the club, our beautiful harbour and Donaghadee sound full of young people having fun on our fleet of Toppers and Picos.”

That’s not to mention “the safety boat crews teased by the BBQ in the courtyard wafting the smell of the fresh Jim Davenport burgers in their direction as the food and social evening gets going with the sailors and families from the first of three sessions”.

While first moves in 2021 were tentative, as the programme was only open to existing members and their families, Dickson says the club plans development training with its instructors to prepare them as things ramp up in 2022.

As what what's next for Donaghadee as an OnBoard centre? Dickson is excited for the future: “Opening back to our wonderful local community again in 2022, both for our Friday BNS sailing, school and youth groups, exploiting the resources and training opportunities available from the OnBoard scheme.”

A group of young sailors recently came together to mark another successful year of the RYA Northern Ireland Youth Forum.

The celebration event took place at Carrickfergus Sailing Club with guests representing RYA clubs across Northern Ireland in attendance.

The event included an inspiring video from Eilidh McIntyre, Olympic gold medallist at Tokyo 2020. RYA Northern Ireland board members, staff and proud parents were also there to congratulate the Youth Forum members on their achievements. 

RYA Northern Ireland chair Susan McKnight said: “It is fantastic to see our young people being so proactive and focusing on developing their skills. 

“Young sailors play a vital role in developing our sport and I am delighted that this initiative is ensuring their opinions and ideas are being heard and taken forward. I am grateful to Jackie Patton and Margie Crawford for all the work they have put into the Youth Forum.”

RYA Northern Ireland Youth Forum Co-Ordinator Jackie Patton added: “We are extremely proud of our Youth Forum members. Throughout 2020-21 they have shown great determination and leadership as they acted as a voice for young people in our sport.

“It has been a pleasure to see them grow and develop and I look forward to seeing what they achieve in the years ahead.”

Throughout 2020-21 the Youth Forum members took part in 10 sessions, including a team building day and a residential at the National Outdoor Centre in Tollymore.

They also engaged with inspirational people within the sport including Jena Mai and Ryan Seaton, about their Olympic campaigns and how this led to Jena winning gold in Rio in the 49erFX class. Phil Johnston also talked about his experiences of working with The Ocean Race yacht team Turn the Tide on Plastic during the iconic race.

Louise Leonard from Carrickfergus Sailing Club is a participant of the Youth Forum. She said: “I joined the Youth Forum to build my confidence and over this programme I have gained the confidence to speak in public. It is fantastic to be here tonight to celebrate all our achievements.”

Ken Curry, secretary of Foyle Sailability, has been appointed as RYA Northern Ireland’s sailability coordinator for the reguon.

Curry took up the post this month and says he is looking forward to helping people with disabilities to get out on the water and take part in sailing and water-based activities.

A later convert to sailing in his thirties, Curry is a member of Lough Swilly Yacht Club in Donegal. Also a keen cruiser, he circumnavigated Ireland on Kind of Blue, Garry Crothers’ Ovni, as part of an effort to raise awareness of sailability throughout Ireland.

Curry has taken part in many challenges over the years, some of which he says have been “life-changing”. He was asked to help out when Bob Harper (former sailability coordinator) brought a group of volunteers from Belfast Lough Sailability to Derry for the first ever sailability event on the River Foyle.

Many of the volunteers stayed with Foyle Sailability, Curry eventually became secretary and the club went from strength to strength.

Commenting on his new post, Curry said: “As someone who has been involved with sailability for quite a few years now, I enjoy helping when I can and I’m a firm believer in giving those with disabilities the opportunity to get on the water.

“I understand that for a lot of our sailors, just being on the water is stimulation enough, but there are also others who have the skills, drive and abilities to become very competent and competitive sailors, too.

“I am delighted to have been appointed sailability coordinator and I’m proud to continue my support of RYA Northern Ireland as I believe it to be one of the most respected organisations locally and throughout the world.

“I am looking forward to helping to give more disabled people — both young and old — the opportunity to enjoy our great sport.”

Congratulating Curry on his new role, RYA Northern Ireland’s outgoing chief operating officer Richard Honeyford said: “Ken has been an excellent advocate and ambassador for sailability in Northern Ireland for many years.

“His enthusiasm for our sport is infectious and I am looking forward to seeing him continue on his journey to making our sport even more accessible to people of all abilities right across Northern Ireland.”

RYA Northern Ireland has welcomed the announcement that Ireland’s first ever international watersport expo will be held at the EIKON exhibition centre in Lisburn next March.

Ireland on the Water Expo will take place on 4-5 March 2023 and is expected to attract up to 6,000 visitors over the two days to explore various offerings in sailing and boating, angling, kayaking, surfing, open-water swimming, diving, water adventure parks and more.

Speaking at the launch of the show, RYANI’s outgoing chief operating officer Richard Honeyford expressed his delight in the development of a showcase for all aspects of the marine leisure industry under one roof.

“While we have taken part in shows that are tailored towards the sailing market, Ireland on the Water Expo offers a fresh and exciting new perspective that ties in all sectors of the watersport industry, which offers a great opportunity to engage with the sector and interested members of the public,” he said.

“We are also thrilled that it will be held at the state-of-the-art EIKON centre, home to the largest indoor exhibition space in Northern Ireland, which means that exhibitors have the opportunity to design unique and appealing stands that highlight the diverse range of activities and equipment that is available to get on the water.”

RYA Northern Ireland is looking for the next location to host its popular Women on Water (WOW) Festival.

As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the WOW initiative began in 2016, allowing over 500 women to get on the water with 12 clubs supporting the programme.

The annual festival helps to support and grow female participation in boating. It also helps those who take part to develop skills and water awareness, as well as improving their health and wellbeing.

There are usually opportunities to get on the water, as well as workshops and interesting talks from speakers.

Previous festivals have seen participants come together from across Northern Ireland – some who are new to the sport and trying it for the first time as well as lifelong sailors.

RYANI’s active clubs coordinator Lisa McCaffrey says: “The Women on Water Festival is a fantastic event each year for so many people and it has gone from strength to strength. It gives likeminded people an opportunity to take part in something they truly enjoy.

“The last two years has been difficult for so many people and the festival will provide a great opportunity to reconnect with club members, new participants and volunteers.

“The buzz is energising and in previous years we’ve heard some fantastic stories from people who have come along – they have all been through a brilliant experience together and this is the time to celebrate all that they’ve achieved.”

Lisa adds: “We are now asking clubs to complete an expression of interest form if they are keen to help organise and host the Festival with the help of our enthusiastic WOW Leader Group.”

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 1 April and clubs can apply online. For further information, email Lisa McCaffrey.

RYA Northern Ireland’s four-year strategy from 2017 to 2021 had helped give direction to the organisation, particularly following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic through which it was extended.

Consultation with clubs, centres and groups for a renewed strategy started in 2020 but was put on hold as the effects of the pandemic took priority.

Responses collated from these groups will still form part of the strategic plan going forward from 2022 alongside further consultation and feedback, RYANI says.

It adds that its strategy is important to provide direction of the organisation, helping address the challenges faced by boating in Northern Ireland, allowing the organisation to work further with stakeholders and direct resource to promote and develop activity in NI.

The survey can be accessed via the online consultation, which closes on Friday 25 March.

RYA Northern Ireland’s chief operating officer has announced he will take up a new post with the NI Sports Forum as their executive manager.

Richard Honeyford, who has worked with RYA Northern Ireland for more than 15 years, will take up the new post in May.

Honeyford joined RYANI in 2005 and has been an integral part of the organisation in several roles, including as a coach and then later as a performance manager.

Prior to his time with RYANI, Honeyford gained experience in teaching with North Down & Ards Institute in Bangor, and coached youth squads with Irish Sailing.

He supported international athletes at SailCoach and in more recent years he coached at the London Olympic Games.

Honeyford has also supported Sport Northern Ireland as a coach development mentor and joined the board of the NI Sports Forum in November 2020.

RYANI chair Susan McKnight paid tribute to Honeyford, saying: “Richard has been a key part of RYA Northern Ireland since he joined in 2005.

“As a coach, performance manager and chief operating officer, he has worked tirelessly with dedication and enthusiasm to develop and improve sailing and boating.

“Richard’s calm and diligent manner has helped us through many challenges and his passion and drive has seen our sport grow from strength to strength.

“While we will all miss Richard, we wish him all the very best and we look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new role.”

Honeyford said: “I have enjoyed more than 15 years working for RYA Northern Ireland and I am proud of what we have achieved as a governing body.

“I am delighted to be joining the Northern Ireland Sports Forum as the executive manager and supporting its members across Northern Ireland.

“The NI Sports Forum has done some outstanding work over recent years and I look forward to continuing this effort in supporting sports, engaging with stakeholders and advocating for the sport and recreation sector.”

NI Sports Forum chair Ashley Hunter said: “I am pleased to welcome Richard as executive manager of the NI Sports Forum.

“Richard brings with him a wealth of experience, not just in the sport and recreation sector but with strong leadership skills and strategic and commercial acumen, Richard is best placed to support the forum in our next phase of work.

“Following a difficult two-year period for the sector, we look forward to supporting our members in their post-COVID recovery plans and advocate on their behalf on a wide range of issues.

“On behalf of the board of the NI Sports Forum, I would like to welcome Richard to the team, and we look forward to working with him.”