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  • Welcome to the
    Royal Naval Sailing Association

Registered Charity No 1183562
RNSA Badge

About us

Founded in 1935, the RNSA is a Service Sports Association and charity that delivers the sport of sailing and associated activities for the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and their associated reserve forces.

The RNSA operates across the UK and aims to get Service men and women of all sailing abilities actively engaged in our sport. We passionately believe sailing is an ideal vehicle for improving personal skills and military efficiency. We organise our sailing into the core disciplines of yachting (both racing and cruising), dinghy sailing and windsurfing and have a fantastic active sailing and social programme.

In January 2020 RNSA was recognised as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Charity No 1183562).

Supporting the Royal Navy

Learn more about the exciting oppurtunities in the Royal Navy and the role that sailing plays in promoting esprit de corps.

Go to RN website

RNSA - The Charity

RNSA is a charity whose mission is to improve health and physical fitness of serving personnel through the sport of sailing.

Support Us

RNSA Members

RNSA Members can gain access to a wide range of news, services and discounts through the Members' Portal

Members' Portal

RNSA - Sailing Academy

Our Sailing Academy is a virtual portal designed to signpost events, identify opportunities and shape pathways for all those looking to sail with the Royal Naval Sailing Association.

Sailing Academy

RNSA - Youth Crew

The Youth Crew is open to children of Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary members. To join, attend a free RNSA youth sailing week. All provided free of charge.

Join the Youth Crew
  • A charity supporting
    Service personnel

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The Charity

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In January 2020 RNSA was recognised as a Charitable Incorporated organisation

We are reliant on non-public funding and have some 5000 members who support the charity through their subscriptions and time. This amazing membership base forms the foundation of our success, which along with some brilliant volunteer engagement is essential to our ability to deliver the sport of sailing for the Royal Navy.

The strong support of the Naval charities and our other partners is also fundamental to enabling us to deliver against our charitable endeavour.

Our mission and charitable object:

The provision of facilities
and activities

For the sport of sailing to improve health and physical fitness and to promote esprit de corps of serving personnel

Interested in Partnering

Contact the CEO who would be delighted to discuss ways in which you could help.

Donating to the Charity

If you are interested in donating, legacy giving or other financial support please get in touch with the office team.

As a registered charity and Service Sports Association, RNSA will aim to meet its charitable objects by relevant activities including:

Encouraging competitive and non-competitive sailing

Throughout the Royal Navy and across all skill levels

Organising events and opportunities

To take part in all forms of competitive and non-competitive sailing, including the provision of training, coaching, examining, advice and information that assists members to gain internationally recognised qualifications and sail anywhere in the world.

Providing services, assets and facilities

Including suitable craft and moorings, making appropriate charges for optional services and facilities. This includes support to regional Sailing and Water Sports Activity Centres.

Encouraging and promoting liaison

Btween members of the Association and members of other yacht clubs and sailing associations at home and abroad.

Coordinating racing throughout the Service

Aiming for the highest possible standards of Service sailing in competitive events at all levels from local club to international representation.

Act as a focus for sailing within the Royal Navy

including providing advice on suitable craft for use by the Services for naval training, adventurous sail training, competition and recreation.

Join the RNSA

RNSA membership offers a unique and exciting opportunity to support our Service men and women through the sport of sailing.

As a charity, our focus and all financial spend is, of course, aligned with this charitable Object. We are not government funded and are completely reliant on the support of members, grants, donations and other charitable support. So, any support is genuinely welcomed and will be used to optimum affect.

All levels of experience welcome. If you have not sailed before, no problem – just get in touch .

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RNSA Membership Benefits

Beneficiaries:

  • Go sailing
    Offshore, Dinghy and Windsurfing – all levels of ability welcome. We are particularly keen to encourage complete novices to try sailing. There really is something for everyone.
  • Personal development
    Great opportunities to develop teamwork, improve fitness, learn new skills and have fun. Access to Water Sports Activity Centres / RN Sailing Centres.
  • Reward success
    Prizes, RN Colours, RN Sports awards.
  • RYA accredited training pathways
    For both beginners and experienced sailors.
  • Provision of dinghies to support development
    For charter to individual campaigners on a pathway to higher performance.
  • Financial, logistic and practical support
    For approved sailing events including, regattas, training camps and overseas tours.
  • Social
    Be part of a great sport focused community with a strong history and an exciting future.

Active Supporters:

  • Support Service Sailing
    Through your subscription know that you are supporting our service men and women and their ability to deliver for the Naval Service.
  • Volunteers
    Enjoy the opportunity of sharing expertise and skills to help develop those of others.
  • Shared Royal Naval ethos and values
    With 85 years of history and shared Naval sailing heritage.
  • Welcome visitor at sailing clubs worldwide
    Being a member of one of the best-known sailing associations there is, with helpful contacts in many harbours across the globe.
  • Journal
    Annual publication containing activity reports from beneficiaries, active supporters and donators, details of future events, opportunities on offer through the regional Branches, other useful information and updates on members’ discounts.
  • Blue Ensign
    Ability to wear an un-defaced Blue Ensign on vessels over 7m, subject to a successful application of a permit and a small additional fee.
  • Social
    Join an active community of Naval sailing enthusiasts and enjoy a busy RNSA and local Branch programme, annual meetings and receptions, prize-giving events to celebrate success on the water. Be part of a strong link with the Naval Service and enjoy access to plenty of sailing related advice!
  • Discounts
    Various offers available exclusively for RNSA members with details on the website and in the online ‘Member’s Only’ shop.
  • RYA Courses
    Preferential access to RYA on-line training courses.
  • Moorings
    Great value permanent and visitor moorings available around the country – subject to availability and for an additional fee. Details on the moorings’ section of the RNSA website.

RNSA Membership Types

Personnel who do not qualify for Full Membership may apply for Associate Membership if they satisfy one of the criteria below:

  1. Serving in the British Army or RAF (and member of their Sailing Association).
  2. Veteran / no longer serving in the British Army or RAF (and member of their Sailing Association) .
  3. Civilian who is currently working in a Royal Navy appointment and has had greater than 6 months in post.
  4. A Civil Servant (and member of the CSSA) who is currently working with the RN or with the MOD in a Navy related role and has had greater than 6 months in post. Or has left that role after more than 12 months in post. .
  5. A direct descendant (one generation only) of a current or former RNSA full member.
  6. Nominated by the RNSA Exec Board for individuals who offer specific skills to support the Charity.

Associate members will enjoy the same benefits as the other categories of membership, although will be entitled to fly the appropriate RNSA burgee for their membership category.

Annual cost of Associate Membership £46 - joining fee £46 for those in Categories B, C and D.

Join Online

Family Members:

Members may elect to include their immediate family members in their membership as Associate Members. Eligibility for family membership applies to spouses / civil partners and offspring* up to eighteen years of age or up to twenty-five years of age if in full time education.

Annual cost of Family Membership £69 - no joining fee for serving Naval Personnel, £46 joining fee for others.

*Offspring includes adopted and stepchildren but does not extend to grandchildren.

Join Online

Funded by:

Delivered thorough:

Contact us

If you wish to support the RNSA’s charitable work to enhance the operational capability of our Naval men and women through membership, grants, sponsorship, volunteering, partnering or helping in any other way, the then please get in touch with Phil, our Chief Executive. Thank you.

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Philip Warwick

Chief Executive Officer
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Heather Tarr

Deputy CEO
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Sophie Joseph

Membership Secretary
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Simon Horsfield

Sailing Manager
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Josh Atherton

Youth Sailing Coordinator
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Gemma Shields

Moorings Manager
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Nick Miller

Moorings Operations Manager
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Wayne Shirley

Outreach Manager
  • Keeping you updated!

Latest News

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Month of the Military Child

April is the Month of the Military Child and this links perfectly with our Sail Together initiative and opportunity for children of serving families to join RNSA's Youth Crew for free sailing courses

28.03.2024

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RNSA Sailing Academy

We have launched a new initiative for 2024 called the Sailing Academy. The idea is that it helps clearly signpost pathways to enjoy sailing with the RNSA. Why not have a look using the link below.

18.03.2024

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RNSA Annual Prize Giving - 22 March

We are pleased to invite members to our annual RNSA Prize Giving, which will be held at the Wardroom HMS Nelson on Friday 22 March 2024 at 1900.

07.03.2024

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Introducing a brand NEW initiative: RNSA Youth Crew

With funding from Greenwich Hospital and delivered through Andrew Simpson Foundation, RNSA will be offering free start sailing courses for children of Naval families. Watch this space for details!

15.02.2024

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BRNC Crew take Silver in Chilean Naval Regatta

Last month, a team from Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) travelled to Chile to take part in the Valparaíso Regatta, organised by the Chilean Navy.

17.12.2023

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HMS OARDACIOUS - The RN's Ocean Rowing team

RNSA wishes the HMS OARDACIOUS team every success for the World's Toughest Row. Fundraising for mental health and well-being support for members of the Armed Forces, the start is 0800 on 13 December.

12.12.2023

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RNSA members' lunch 15 December

We are delighted to invite members to join us onboard the SS Shieldhall on Friday 15th December for a buffet lunch, an informal update on RNSA's activities and an opportunity to catch up with friends.

20.11.2023

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Holt Cup Race Report

Please see the attachment for a race report on last weekend's Holt Cup. If you are interested in sailing with the RNSA please see our website for more details.

12.10.2023

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RNSA's Volunteer of the Year

The Holt Cup at the weekend provided the perfect opportunity for Paul Knox-Johnston of Haven Knox-Johnston Insurance to present Roger Irvine a GoPro camera in recognition of his great work for RNSA.

09.10.2023

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Holt Cup Team Racing Regatta

An amazing weekend saw 8 teams fight to win the Holt Cup over 30 races in some stunning West Country weather. Many congratulations to Bristol URNU who narrowly overcame the Plymouth team in the final.

09.10.2023

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Inter-Service Windsurfing Champs 27/28 Sep

RN were runners up to the Army in a competitive and hugely enjoyable regatta. Congratulations to all involved and thanks to the ASA for running it so well. #Sailnavy #RNSA

29.09.2023

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Women's Open Keelboat Championship 9/10 Sep

A great regatta in some challenging conditions that was much enjoyed by the RNSA team. Great development opportunity for the crew and part of the programme to optimise Cutlass, our Corby 29.

20.09.2023

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