The RYA was founded in 1875 as the Yacht Racing Association (YRA). Its primary purpose was to standardise the rules governing the measurement of racing yachts, so that boats of different classes could compete against each other.

At that time membership was open to owners of racing yachts, but by 1921 that the YRA absorbed the previously independent Sailing Boat Association and its fellow Boat Racing Association, bringing dinghy sailors under the umbrella.  

By 1947 all branches of the sport were represented including cruising under both power and sail, and by 1953 the name Royal Yachting Association was adopted.

1967 - The Association set up a committee to oversee its training activities.
1968 - Seventy-two schools had applied for RYA recognition.  
1969 - The armed forces adopted the RYA training scheme
1971 - Yachtmaster Qualifications Panel set up in .

The RYA s first involvement in the organisation of Olympic sailing was with the 1908 London Games. Its role as the national organisation for powerboat racing dates from 1961.

Early 1980s - RYA  becomes the national body for windsurfing
1997 - Personal watercraft represented.

Personal membership has grown to over 100,000.

The RYA moved into purpose built offices, in 2003 - RYA House, Ensign Way, Hamble.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) voluntary training scheme is recognised Internationally as the finest anywhere in the world, setting "benchmark" standards all their approved sailing centres.

The term "Yachtmaster" is an international RYA trademark, fiercly protected.

The RYA Training Scheme has been widely adopted around the Globe, including in Australia, South Africa and the USA.

Here's the RYA Head Office on the Hamble

www.rya.org.uk

www.rya-northwest.org.uk


www.ryascotland.org.uk

www.ryatraining.org