BELFAST-based chartered accountancy, RBCA, has continued its sponsorship for Northern Ireland’s Royal Yachting Association’s Women on Water Programme, as its annual festival returned to Carrickfergus Sailing Club.
Women and girls new to sailing attended to try their hand at a wide range of water-based activities with supportive instructors such as dinghy sailing, yachting and power boating.
Established just over 10 years ago, the WoW initiative has played a crucial role in the growth of female sailing in the last ten years across Northern Ireland and the rest of the Uk. Recent research carried out on behalf of RYA revealed that when spaces are created exclusively for women and girls, they are more likely to enter the sport.
The research also demonstrated that when skills and confidence building activities are provided, women and girls are more likely to stay in the sport.
2026 marks the second year of a three-year commitment by RBCA to RYA, with its investment helping build awareness and enhancing WOW-related programming at local sailing clubs across the region.
Ross Boyd, the founder and director of RBCA, explained how the continued partnership aligns to his firm’s own vision. He said: “Since we opened our doors in 2010, we have made it our mission to set a leading example in gender diversity and have achieved and maintained a 50:50 male to female split for the past decade.
“This commitment is also reflected at senior level with 50 per cent of our senior roles held by women, compared to an average of 20 per cent industry wide.
“Many workplaces, certainly the accounting environment, can result in hours sitting at a desk, pressure to meet deadlines, and demand from clients.
“We encourage a healthy work-life balance and believe that both spending time in the great outdoors, and learning new skills, can contribute positively to our mental resilience. We are confident that with our support and influence, RYA Northern Ireland will see more women and girls taking to the water.”
RBCA’s Gemma Boyd attended the Carrickfergus event. She said: “Women on Water allowed me much needed time out to enjoy the great outdoors whilst connecting with other women as we together experience something new. This is an incredible initiative. It’s the perfect opportunity to grow in confidence on the water in a safe, fun and beginner-friendly environment.”
RYA Northern Ireland’s Development Officer, Lisa McCaffrey, said: “We hope attendees walk away feeling inspired, energized, and connected – not just to the water, but to the community around it. Trying something new can be intimidating, but we like to think that everybody has to start somewhere and that is why the WOW Festival concept works so well.”
CEO of RYA Northern Ireland, Greg Yarnall, concluded: “In 2023 we launched our five-year strategy, Navigating the Future, to improve diversity across the sport. To have welcomed a dedicated commercial partner shows just how far the programme has come and the momentum we have built.
“RBCA recognises the potential of this platform and is as passionate as we are about engaging more women and girls. We’re delighted that this past weekend’s event at Carrickfergus Sailing Club was another success.”
For more information on the work of the Royal Yachting Association Northern Ireland visit rya.org.uk/gbni/ryani and for more on RBCA visit rbca.co
