PROJECT THEIA

Women on Water
development Programme

PROJECT THEIA

PurposeAs part of the Northern Ireland RYA Strategy “Navigating the Future” our mission is to support
participation across all aspects of our sport. “Project Theia” is the beginning of a Pilot Project
developed by the Pathways Officer, the project aims to shine upon Pathway routes andopportunities within the world of sailing. With “Re-Imagined Pathways” embedded in ourstrategy, Project Theia aims to inspire and develop sailors across Northern Ireland.
The Project name “Theia” is based on the Goddess of Sight & Vision in Greek mythology. Wewant people who are involved in all aspects of our sport, to see the pathways that sailing canoffer them and embrace the opportunities that sailing provides. Project Theia encourages
additional opportunities for sailors across Northern Ireland, making pathways more accessible
across our sport.

What does the project stand for?

Thraining & Racing Opportunities

eiaeighten support for Women + Girls & Disabled People

ducational opportunities across all aspects of the sport

nspiring people to develop & progress in their chosen pathway

chieving goals & celebrating successPROJECT THEIAAREAS OF FOCUS

Women on Water
Development
Programme

Sailability
Participation &Competition

RYANI Team
RacingProgramme

Development
AcademyWomen on Water
development ProgrammeWhat is the women on water development programme?

The Women on Water Development Programme (WOWDP) is a key area of our new pilot project, “Project Theia”. The WOWDP has beencreated in response to our Women and Girls research by Dr Emma Vickers and aligns within our strategic aims of Improving Diversity.
We have had great success running the Women on Water Festival over many years and clubs delivering their own programmes over thesummer months with the support from RYANI. However, the research shows that there needs to be more support after the summer months
for those involved in the pathway. We also want to create a learning environment that is safe, supportive and enables the women to develop
their skills led by an ambassador within the programme.
We hope that by running training we will see a higher rate in participation within clubs as women in the programme will gain more
confidence across their chosen pathway area. Training within the WOW Development Programme can be across all aspects of the sport, e.g.
dinghy sailing, powerboating, race officiating etc. The aim is to run four, 4 week blocks from August through to start of May before the next
Women on Water Festival. These will also be ran as Saturday sessions with a lower cost to encourage participation and buy in forprogression within the sport.
We will also run a female focused camp specifically for junior and youth performance pathway girl sailors which is to cover the likes of
menstrual cycles in sport, nutrition, exercise, inspiring people (coaches/athletes), race training or other. This will format in collaboration withperformance and workforce.

WOMEN ON WATER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME PROVISIONAL CALENDAR 2024
POWERBOATTEAM RACING

WOW DP - 1
HOSTED BY RED CLUB
Week 1 - August 10th
Week 2 - August 17th
Week 3 - August 24th
Week 4 - August 31stDOUBLE HANDED DINGHY

WOW DP - 2
HOSTED BY YELLOW CLUBINTRODUCTION TO RACEOFFICIATING
WOW DP - 3
HOSTED BY GREEN CLUB

Week 1 - September 7th
Week 2 - September 14th
Week 3 - September 21st
Week 4 - September 31st

Week 1 - October 6th
Week 2 - October 13th
Week 3 - October 20th
Week 4 - October 27th

Week 1 - April 12th
Week 2 - April 19th
Week 3 - April 26th
Week 4 - May 3rd

SKILLS & RACING

WOW DP - 4
HOSTED BY BLUE CLUBWhen applying to host please select which WOW Development Programme you areinterested in hosting. Example WOW Development programme 1, 2, 3 or 4

PROJECT THEIA

Advice for Clubs or Centres applying to host a WOW Development Programme
What we want to see:We want to see a clear vision of how you will continue supporting participation for this groupat your club. What are the plans after hosting a WOW Development Programme - what steps
will you take for supporting women and girls at your club?
What implications will you apply to make pathways in sailing for women and girls moreaccessible in your club?
Please state in detail how hosting this programme will support your club and how you will
support more women progressing their skills and participating in racing.

WOMEN ON WATERDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMECLUB APPLICATIONS HERE TO HOST

Applications close on the 1st June 2024 - 12 noon. Please ensure you have read theRYANI Hosting Agreement Terms and Conditions.
Any questions regarding applications or the WOW Development Programme
please contact the Pathways Officer - Kate Broderick
E: kate.pounder@rya.org.uk
M: 074-350-214-19