RYA 150 Podcast
Join sailing legend Dee Caffari MBE for a very special podcast series celebrating 150 years of the RYA.
Incredible stories from one remarkable community and a century and a half of adventure on the water.
From Olympic triumphs to the 1979 Fastnet storm that changed sailing forever.
From pioneering women breaking barriers to the cutting-edge technology shaping our future.
We'll be chatting to the people who lived these moments, sharing first-hand accounts, behind-the-scenes insights and stories that have inspired generations.
The RYA 150 Podcast launches Tuesday 16 September – with new episodes every week.
Subscribe now, and celebrate 150 years of boating with us.
RYA 150 Podcast
Charting a Legacy: Inside the RYA’s History
Discover the remarkable journey of the Royal Yachting Association and its 150 years of guiding British boating through innovation, transformation and cultural change.
In this episode, maritime and dinghy historian Dougal Henshall uncovers the breakthroughs and pivotal moments that shaped the sport as we know it today.
From the early days of yacht racing – when boats started at anchor and rules varied wildly between clubs – to the creation of the Yacht Racing Association and its evolution into today’s RYA, the story is one of unifying a sport.
Along the way came major shifts: the rise of dinghy sailing, post-war innovation, Olympic success, safety reforms, inclusivity and the move toward making watersports accessible for all.
Through leadership based not on legislation but guidance, education and steady stewardship, Dougal and host Dee Caffari explore how the RYA has helped generations of sailors enjoy the water safely while supporting clubs, shaping classes, influencing international governance and nurturing champions so that – 150 years on – its legacy is one of stability, progress and a commitment to making sailing a sport for everyone.
Please note: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast, whether by guests or host are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of any employers, sponsors, or affiliated organisations. All content is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Neither the host, guests, producers, nor any affiliated parties assume responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the information discussed.