The Royal Naval Sailing Association
The RNSA is an Association of members at home and overseas whose activities cover the whole spectrum of sailing including many members who just like to mess around in boats. The four disciplines of Cruising, Dinghies, Offshore and Windsurfing are headed by an elected RNSA Rear Commodore. We are honoured to have HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh as our Admiral and proud that the reputation of our burgee stands high throughout the sailing world.
The birth of the Royal Naval Sailing Association took place in August 1935 with the principal objective to “encourage sailing throughout the Service” which endures to this day. HM King George V sanctioned the use of the title “Royal”, the Association was granted the privilege of wearing the Blue Ensign and the burgee was designed. RNSA are appointed by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to advise on recreational sailing throughout the Navy who agreed that it should remain an autonomous body controlled by its elected officers because of the many members who are no longer serving. In its advisory capacity the Committee have recommended Sailing Dinghies suitable to be carried onboard HM Ships which included the Bosun dinghy in 1961. Large numbers of Bosuns remain at the Sailing Centres which are gradually being replaced by the Laser 2000. These boats are unashamedly for training so a number of High Performance Dinghies are procured for use by the more experienced sailors.
RNSA members have competed at all levels throughout the World including the Olympics. The RYA National certificate scheme was developed from the Royal Navy tickets of competence system. In the late 1970’s boardsailing (renamed windsurfing) became increasingly popular and as they take up a relatively little space can be carried at sea. Most major Naval Establishments operate an offshore yacht which is used for a mixture of recreational sailing, racing and training. RNSA also encourages members with competitive yachts to enter events under the RNSA burgee. With the support of Whitbread RNSA organised and ran the first ever Round the World Yacht Race for fully crewed yachts. While necessarily brief this shows the remarkable depth of the RNSA and with continued membership numbers of over 5,000 full members (and many more Branch Members) you are encouraged to join.
