Purchase an RYA‑compliant RIB safety boat to enable safe sailing and powerboat training, provide local safety cover for water sport events, and expand access to qualifications across Caithness.
We are seeking funding to purchase an RYA‑compliant RIB safety boat that will enable our community‑based amateur sports club to deliver safe, high‑quality watersports training and safety provision across Caithness.
The funding will be used specifically for:
The purchase of a RIB safety boat suitable for operation in local coastal conditions
An appropriate outboard engine to meet RYA training and safety requirements
Essential safety and communications equipment required for training delivery and event safety cover
The RIB will be used to:
Provide on‑water safety cover for sailing and powerboat training
Enable delivery of RYA sailing and powerboat qualifications for adults and children
Support joint training and activity delivered through the Pentland Firth yacht Club
Provide local safety boat cover for community, regional and national watersports events
2. Why is your project important for your community?
Caithness is a remote coastal area with strong links to the sea, but limited local access to formal watersports training, safety provision and nationally recognised qualifications. The lack of a suitable safety boat is currently the main barrier preventing local delivery.
This project is important because it:
Improves community safety on the water
Reduces the need for residents to travel south for training and qualifications
Builds local skills, confidence and volunteering pathways
Strengthens collaboration between watersports groups through the Thurso Watersports Hub
The project aligns closely with the Caithness Area Place Plan priorities, particularly those focused on:
Supporting community‑led facilities and activities
Developing local skills and learning opportunities
Encouraging youth participation and retention
Enhancing health, wellbeing and active lifestyles
Increasing community resilience and reducing reliance on external providers
By investing in shared safety and training infrastructure, the project supports sustainable, locally delivered activity that helps people of all ages engage safely with their coastal environment.
3. What positive impact will your project have?
The project will deliver clear and measurable positive outcomes, including:
Increased access to safe sailing and powerboat training for children, young people and adults
Local availability of RYA powerboat and safety qualifications north of Inverness
Improved water safety standards across multiple watersports disciplines
Reduced financial and time barriers caused by travel and overnight accommodation
Stronger partnership working through shared use of the safety boat
Development of local instructors, volunteers and safety boat helms
Retention of skills, experience and expenditure within Caithness
The RIB will become a long‑term community asset, supporting participation, skills development and event delivery, while strengthening confidence and safety in a rural coastal community.
4. What key milestones have you achieved so far and what will your next steps be?
Milestones achieved to date:
Successfully awarded RYA Training Centre status for sailing and powerboat safety qualifications
Ongoing engagement and support confirmed through the Thurso Watersports Hub
Formal interest and requests received from local community groups for local safety cover
Identification of RIB specification required to meet RYA standards
Initial quotations sourced for suitable vessels and equipment
Next steps:
Secure funding to confirm purchase
Finalise supplier selection through comparison of quotes
Purchase and commission the RIB and safety equipment
Train and induct volunteer helms where required
Begin delivery of expanded training, qualifications and safety cover
5. What is your anticipated start date / end date?
Anticipated start date: Within 1–2 months of funding approval
Anticipated end date: Project delivery established within 6 months of funding approval
Once purchased, the RIB will be operational immediately and used on an ongoing basis, providing sustained benefit beyond the project period.
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