The British National Yachting Archive is now 'live', having been launched at the 2009 London Boat Show at Excel.
The launch attracted considerable interest, both from the Yachting Press and from sailors interested in the preservation of our sailing heritage.
Further details can be seen on the British National Yachting Archive page on this site, or at;
www.bnya.org.uk
The background.
The wide spread public enjoyment in the success of the Team GBR sailors at the Quigdao Olympic Regatta in 2008, was a timely reminder that at heart, the UK is still very much an 'Island' Nation. Even those who confess to have little knowledge of the sea, still profess an interest in our maritime heritage. This history, once the preserve of the navy and merchant shipping, is now increasingly driven by the role that leisure boating plays within the UK. Within leisure boating is the sport of dinghy racing; once the pastime of the wealthy elite, this is now a full time international sport that anyone can participitate in.
Not only has dinghy sailing been a significant part of social change, the success of the UK in designing and building boats, then racing them to success at events around the world, has become a major economic growth factor that has provided employment across the country.
Sadly, by starting this project late in 2008, many of the key personnel who were involved in the development of the sport of dinghy racing have already passed away.
The objective of the archive then is threefold:-
To provide a safe outlet for any memorabilia, be this in the form of plans, documentation, photos or books, that can help illustrate how the sport of dinghy sailing in the UK has evolved over the years.
The capturing of oral histories, backed up where possible by video recording, from those key influencers that have left such a mark on the sport. These people will be the Olympic Medallists, the Championship Winner, but also the designers, boatbuilders, sail makers and other innovators whose place in history must be caught and saved.
To make as much of the detail held above, either documentary or the historical interviews, available whenever possible for public access.
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Go to the Breaking News page for the latest information on changes to the Archive!