Throughout the PSP Southampton Boat Show the RYA ran a number of competitions asking new and existing members exactly why they were members, as well as the extremely popular RYA record breaker bowline tie competition.

Norman Munnery from Blandford Forum, was deemed winner in the new member competition stating that he joined the RYA because “it’s important for boaters to support an organisation that supports them”, whilst James Bremridge from Ivybridge in Devon, who has been a member of the RYA on and off for most of his life won the existing member competition.  When asked why he was a member James said: “You represent my interests, you train me and you keep me informed”, neatly summing up the work of the RYA.

James said of his win: “I’m really delighted to have won I entered so quickly I didn’t dream it would be the winner.  I’ve been a member nearly all my life and use almost every aspect of what the RYA has to offer.”

Over in the bowline tie  record breaker competition some 500 people pitched up to try and tie the fastest bowline knot, demonstrating many varying styles, including the ‘flying bowline’, displays of team work and pre-timer preparations.  The RYA’s very own CEO Rod Carr OBE, kick started the weeks knot tying with an impressive 1.8 seconds on the clock; admittedly this was after his wife Lynne beat his first time and the pressure was on! 

However, Rod’s time came nowhere near the winning time of 00:00.3 seconds, posted by Richard Hogg from London, whose name was picked from the hat due to a tie break situation – surprisingly two people posted this same impressive time! 

“I am really excited to be the winner in the RYA bowline competition. There are really no secrets or black magic to the technique, other than nimble fingers. As with many things, the key is to practice and practice more”, commented Richard of his win.

Paul Bayliss, Marketing Operations Manager said: “The Bowline tie competition proved extremely popular throughout the show and it’s clear to see that there is some very swift rope work going on out there.

“It’s also been extremely interesting hearing from our members and new joiners as to why they support the RYA, we may even be using some of the comments we received in future marketing activity.”

Prizes are now winging their way to the lucky winners.