WUKA x RYA: Breaking Period Barriers for Girls in Sailing

WUKA is proud to announce a groundbreaking new partnership with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), including RYA Scotland and RYA Northern Ireland. Together, we’re making sailing more inclusive by bringing period-proof solutions to the water - because confidence shouldn’t stop when your period starts.

This partnership builds on the momentum of our growing #TackleAnything campaign, which has already reached thousands of girls across UK sports. Now, we’re setting sail with the RYA to ensure that periods never limit participation, performance, or self-belief in sailing.

Three young sailors from RYA proudly hold WUKA period swimwear near a waterfront, showing confidence, preparedness, and support for periods in sport.

Why Sailing Needs Period-Inclusive Support

Sailing is an incredible sport for building strength, independence, and confidence - especially for girls. But spending long hours on the water can bring unique challenges, particularly during menstruation. Together, WUKA and the RYA are tackling those challenges head-on with practical solutions that put comfort, performance, and participation first.

What the Partnership Looks Like

Through this collaboration, WUKA will provide innovative period swimwear and support resources for young sailors across key RYA programmes, including:

  • The NI Sailing Team
  • The RYA Scotland Performance Pathway Programme
  • The British Sailing Pathways Talent Academies

Plus, RYA members will receive an exclusive 10% discount on WUKA products - because access matters.

This partnership brings together two missions:
🌊 RYA’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment on the water
💪 WUKA’s mission to challenge stigma and provide real-life, period-proof solutions

Part of the #TackleAnything Movement

We launched the #TackleAnything campaign in 2023 to support women, girls, and athletes who bleed. Since launch, the initiative has:

  • Reached 3,576 girls
  • Partnered with 46 clubs
  • Collaborated with organisations like Scottish Gymnastics and Titans Wheelchair Basketball

Now, we're adding sailing to that list - and we're just getting started.

Three smiling young sailors in RYA jackets exchange WUKA period swimwear by the water, showing how simple support can boost confidence and comfort on the water.

Why It Matters

Periods shouldn’t be a reason anyone misses out on the water - or on the confidence, freedom, and strength that sailing builds. For too long, menstruation has been treated like a private inconvenience in sport, when in reality, it’s a normal part of life that deserves proper support. This partnership isn’t just about products - it’s about changing the culture around periods in sailing. 

From young beginners to elite athletes, every girl and woman deserves to feel equipped, comfortable, and fully included. 

Here's what our leaders had to say about why this collaboration is so important.

“Partnering with the RYA has been incredibly important for us at WUKA. Sailing is an amazing way for women and girls to build confidence, and periods shouldn’t hold anyone back from enjoying the water or reaching their full potential. Through this partnership and our #TackleAnything campaign, we’re proud to provide practical solutions and innovative products that help female sailors feel comfortable, confident, and free to focus on learning, performing, and having fun. Breaking down barriers and supporting women to tackle anything - on land, at sea, and everywhere in between - has never felt more meaningful.”
— Ruby Raut, WUKA Founder & CEO

“At the RYA, we have been making strides to break down barriers for women of all ages to help ensure they can experience the water in a supportive and positive environment. From education workshops and practical sessions, we want to make sure our female sailors are empowered and this partnership is another great example of how we can demonstrate possible tools to equip them to succeed.”
— Sara Sutcliffe, RYA CEO

“We’re proud to be partnering with WUKA, because we know confidence and comfort are essential in our sport. This partnership provides practical solutions that will make a genuine difference for sailors, helping them focus on performance and enjoyment rather than their period. It’s also an important step in raising awareness of products that could remove a barrier to participation for many people in sailing.”

— Stephanie Proud, RYA Scotland Partnership Lead

“We’re delighted to see this partnership extend to the NI Sailing Team. Partnering with WUKA recognises the real, everyday challenges faced by female sailors and shows how simple, practical support can make a meaningful difference to confidence and participation.”
— Greg Yarnall, RYA NI CEO

Close-up of WUKA period swimwear packs on a sailboat, with young sailors preparing in the background—showcasing practical, leak-proof support for athletes on the water.

Sailing Into a More Inclusive Future

This partnership is part of the RYA’s wider work to make sailing a space where women and girls can thrive. Alongside programmes like the Female Futures Group, Women’s Race Officials Programme, and Talent Academy Female Future’s Camps, this collaboration adds another powerful tool to the toolkit.

By integrating our period swimwear and support into these environments, we’re not just making sailing more comfortable - we’re making it more accessible, more empowering, and more inclusive.