RYA, RYA Scotland and RYA Northern Ireland announce WUKA as first-ever Official Period Partner

RYA, RYA Scotland and RYA Northern Ireland announce WUKA as first-ever Official Period Partner © RYA

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is proud to announce its first-ever official period partner, WUKA, a sustainable period underwear brand dedicated to breaking down stigmas and inequalities in women's health.

Sailing itself offers incredible benefits and opportunities for women and girls of all ages, but the RYA knows that time on the water can present unique challenges during menstruation. This partnership aims to support young women across the UK, ensuring they can sail with confidence while on their period.

"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.

WUKA, which stands for Wake-Up Kick Ass, shares the RYA's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. In 2023, WUKA launched #TackleAnything, a campaign supporting women, girls and sportspeople with periods. Since its launch, the initiative has reached 3,576 girls across 46 clubs and partnered with a range of sports across the UK - from Scottish Gymnastics to Titans wheelchair basketball - helping young athletes play without limits and stay confident, comfortable, and in the game.

The brand offers period-friendly aquatic apparel and practical solutions that help women train and compete with freedom of movement and total assurance. As part of a one-year partnership, WUKA has been appointed Official Period Partner across key RYA programmes, including the NI Sailing Team, the RYA Scotland Performance Pathway Programme, and the British Sailing Pathways Talent Academies. Young sailors within these programmes will have access to innovative WUKA period swimwear, helping to ensure that confidence and comfort come first — so the focus while on the water remains on fun, learning and performance. The partnership will also provide RYA members with a 10% discount on WUKA products.

"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.

"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

This partnership is part of the RYA's wider commitment to making sailing a sport where women and girls can thrive. Alongside initiatives such as the Female Futures Group, the Women's Race Officials Programme and all new Talent Academy Female Future's Camps; it demonstrates a continued focus on removing barriers and creating meaningful opportunities across every stage of the sailing.

RYA, RYA Scotland and RYA Northern Ireland announce WUKA as first-ever Official Period Partner - photo © RYA