The Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the governing body of British sailing since 1875, has unveiled a new language guide that has caused quite a stir. Most have dismissed the initiative as nonsense, arguing that the idea makes a mockery of sailors. A tengerészetben is megjelent a woke ideológia, nemsemleges kifejezéseket vezetnek be

The national governing body for sailing, which was founded in 1875, urges members to use language which „honours and values” women and non-binary people within the sport and recreational activity and avoid the terms that „might not be comfortable for a person who recognises themselves to be a woman or non-binary”.

The guide suggests that the phrases can still be used to „raise the alarm where a person has fallen overboard to initiate the emergency procedures”, but outside of these situations the phrase „person in water” is advised.

‘Man overboard’ is offensive and ‘sportsmanship’ isn’t inclusive, says Royal Yachting Associationhttps://t.co/ZGkAdACA6K

— GB News (@GBNEWS) September 14, 2025

Expressions such as “man overboard” are to be replaced in future with “person in water”. The term “sportsmanship” will also disappear, to be replaced by the gender-neutral “sporting behaviour”. The RYA further recommends that its members “avoid using terms such as ‘Christian name’, as this is not representative of all religions and beliefs”. The Royal Yachting Association has proposed that these traditional expressions be reviewed in an inclusive language guide.

Other terms that may now be prohibited include “Seamanship”, “Chairman”, and “Mother duties”.

But that is not all: according to GBN Britain’s report, the banned list doesn’t just include the aforementioned terms “Seamanship”, “Chairman”, and “Mother duties”. Instead of “winchman”, the term “winchperson” is to be used. The Royal Yachting Association also recommends that its members “steer clear of using terms such as ‘Christian name’, as this is not representative of all religions and beliefs”. The Royal Yachting Association also recommends that its members „steer clear from using terms such as ‘Christian name’ as this is not representative of all religions and beliefs”.

The RYA goes even further, suggesting that the term BAME, which is used to categorise Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups, is also way too obscure and „exclusionary,” as it does not take into account white ethnic groups such as Romany or gypsy travellers. With this, the association makes it clear that language has long since ceased to be merely a tool of communication and has become a political minefield.

The Royal Yachting Association guide states:

„Some language in sailing and boating environments might not value or represent people who identify as female or prefer gender neutral terms.”

The new document adds that

„For a long time, some terminology focused on the male perspective of being involved in sailing and boating. As the representation of people identifying as female or non-binary has increased within our sport and recreation, it’s important that the language that we use honours and values them too.”

‘These people should be overboard. We should be kicking them off the boat!’

Comedian Leo Kearse reacts to the Royal Yachting Association branding the term ‘man overboard’ offensive. pic.twitter.com/mJ1N2pfzS1

— GB News (@GBNEWS) September 13, 2025

Politicians criticise the plan

Sir John Hayes, chairman of the Common Sense group of Conservative MPs, described the advice as „balderdash”.

„Quite a large element of the privileged class, that is bewildered and befuddled by political correctness, has adopted this kind of brainless nonsense,”

– he said, adding that „many old sorts would be turning in their graves if they saw such balderdash.” Mockery has also dominated on social media. One commenter wrote:

“I’m sick and tired of people being offended by everything. Soon we’ll have to be outraged by sunshine or rain as well.”

Cover photo: Sailing race – illustration (Photo: AFP)