Royal Yachting Association 

Volvo RYA Keelboat Programme 2003-2009

“It’s not who you know, but what you know!”

The Volvo RYA Keelboat Programme (VKP) was an innovative initiative that provided coaching, training and grants to a number of young sailors who showed the potential to be pivotal to future British Keelboat Campaigns.

Starting in 2003 the Programme drew together a team of talented and passionate UK sailors providing them with the opportunity to compete in all aspects of keelboat racing, including inshore, offshore and match racing disciplines. 

To become part of the programme, the RYA ran Open Keelboat Training events throughout the year.  From here sailors were invited to selections where a few sailor were then selected for the VKB. 

Once a member of the VKP members had the opportunity to sail onboard Farr 45 John Merricks and then TP52 John Merricks 2.  Members could also request grants to compete in international events. Many of the top keelboat sailors and match racers in the UK came through the programme.

The Volvo RYA Crewsearch Programme

The Volvo RYA Crewsearch Programme links boat owners with talented sailors, be it for a day boat or an 80-footer.  All sailors on the Crewsearch Programme are assessed to ensure boat owners are matched with crew members suiting their requirements.

The Future

The Programme has been extremely successful over the last six years.  In searching for a new sponsor the RYA joined forces with UKSA which has resulted in a new joint programme called the British Keelboat Academy.