The British Keelboat Academy 

The British Keelboat Academy (BKA) is a partnership between the RYA and UKSA. The BKA has been designed to produce a constant stream of credible and talented young keelboat sailors aged between 18 and 24.

The programme combines UKSA’s GBR Yacht Racing Academy and the former RYA Volvo Keelboat programme, giving those involved access to the expertise and facilities of both organisations. Run to RYA standards and delivered by UKSA, the British Keelboat Academy will offer in the region of 50 individuals a one to two year programme covering all aspects of racing, training, boat maintenance and personal preparation.  

Members of the BKA sail regularly on the Farr 45 ‘Kólga’, kindly loaned by Niklas Zennström’s Rán Racing team, David Aisher’s J/109 ‘Yeoman of Wight’ and UKSA’s fleet of J80 keelboats. Competing in a range of events during the season, the Academy sailors will receive top class coaching on board from a variety of professional sailors. In addition to this,  sailors will receive training ashore spanning subjects including winching, meteorology, navigation, racing rules, rig tuning and sail trim, with input from marine leaders and  industry professionals.  

As well as the technical skills, competing onboard a top level racing yacht requires teamwork, leadership skills, project management, physical fitness and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure. The British Keelboat Academy programme seeks to develop these areas equipping trainees with the essential skills that will benefit them both in their future sailing careers and in the wider world.  

Sailors from the previous RYA and UKSA schemes, have gone on to compete  at the top level of the sport with over 40 currently working in the yacht racing industry including five sailing team members in the 2008-9 Volvo Ocean Race, three America’s Cup or World Match Racing Tour participants and a number of former squad members now part of the Artemis Offshore Academy. However more important than this success the programmes have changed the lives of young people involved and given them the life skills and confidence to go on to be successful in whichever area they choose to work.