Introduction to RYA Volvo Transition Training 

RYA Volvo Transition Training aims to support the most talented Junior sailors to progress into the demanding RYA Volvo National Youth Squad.

It provides highly subsidised tailored coaching, training and competition guidance to fast-track the development of essential boat handling skills and boat speed. Sailors do not require a brand new boat for this training.

The RYA employs a specific National Class Coach to oversee the development of the sailors under the direction of the Youth Racing Manager.

Classes

The classes selected for 2009-10 RYA Volvo Transition Training are as follows:

• Single handed dinghy (Laser Radial) – boys
• Single handed dinghy (Laser Radial) - girls      
• Windsurfer (Neil Pryde RS:X 8.5) – boys or girls
• Double handed conventional dinghy (420) – all boy or all girl crews (exceptionally mixed crews)
• Doubled handed asymmetric dinghy (29ers) - all boy, all girl crews or mixed crews (open)

At RYA Volvo Transition Training level mixed crews are eligible in the 29er class, but may be invited in the 420 Class in exceptional circumstances.

The inclusion of mixed sex pairings differs between 420 and 29er as the 29er is an ‘open’ class, (i.e. options are boy-boy, girl-girl, boy-girl, or girl-boy combinations are acceptable) at the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship from 2009 and the RYA are keen to embrace this development.

Specific information for each class regarding training dates etc can be found on the class specific pages.

There will be Two Phases to the training:  

Phase 1: RYA Volvo Open Transition Training – comprising three open (for eligible sailors) training weekends running from September to December 2009.    In December, on completion of phase 1 there will be a selection process to determine the composition of the RYA Volvo Transition Squad.  

Phase 2: RYA Volvo Transition Training Squad – comprising of a mandatory residential (non-sailing) training camp, and between four and six training camps, including a mandatory, appropriate International event selected to develop relevant skills.  This phase will run from January 2010 to September 2010 (this coincides with the main RYA Volvo National Youth Squad entry point).  

Sailors not selected for the RYA Volvo Transition Training Squad will be encouraged and eligible to enter into RYA supported Class Open Training programme which is scheduled to run alongside the RYA Volvo Transition Training Squad, from January to September 2010.

Class specific  RYA Volvo Transition Training information can be found on each of the individual class pages.

To be considered for a 2009/10 RYA Volvo Transition Training Squad (Phase 2) place you should have already applied online via the RYA Racing Events website (when you applied for Phase 1 in September).
N.B. You only need to have submitted one application to be considered for Phase 1 & Phase 2.