RYA Youth Programme 

Everything you need to know about the RYA Youth Programme 

The RYA UK Youth programme, British Sailing Youth Team (BSYT), is designed to enable the best British sailors to develop their racing skills so that they can succeed on the international stage. It is aimed at sailors with the potential for world-class performance.  BSYT sailors have the potential to meet one of four criteria:  

• To qualify for Team GBR for the World Sailing Youth World Championships 

• To perform at the World or European Championships 

• To successfully transition into the British Sailing Squad, and progress towards the British Sailing Team (Olympic Pathway) 

• To develop a lifelong passion for the sport 

The RYA employs a specific UK Class Coach and contracts a series of performance specialists to oversee the development of the sailors. They are directed and managed by the RYA Youth Racing Manager. 

Classes 

The following classes are included in the BSYT programme: 

• ILCA 6 - Male and Female  
• ILCA 6 U21 Female
• ILCA 7 
• 420 - Male, Female and Mixed Crews  
• 29er - Male, Female and Mixed Crews  
• iQFOiL - Male and Female 
• Kite Boarding - Male and Female
• Nacra 15 - Mixed

The Training Programme 

The BSYT programme consists of up to 40 days from October to September. The majority of these camps take place over autumn and winter, although sessions are planned in to help sailors prepare for summer international events. We do our best to avoid training during the busy exam periods in May / June, but occasionally this is unavoidable. If training does fall in a difficult time for you then we really encourage sailors to discuss with us so we can help where we can 
 
Fitness training and conditioning support forms an integral part of all our programmes. Fitness testing may take place at camps throughout the year. Core stability training and specialist strength and conditioning education is also provided at this time. 
 
The programme takes place at a variety of inland and coastal locations to ensure that a wide cross section of sailing conditions can be experienced. Further training camps may be run as required. 

What support is available? 

As part of the BSYT sailors will normally: 

• Attend all the RYA BYST camps over the course of the year. 

• Receive assistance from the RYA UK Coach as required in preparing training and competition plans. 

• Attend fitness and sports science support days. 

• Follow a needs based training and coaching programme. 

• Have access to remote support from the RYA UK Coach. 

• Receive further sports science support including information and advice on nutrition, strength and conditioning and hydration. 

• Compete in a number of mandatory domestic competitions. 

• Compete in a number of international competitions. 

• Have access to a discounted squad clothing. 

Below is a list of current sailors in the BSYT: 

Training Dates 

Dates for the RYA British Sailing Youth Team - Summer 2025 

420 British Sailing - Youth Team 

 29er British Sailing - Youth Team 

Nacra 15 British Sailing - Youth Team 

ILCA 6 British Sailing - Youth Team 

ILCA 7 British Sailing - Youth Team 

iQFOiL British Sailing - Youth Team 

Kite British Sailing - Youth Team 

How to get involved in the next Selection phase: 

You must apply for a place in the BSYT via the RYA Just Go Portal HERE. A user guide can be found HERE

Please have a look at our 'What to expect from the BSYT Programme' document HERE and ensure you read the Selection Policies below to check the eligibility and to check which indicators you should be competing at: 

Selection Notices and Policies 

Applicants will usually be notified within two weeks of the final indicator via email. 

Winter BSYT Indicator Event - these are the events you need to attend if you wish to join the Team for 2025/26: 

More information: 

For further information please contact the youth racing team on youthracing@rya.org.uk