RYA Cymru Wales blog – August 2024

Catch up with the latest youth and junior events for your calendar with Performance Manager Sarah McGovern…

14 Aug 24

Junior sailing an RS Tera with orange stripe on the sail in the foreground on a sunny day at Shotwick Lake SC for Dragon Series 2024, with half a dozen other junior dinghies in the background.

It’s been a busy summer for our Welsh youth and junior sailors with non-stop action at home and away ranging from local events to major championships.

And there’s still lots more to look forward to as we continue through August into September – whether you’re just starting out racing or top of your game!

The Dragon Series concluded at Llyn Brenig Sailing Club in North Wales on Saturday 24 August. It’s also been great to see so many youngsters taking part in our Olympic Watersports Weeks at Dale and Llandegfedd, and OnBoard race training at Fishguard Bay, Tenby and Neyland sailing clubs and Celtic Sea Watersports.

Next up, it’s time to get your entries in for our two RYA Cymru Wales OnBoard Festivals and Welsh Youth & Junior Championships!

Variety of youth and junior boats (including Optimist, Topper and 29er) on the water at RYA CW OnBoard Festival at Dale 2023.

OnBoard Festivals

For young aspiring sailors, our OnBoard Festivals offer fun coached events to build on club training and grow skills and confidence.

The aim is to provide a welcoming environment on sheltered waters for Welsh sailors, windsurfers and parents to enjoy a friendly relaxed event.

Ideal for first time racers through to those who are keen to join our squads, sign up by noon Wednesday 28 August for our OnBoard Festivals to join us:

Saturday 31 August - North Wales OnBoard Festival - Bala Sailing Club
Saturday & Sunday 31 August-1 September - South & West Wales OnBoard Festival - Dale Yacht Club & Celtic Sea Watersports

In advance of the OnBoard Festival at Dale there is also an opportunity to join in with some open training for single and double handers plus have a go at winging and windsurfing on Thursday and Friday 29-30 August 2024, sign up!

Young sailors on shore wearing yellow OnBoard bibs and listening to a briefing, boats with sails up in the background waiting for launching, at OnBoard Festival, Bala, 2023.

Youth & Junior Championships

Entry is also now open for our annual Welsh Youth & Junior Championships over the weekend of 21-22 September at Plas Heli.

This will be a fantastic weekend of close competition in Cardigan Bay to test and hone racing skills, catch up with friends and make new ones.

Enter now for the Welsh Youth & Junior Championships!

This weekend is also a must-do event for anyone applying for selection to join the RYA Cymru Wales National Sailing Team.

To join our squads for Optimist, Topper, RS Tera (Sport & Pro), RS Feva, ILCA 4/6/7, 420 and 29ers, apply by midnight 22 September 2024.

Busy boat park full of boats with sails up and sun shining at Plas Heli getting ready for the Welsh Youth & Junior Championships.

Next generation

We can’t wait to see all our youth and junior sailors from across Wales at our OnBoard Festivals and Youth & Junior Championships.

In the meantime, a big well done to all those who’ve been on the water over the holidays – whether it’s been putting in a prize-winning performance or simply having lots of fun with friends – it all counts!

Also, a big thank you to the clubs, coaches and parents who make it all possible and help us to inspire the next generation, we couldn’t do it without you.

Keep up with all the latest news and events by following RYA Cymru Wales on Facebook and Instagram. See you soon!

Sarah McGovern.