Get set for RYA Eric Twiname Junior Championships 2025
Aspiring young sailors and windsurfers from across the UK will be competing for honours at the 2025 RYA Eric Twiname Junior Championships.
There is still time to take part and with more than 280 entries already, the championships are once again set to be a highlight of the junior racing calendar.
Affectionately known as the ETs, a double venue for the 37th edition will see junior sailors battling it out at Rutland while the windsurfers will compete at Pwllheli.
Both events will run simultaneously over the early May Bank Holiday weekend (3-5 May).
As ever, it will be an opportunity for young sailors and windsurfers to represent their Region or Home Country while testing their skills ahead of the main season.
RYA Junior Racing Manager Chris Atherton said: “The ethos of the Eric Twiname Championships is to provide competitive racing in a fun and friendly environment with lots of support from coaches and volunteers both onshore and on the water.
“It’s ideal for junior competitors wanting to put into practise their winter training, while for those who haven’t done much national racing before, it’s an opportunity grow their confidence and knowledge at a major multiclass event.
“It’s a brilliant regatta for learning and we’d like to add a big thank you to the Eric Twiname Trust for their generosity in making this unique event possible.”
Sailing at Rutland
The sailing competition for the Eric Twiname Championships will be hosted by Rutland Sailing Club for the Optimist, RS Tera, RS Feva, Topper and ILCA 4 classes.
The RYA Eric Twiname Championships 2024 introduced new formats such as short-course racing alongside traditional length races, and the 2025 edition will again provide a variety of scenarios for developing tactical awareness and boat handling.
The initiative is part of an RYA strategy to support new and exciting ideas for racing and engaging young people, including quick turnaround starts and some races as short as 10 minutes.
With the top Optimist sailors away at a selection trials for international events, the Eric Twiname Championships will give up and coming youngsters in this fleet a chance to shine.
Entries are open until Monday 28 April or entry limits are reached.
Sign up now for the RYA Eric Twiname Junior Championships at Rutland.
Windsurfing at Pwllheli
Hosted by the Plas Heli Welsh National Sailing Academy, the Eric Twiname Championships for young windsurfers will provide a fantastic opportunity for racing in Cardigan Bay ahead of the Techno Worlds taking place at the same venue in summer.
There will be a shorter course for smaller sails and a main course for Techno rig sizes of 5m and above. The results from Pwllheli will contribute to the overall Eric Twiname Championship trophies and entries will remain open until Saturday 26 April 2025.
Sue Pilkington, Chair of the Techno 293 Class Association said: “We are looking forward to welcoming all the windsurfers to Plas Heli for the Eric Twiname Championships. This is also the first event in the final preparations for hosting the Techno World Championships in August.
“All fleets are welcome to attend, and we have fun and games planned on the beach, including a sandcastle competition. It will be a fantastic weekend!”