New helms for British Keelboat Academy

Dee Caffari MBE appointed Chair and Phil Devereux as Head Coach

12 Jul 24

Two J70 keelboats racing upwind with British Keelboat Academy crews leaning out over the side.

The British Keelboat Academy has welcomed two new helms with a mission to further develop its role in bringing on the next generation of racing sailors.

The BKA programme aims to equip young racing sailors aged 18-24 with the necessary skills, confidence and connections to kickstart their keelboat pathway.

Ahead of applications opening this summer for the next cohort of up to 40 BKA recruits, Dee Caffari MBE has been appointed Chair, and Phil Devereux as Head Coach.

Dee has circumnavigated the globe six times. She is the first woman to have sailed single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions and the only woman to have sailed non-stop around the world a total of three times.

A motivational speaker and presenter, who also supports various charities, Dee is now looking forward to sharing her expertise as a volunteer Chair of the BKA.

This is a new role for the Academy to support its mission as a stepping stone for young dinghy racers wanting to explore the world of keelboat and yacht racing.

Dee Caffari in white t-shirt and blue cap against background of sea and sunset.

Dee said: “One aspect of sailing that makes it quite unique, is how many disciplines it has, ranging from Olympic classes to oceanic and offshore races to cruising with family and friends. The type of boats, the level of competitiveness and the body of water it takes place on, can all change.

“But quite often the pathway to make a change into a different environment is not always clear. The British Keelboat Academy has the objective to help sailors transition from dinghies to keelboat racing. The selected sailors experience a variety of boats and roles onboard to help them identify what they like and what they would want to do more of. I am looking forward to sharing my experience and helping the future generation of sailors achieve great things.”

Head coach

Phil Devereux has been appointed Head Coach for the BKA and brings with him many years of involvement with the Academy, with extensive knowledge of coaching and the yachting and keelboat racing scene.

He will be taking on the role in time for the new intake for 2024-25 from the BKA's former Head Coach of nine years, Niall Myant-Best, who is now focussing on other initiatives within the RYA, including its Crew4Gold talent programme for future Olympians.

Headshot of Phil Devereux, new head coach for the British Keelboat Academy, water and blue sky with clouds background.

Phil is from Teesside in the North East and is an RYA Coach Assessor, RYA Race Coach, professional skipper and sailor, and sailing coach for the Cowes-based Miss Isle team.

He said: “I’m really excited to be taking on this lead role for the British Keelboat Academy to evolve and progress what is an already very successful programme. I’ve had the opportunity to be around the BKA programme as it’s developed over the years and can’t wait be a part of supporting the next generations of young keelboat sailors.”

Richard Moxey, RYA Keelboat Development Manager, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dee Caffari and Phil Devereux to these important roles with the British Keelboat Academy. Having their fresh perspective and invaluable experience on board will bring huge benefits for the future development of the programme and as we look ahead to recruiting our next cohort of young sailors.”

Look out for applications opening soon for the BKA’s next intake. Follow British Keelboat Sailing on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest announcements and find out more at British Keelboat Academy.