Over 90 young sailors representing 22 clubs from across Scotland came together at Loch Lomond Sailing Club on 20–21 June for the RYA Scotland Scottish Sailing Pathway Championships, a two-day regatta of youth and junior racing.

Competition took place across a selection of recognised RYA youth and junior racing classes, giving sailors the opportunity to test their skills, learn from each race, and connect with peers from clubs and classes across Scotland.

Formerly known as RYA Scotland’s Youth & Junior Championships, the refreshed event name reflects wider updates to RYA Scotland’s Performance Pathway and its focus on supporting sailors as they progress from club racing through to national and international competition. The weekend provided a competitive but supportive environment, bringing together established racers and those looking to build their experience on the racecourse.

Saturday brought top sailing conditions, with sunshine and solid wind allowing sailors to get some good racing in ahead of a lack of breeze on the Sunday which curtailed any further sailing.

Still, a great depth of talent was on show throughout the weekend. A huge well done to prize-winners across all classes, as visible below.

Optimist 

1^st Charlie Tait, 2^nd Hamish Pawson-Munro, 3^rd Maisie Macintyre (First girl)

Topper 

1^st Emilia Ewer, 2^nd Cicely Blair, 3^rd Finlay Nutt (First boy)

Feva

1^st Cam & Finlay Ritchie, 2^nd Ruan Hill & James Allen, 3^rd Clarissa Jackson & Elsie Munro

Techno 5.8 

1^st Lochlan Mackinnon, 2^nd Micheil Mackinnon, 3^rd James Sneddon

Techno 6.8

1^st Poppy Cameron

Techno 7.8

1^st Joshua Brotherstone, 2^nd Blythe Brown (first girl), 3^rd Lili Szincsak

29er

1^st Amber Gulley & Andrei Ghencea, 2^nd Duncan Mackenzie & Ava O’Brien, 3^rd Elenaor Wisdish & Ella Hopkins

IQFoil

1^st Bende Tibor, 2^nd Darcey McArthur (first girl), 3^rd Alastair Cameron, First Junior Charlotte Vale

ILCA

1^st Rohan O’Kane, 2^nd Cameron McDaid, 3^rd Dougal Jackson, First Girl Emily Shearer

Regatta Fleet 

1^st Torin Pawson-Munro, Determination Award Lucy Annan, Curiosity Award Mirabelle Allan, Progress Award Noah Johnston & Layton Davidson

Prizegiving also provided an apt opportunity to facilitate the award of a range of class specific prizes, celebrating achievements across wider youth and junior class events and series. 

In addition to his ILCA Class podium place, a special congratulations go to Cameron McDaid as this year’s recipient of the Matthew Toynbee Youth Impact Award, presented to the sailor who has displayed a range of positive attributes, from resilience in the face of challenges, to supportiveness of peers, to humility, integrity, and an all round positive attitude.

Well done too to sailors from Largs Sailing Club and Clyde Windsurf Club for taking home the Pathway Championships winning club trophies for Dinghy and Windsurf classes respectively.

Reflecting on the weekend Jamie Rogers, RYA Scotland Head of Sport and Performance Pathways, said:

“It’s been fantastic to see so many young sailors coming together over the weekend, making the most of the racing, learning and connections events like this offer.

“A huge well done to everyone who took part, and thank you to all those who helped make the weekend such a valuable experience for our sailors.”

Sailingfast come aboard as official RYA Scotland Pathway Partner

The Championships also marked the announcement of a new formal partnership between Sailingfast and RYA Scotland, with Sailingfast coming on board as an official RYA Scotland Pathway Partner.

Through the partnership, Sailingfast will provide support across areas including expert insight, apparel, prizes and discounts, helping to enhance the experience for sailors within the RYA Scotland Performance Pathway and adding further value to key events.

Sailingfast founder and co-Director Duncan Hepplewhite said:

“Sailingfast has always been passionate about supporting Scottish sailors, from club level through to international competition. Formalising our partnership with RYA Scotland’s Performance Pathway feels like a natural next step and gives us a brilliant opportunity to build on that support, adding real value for sailors as they develop, compete and progress through the sport.”

Sailingfast has been part of the sailing community since 2002 and is known for chandlery, boat part and boat sale services, as well as hands-on presence at events across the UK, offering practical support, kit knowledge and experience to sailors and families. RYA Scotland and Sailingfast have enjoyed many years of collaboration and so are thrilled to be entering into a formal partnership for the benefit of the up-and-coming racers in Scotland.

Celebrating the people behind the racing

RYA Scotland would like to say a huge well done to every sailor who took part over the weekend. Commitment, resilience and enthusiasm shone through, demonstrating the strength of youth and junior sailing in Scotland.

RYA Scotland extends sincere thanks to Loch Lomond Sailing Club as host venue for the event and to the race officials, safety teams, coaches, volunteers and shore teams who make the weekend possible.

A special thank you also goes to parents, guardians and supporters for the time, travel and encouragement they give to young sailors throughout the season. Their contribution is vital in helping sailors enjoy the sport, develop their skills and make the most of opportunities on and off the water.

With a refreshed event identity, a strong fleet of young sailors and a new pathway partnership in place, the team at RYA Scotland are already looking forward to 2027’s Scottish Sailing Pathway Championships.

Want to know more about the Pathway? Find out more online.