RYA award helps windsurfer Sam to share his skills

The LSEYTF is a charity associated with the RYA to support youth development.

The bursaries fund applicants, who have shown the capability and enthusiasm to support their fellow sailors, to attend an RYA Race Coach Level 2 (RCL2) course. In return for the bursary sailors are expected to pass on their experiences and enthusiasm to help inspire others to follow in their footsteps

Sam Williams (18), who instructs at the Buzz Active Centre in Eastbourne, has rapidly risen through the windsurfing ranks since starting out with the RYA Team15 programme in 2013. In 2015/16 he joined the RYA South East Zone Squad, and in 2016 he was selected to compete in the European and World Championships as a member of the GBR team. Also in 2016 he was voted RYA London and South East Young Sailor of the year. In 2017, 2018 and 2019 he was again selected for the national youth squad to compete in the European and World Championships, now in the RS:X class.

Sam has recently learned to windfoil, and intends to compete in this at UKWA level in 2020 as he feels this is where Olympic windsurfing is headed.

Since receiving LSEYTF funding in 2018 to take an RYA Instructor course Sam has been passing on his experience by teaching all age groups at Buzz Active, including the Junior Team15 squad.

Sam, who intends to take his RCL2 course after his ‘A’ levels in May, says: “In 2020 I’ll be more involved with coaching the Team15 squad, and having my RCL2 qualification will compliment my National Squad coaching experience to help develop our team. I’m passionate about giving my experience back to Team15 where it all started for me.”

Sam (on the right) receives his award from Richard Wilson, Buzz Active Centre Manager.

Dave Ellis, Chairman of the RYA’s LSEYTF adds: "It’s fantastic for young sailors to be able to experience a range of opportunities, both in the UK and internationally, during their development as they learn so much. But the costs of travel, accommodation, food etc. all quickly mount up and the bursaries provide some assistance to our young sailors as they develop their sailing careers”.

“We have an abundance of talent in the region and we want to give our young sailors, whether destined for ‘podiums’ or as coaches, the best chance to realise their ambitions.”

Find out more about Buzz Active and Team15, and discover how to get into sailing across London and the South East.