RYA Scotland Giant Academy 2024

Kickstarting our 2024-25 Academy Programme in style, this year's Giant Academy saw plenty of happy faces take to the water to hone their skills
24 Sep 24
Giant Academy 2024 RYAS

Following its inception last year, our RYA Scotland Giant Academy returned for a second time this month, getting over 100 sailors afloat across 7 classes.

Split across two weekends, windsurfers took to Peterhead with Scottish Fin & Foil and the Windsurf SUP Club on the 14th and 15th of September – a big thank you to both organisations for allowing us to join you for some top sailing.

The dinghy classes followed suit the week after – with almost 80 young racers ready to learn, socialise, and get their first taste of the 2024/25 Academy Programme.

Reflecting on this years’ Giant Academy, RYA Scotland Pathway Manager Jamie Rogers said:

“Earlier this month we had the pleasure of joining Scottish Fin & Foil and the Windsurf SUP Club in Peterhead. It was a wonderful opportunity to support an active, vibrant community and witness some incredible talent.

Giant Academy 2024

“It was my first time in Peterhead, and I was thoroughly impressed by the venue and the collaborative effort from various organisations working together to get people out on the water. Well, done, team!

“This past weekend in Largs was equally inspiring for Dinghy sailing. Post-COVID participation is slowly increasing, and this event reached full capacity across all fleets! There was a fantastic atmosphere, with plenty of smiles and laughs.”

Building on the normal RYA Scotland Academy model of class focussed training, the Giant Academy brings multiple fleets together in one place, allowing sailors and parents/ guardians to socialise and learn from each other, gaining insights for their onward journey and development in the Pathway.

Giant Academy 2024

Looking ahead to the future, Jamie commented:

“It is an exciting time as the Pathway evolves here in Scotland. While we are looking towards the future of sailing, we also recognise Scotland's unique needs.

“One thing is clear: Scotland offers some of the best waters in the world, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn.

“Among these sailors lies the future of the sport, and we are dedicated to providing them with the best training environments to help them succeed.”

Our 2024 Giant Academy also proved a major source of inspiration for many young sailors – with our coaching pool made up of accomplished racers and exceptional role models.

On the Sunday of our dinghy weekend, we welcomed a special guest who ticks both of those boxes, as Olympic Silver medallist Luke Patience popped along to chat with parents and sailors alike.

Giant Academy 2024

With a motivated set of Academy sailors ready to get stuck into our upcoming Winter Pathway Programme, we can’t wait to see the progression that’s in store.

To see what’s in store, check out our Pathway Dates ‘at a glance’ now.

Looking for a way to start your sailing journey? Use the RYA Activity Finder to locate a club, centre, or course near you.