A new look for RYA Scotland’s Performance Pathway

Designed to nurture and develop talented young sailors across Scotland, RYA Scotland's Performance Pathway plays an important role in the early stages of the athlete journey, with a strong track record of producing world class sailors. With a focus on creating a supportive and encouraging environment, the pathway is dedicated to helping sailors unlock their individual goals and potential in a positive and friendly space.

RYA Scotland Performance Pathway Mission Statement

“The RYA Scotland Performance Pathway is designed to create opportunities for sailors to challenge themselves, race and train alongside the best young talent in Scotland, across the UK, and onto the world stage. But it’s about more than just racing – the programme also helps sailors make new friends, have fun, sharpen their skills, and develop a lifelong love for sailing and competition.”

To make sure these goals remain achievable now and, in the future, RYA Scotland’s Performance Pathway is evolving in line with the wider RYA Pathway Review carried out across the UK.

Read on for an overview of key changes within RYA Scotland's Performance Pathway, or tune into the latest episode of 'Off The Water' - the official RYA Scotland podcast, featuring Pathway Manager Jamie Rogers and Pathway Development Officer Ben Luckett.

One of the first steps in this evolution is the introduction of the word “Pathway” across mention of RYA Scotland’s performance offering. This change better reflects the steps that lead towards elite performance, and the support available to sailors at every stage of their journey.

This language change pairs a reshaping of programme names within the Scottish Performance Pathway, as seen in the new logo suite below.

Our Aim

To deliver a world-class performance pathway that allows sailors to develop at the right stage, with the right support – from their first experiences at local clubs through to competing at the top level in the UK and internationally.

Key Objectives

• Create clear progression routes from grassroots sailing to elite levels, ensuring smooth transitions between each stage of development.
• Deliver a fun, engaging, and accessible programme for all sailors within the RYA Scotland Performance Pathway.
• Work with parents and guardians to help them support their sailor’s development journey.
• Provide structure and support for sailors to be identified for the newly named Scottish Sailing Team (SST) and the British Sailing Youth Team (BSYT).

Development Pathway programmes

For sailors at the start of their journey, RYA Scotland focuses on building strong foundations through three main initiatives:

• Open Training -Designed for junior sailors moving on from their local club racing, Open Training provides a fun, inclusive environment where sailors can build their skills and confidence on the water.

• Pathway Clubs -These clubs play a vital role in delivering accessible, high-quality grassroots racing. With targeted support from RYA Scotland, Pathway Clubs create welcoming environments where young sailors can grow in skill and confidence while becoming part of a vibrant sailing community.

• Club Racing Academies- Hosted within RYA-affiliated clubs and training centres, these one-day sessions are co-designed by clubs or class associations and RYA Scotland Contracted coaches. They offer tailored race training at a subsidised cost and also provide valuable opportunities for club coach development.

Performance Pathway: Programmes & Events

Aligned with the wider RYA, RYA Northern Ireland and RYA Cymru Wales, RYA Scotland delivers a series of events and programmes for sailors progressing along the Performance Pathway. RYA Scotland's 2025/25 Performance Pathway dates can be found online. 

Performance Pathway Programmes

RYA Scotland also delivers three selection-based programmes which fall within the Scottish Performance Pathway:

• Scottish Saling Team – The RYAS high-performance Team for youth sailors aiming to transition to the British Sailing Youth Team
• Scottish Sailing Youth Development Squad –The RYAS transitional performance development Squad for youth class sailors progressing toward elite competition, typically aged under 19.
• Scottish Sailing Junior Squad – The RYAS entry-level performance Squad for younger sailors in junior classes, typically under 15–16 depending on class.

Performance Pathway Key Events

Some of the below events are open entry, while others are selection-based. Details can be found in the RYA Scotland Selection Policy.

• RYA Scotland Invitational Winter Championships
• RYA Scotland Youth and Junior Championships
• RYA Home Country Celtic Cup
• RYA Eric Twiname Championships
• RYA Junior Club Championships

The Performance Pathway is here to help sailors of all ages and abilities find the right support, at the right stage, to achieve their potential – whether that’s racing at club level, representing Scotland, or competing internationally.

If you have any questions regarding RYA Scotland’s Performance Pathway, please get in touch with pathway@ryascotland.org.uk