Sailors set for 2019 Eric Twiname Team Racing Championship

Oxford Sailing Club will host over 260 young sailors this weekend (12-13 October) as they take to the water to battle for the RYA Youth and Junior Eric Twiname Team Racing Championship titles.

Hosted at Farmoor Reservoir, Oxford, and in conjunction with the Eric Twiname Trust, sailors will compete in Firefly and RS Feva dinghies for the prestigious titles.

The annual two-day event will welcome teams from the Junior (under 16) and Youth (under 19) Class Associations, RYA Zones, clubs, schools and individual teams across the two separate events.

Last year’s event saw Rugby School claim the title of youth champions while Hollowell/Shustoke took the junior honours.

As one of the highlights in the RYA's racing calendar, the event brings the nation's young sailors together to put their racing skills and team work to the test. Interest in this year’s event has been so strong that another flight of RS Fevas has been added to accommodate the demand.

The regatta, named after famous sailor, author and journalist Eric Twiname, has seen many members of the current British Sailing Team compete in previous editions such as former winner Ben Saxton and 470 sailor Eilidh McIntyre who has recently been confirmed on Team GB for Tokyo 2020.

RYA Youth Racing Manager Mark Nicholls said: “The Eric Twiname Team Racing Champs has been a great proving ground for young sailors through the years and teaches some valuable sailing skills.

“I’m looking forward to see what this year has in store. The demand for entry has been high and I’m sure that will translate in to high quality racing.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Eric Twiname Trust. Without their continued support this event wouldn’t be possible and thanks to them so many people get to benefit – the sailors and us as an organisation.”