Schools Team Racing Takes Off at Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club

Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club played host on Monday evening to the first in a series of schools team racing sessions, bringing together young sailors from across Northern Ireland for a brilliant night on the water.

The format is simple and brilliant in equal measure. Six boats take to a compact course, three on each side, racing head to head in tight, tactical battles where teamwork counts as much as boat speed. Sailors compete together, help each other out and work as a unit, with points tallied at the end of each race.

It is close, fast and technical racing that keeps young sailors on their toes, and it is a fantastic way for schools to get involved in competitive sailing in a fun and social environment.

Schools do not need a full squad to take part. If a school cannot field six sailors, RYA NI can combine two schools together to form a team, which as anyone who was there on Monday night will tell you, makes for even better fun. Parent support is also part of the package, so nobody needs to feel like they are going it alone.

This is just the beginning. More sessions are planned as part of an ongoing series, and RYA NI is keen to get as many schools as possible involved.

If you have sailors in your school and want to find out more, Jordan Conway at RYA NI is the person to speak to. She is happy to chat through what is involved and help get your school set up.

Get in touch or register your school's interest using the link above.