Young people support Welsh Sailing to shape their sport for the future

Young people with a passion for getting on the water are helping to shape Welsh Sailing / Hwylio Cymru initiatives for the future.

The Welsh Youth LAB was launched in early 2026 after inviting applications from 16 to 23-year-olds with the message: Your voice matters!

Bringing fresh ideas and energy to the development of their sport, the forum enables young people to be involved in meetings, planning and decision-making.

Eight sailors were recruited from across the nation, representing a variety of interests and ages, and the group has already been in action – sharing views in an online get-together and contributing to discussions via a bespoke WhatsApp group.

RYA Cymru Wales Pathway & Events Officer Hatty Morsley, who chaired the first meeting, said: said: “The Youth LAB tackled a busy agenda with lively discussions across a variety of topics, and it was probably one of the best and most fun meetings I’ve ever been in.

“Everyone really engaged with the questions and each other, bouncing ideas around and keen to be involved. Straight away there were hands up because they wanted to share their thoughts.”

Meet the Youth LAB

The team recruited for the Youth LAB following an application process at the end of 2025 comprises: Catrin Williams, Sirene Le Petit, Merle Nieuwland, Torie Richards, Daniel Plant,  Ethan Watkin-Jones, Wilf Tovey and Megan Gowers. Meet the team!

Catrin Williams, age 22, Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli/Port Dinorwic SC
Classes sailed: Techno293 windsurfer, IQFOil and Formula Kites
“I was a nuisance for my family growing up. One day when my parents had enough during the summer holidays when I was 10, they took me to Plas Menai and there happened to be a taster windsurfing session on. We had no idea what windsurfing (or anything to do with sailing) was but I wanted to give it a go because it was outside playing in the sea. I loved it, joined the weekly windsurf club and went from there.”

Sirene Le Petit, age 17, Neyland YC
Classes sailed: RS Tera, 29er, Waszp
“I started sailing age 8 at PPSA Llanion Cove, progressed into an RS Tera and got my own boat at 10, coming 1^st girl at the 2021 Nationals and winning the Eric Twinames in 2022. I discovered 29ers and was in the Welsh Squad from 2022-2025. I went to a Magenta foiling weekend in 2025 and I am currently sailing my WASZP and an RS Feva with my youngest sister. I’m also a qualified RYA L2 Race Coach and Dinghy Instructor working with the Welsh Topper and RS Tera squads."

Merle Nieuwland, age 18, Cardiff Bay YC
Classes sailed: Optimist, 420, 470
Merle won 420 gold at the Youth Sailing World Championships last year and says: “I got into sailing because I did a taster day and really enjoyed it so I joined my local club.”

Torie Richards, age 16, Llyn Brenig SC
Classes sailed: Topper, RS Feva
“I sail an RS Feva, and started sailing at 8 years old in a Topper. I started sailing because it’s something me and my family did in the weekend. Over the years sailing has become a big part of my life.”

Daniel Plant, age 15, Neyland YC
Classes sailed: RS Tera, Topper, ILCA 6
“I started sailing at 11 with PPSA Pirates in an RS Tera and quickly got hooked, then moved into Toppers where I did most of my racing for the Welsh squad, including two Worlds and Celtic Cup. I currently sail an ILCA 6, recently competing at the ILCA National Opens and RYA Youth Nationals for the Welsh Squad. I love the competitive side of sailing and the challenge of constantly improving, and I’m really excited to be part of the Youth LAB!

Ethan Watkin Jones, age 15, Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli/ Port Dinorwic SC
Classes sailed: RS Tera, RS Feva
Ethan’s parents raced in the RS400 and RS800 classes and dad was in the 470 British team: “My parents introduced me to sailing when I was younger. I’ve sailed as long as I can remember.”

Wilf Tovey, age 15, Mumbles YC
Classes sailed: Topper, ILCA 6 & 7
“I started out in a Topper doing local Dragon events and am currently sailing an ILCA 6 but transitioning into an ILCA 7. This summer I am doing my first event in Europe at Kiel Week. I love both being out on the water and the friends I have made from across the country at different events. As soon as I am 16 I want to do my dinghy instructor course as I love helping out on the beginner courses at my club.”

Megan Gowers, age 14, Clwb Hwylio Y Felinheli/ Port Dinorwic SC
Classes sailed: RS Tera, ILCA 4, RS Feva, 29er
“I started in Pirates messing around in boats when I was little and then did my first competition when I was 10 in a Tera. Now I compete in a ILCA 4, RS Feva and I’m training in a 29er.”

Making a difference

An early success has been the Youth LAB’s scrutiny of the Welsh National Sailing Team Selection Policy. Youth LAB members were invited to read the policy in advance of their first meeting, and provided invaluable feedback:

• Welcoming the idea of having an easy-to-read summary page – noting that none had ever previously read the whole policy
• Requesting coach involvement in selections be highlighted more clearly
• Asking for photographs of each class to be updated
• Spotting inconsistencies around the number of indicator events

The views of the Youth LAB were submitted to the Performance Sub Committee of the RYA Cymru Wales board of directors, and subsequently actioned, including all classes now having an equal number of primary selection events.

The forum has also been involved in discussions about introducing new Welsh Sailing awards to recognise outstanding performances and sailors who represent Wales at the highest level.

Sailor voices

The introduction of the Welsh Youth LAB sits alongside a Sailor Voice project with Sport Wales to capture the views of sailors and parents.

Interactive ways of collecting feedback enable even the youngest of sailors at events to have their say – whether putting tokens into jars or stickers on a chart!

The Youth LAB is scheduled to hold its next meeting in April – working around busy training, event and exam schedules – with an in-person catch up over the weekend of 20-21 June at the at the Welsh Club Championships at Cardiff Bay Yacht Club.

In the meantime, the group has been tasked with submitting ideas for the Welsh Youth LAB logo, and by end of year the aim is for a member of the panel to step up as chair.

Hatty added: “Welsh Sailing aims to provide an environment where young people are able to thrive, with activities that are engaging, inclusive, safe and fun. The Youth LAB will play an essential role in ensuring our initiatives are relevant and reflect the views of young people.

“The Youth LAB in turn will provide young people with valuable experience of contributing to an organisation while learning about sport management, including attending ‘committee’ meetings and developing communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

“It’s been a great start for the Welsh Sailing Youth LAB and we look forward to sharing more initiatives shaped by their contribution in the future.”

Find out more about Hwylio Cymru initiatives and events at our Welsh Sailing hub and follow all our news on Facebook and Instagram.