Camaraderie and close racing at the RYA Scotland Youth and Junior Championships 2025

Over 70 talented young sailors came together at Loch Lomond Sailing Club over the weekend [21-22 June], for some close racing and experience building at RYA Scotland’s 2025 Youth and Juniors Championships.

A true celebration of youth performance, determination, and community spirit, sailors took to the water across seven recognised Pathway classes; Optimist, Topper, RS Feva, ILCA, 29er, Techno, and iQFOiL fleets.

Over the course of the weekend, sailors from across Scotland competed in a range of conditions that tested both their skill and resilience.

Light conditions on the Saturday put a stop to any hopes of racing, however it didn’t hamper fun in the water, with sailors passing the hours jumping in and swimming till well into the evening.

It was Sunday that brought the breeze, with all classes getting in some solid racing in both rain and shine.

Something for everyone

With nearly 70 boats and boards on the water, this year’s Championships were more than just a racing event, with a coached OnBoard fleet offering a great opportunity for sailors to build experience at a larger regatta.

Whether sailors were competing in their first major regatta or looking to secure a top result, spirits were high and attitudes positive across the board. Throughout the weekend, the boat park and clubhouse were alive with activity as parents and support networks cheered on the sailors and came together as a community.

Plenty to celebrate at prizegiving

Full race results can be found online here.

In addition to podium prizes for each fleet, this year’s Youth and Junior Championships saw a particularly special new trophy, the Matthew Toynbee Youth Impact Award, presented to its first recipients.

Designed to recognise outstanding resilience, integrity, passion and creativity amongst other positive traits, the award was created by RYA Scotland with support from the Toynbee family to recognise and celebrate qualities that Matt, former RYA Scotland Performance Manager, upheld exceptionally. We hope this new award will help strengthen the positive legacy Matt leaves behind. 

In tribute to Matt, we're also taking time to share some further reflections on his wide-ranging contribution to the Scottish sailing community. You can find these reflections in a separate piece online.

This year, the Matthew Toynbee Youth Impact Award went jointly to Finlay Davidson of Dalgety Bay Sailing Club and Ruairi Herrington of Largs Sailing Club in recognition of the hugely positive impact they make on those around them, and for upholding the many values and qualities Matt stood for.

From displaying resilience through challenging times, to using sailing as a powerful way to come together with friends, to uplifting those around them and setting an example to younger sailors - both recipients have displayed exemplary character and are thoroughly deserving recipients of this new award.

Finlay Davidson is pictured accepting the award on behalf of himself and Ruairi below.

[Finlay Davidson pictured with RYA Scotland CEO Finlo Cottier, and RYA Scotland Performance Committee Chair Duncan Hepplewhite]

Building towards a positive future

Looking forward, RYA Scotland’s Youth and Junior Championships continue to play a crucial role in the development of Scotland’s pathway sailing community. The 2025 edition proved no different, with many sailors using the event as a platform to push themselves, learn from their peers, and gain valuable experience under race pressure.

Thank You to Volunteers and Supporters

RYA Scotland would like to extend a huge thank you to the volunteers, race officials, Loch Lomond Sailing Club, and all supporters who made this event possible. This dedication ensures events like this continue to inspire and support the next generation of Scottish sailors.

Photo's from prizegiving can be found online here. 

Want to hear more about the weekend? Watch our full wrap up on YouTube now.