Youth Classes

Youth classes

Information on the key youth classes British Sailing focuses its training and resources on:

Youth programme Talent academy

ILCA 4

The Illca 4 is the feeder Class to both the llca 6 and Ilca 7 rig with a smaller, yet still quite powerful sail, which easily allows sailors to transition. Very popular in Europe, a spell in the llca 4 helps Optimist and Topper sailors get used to the llca hull with a more forgiving sail. Often raced at European Laser regattas, sailors can get valuable experience of European venues and international competition easily and appropriately.

ICLA 6

The Ilca 6 is the women's single-handed Olympic Class. It is also a pathway Class for both boys and girls with the BYS Youth Squad supporting training and competition throughout the year. The Class Association runs Open Training and the RYA runs Youth Squads. The Ilca 6 is currently the selected single-handed class for the World Sailing Youth Championships.

420

The 420 is the double-handed symmetric class sailed by Youth sailors. Junior Classes often feed the Class and after a number of years sailing the 420 sailors can progress in to, among other disciplines, the 470 Class. The Class Association runs open training and the RYA runs Youth Squads.

29ER

The 29er is the pathway asymmetric class sailed by Youth sailors. Junior Classes often feed the Class, and after a number of years sailing the 29er, sailors can progress in to, among other Classes and disciplines, the 49erFX and 49er. The Class Association runs open training and the RYA runs Youth Squads.

Watersports enthusiasts cutting through the waves

NACRA 15

The Nacra 15 is the catamaran, twin trapeze class sailed by Youth sailors. Junior Classes often feed the Class, and after a number of years sailing the Nacra 15 sailors can progress in to, among other classes and disciplines, the Nacra 17. UKCRA runs open training.

FORMULA KITE

Kite Foiling is a new single handed class that has been brought into the pathway after the decision to run kiting in the Paris 2024 Olympics. Kite foiling is typically a progression from riding with LEI kites and twin tip boards to riding directional boards foiling on a race course within a fleet. RYA selects Youth squads and summer teams.

UK IQ FOIL

The IQFoil is the Olympic Windsurfing Class. The Youth Male and Female classes use an 8m sail, with the Senior Men using a 9m sail. This is the natural progression from competing in either Techno or Slalom within the pathway. Those looking to get involved in iOFOIL training should have their RYA sustained flights certificate. The Class association then run Open training up to U21 and the RYA select and run a Summer International Team.