RYA Youth Programme

The RYA UK Youth programme, British Youth Sailing (BYS), is designed to enable the best British sailors to develop their racing skills so that they can succeed on the international stage. It is aimed at sailors with the potential for world-class performance.  BYS sailors have the potential to meet one of three criteria: 

• To qualify for Team GBR for the World Sailing Youth World Championships
• To win a medal at the World or European Championships
• To successfully follow an Olympic Pathway

The RYA employs a specific UK Class Coach and contracts a series of performance specialists to oversee the development of the sailors. They are directed and managed by the RYA Youth Racing Manager.

Classes

The following classes are included in the BYS programme:

• ILCA 6 (Radial) - Male and Female 
• 420 - Male, Female and Mixed Crews 
• 29er - Male, Female and Mixed Crews 
• iQFOiL - Male and Female
• Kite Boarding - Male and Female
• Nacra 15 - Mixed

The Training Programme

The BYS programme consists of up to 20 days over the course of the year. The majority of these camps take place over autumn and winter, although sessions are planned in to help sailors prepare for summer international events.

Fitness training and conditioning support forms an integral part of all our programmes. Fitness testing may take place at camps throughout the year. Core stability training and specialist strength and conditioning education is also provided at this time.

The programme takes place at a variety of inland and coastal locations. Further training camps may be run as required.

What support is available?

As part of the BYS programme sailors will normally:

• Attend all the RYA UK Youth Squad camps over the course of the year.
• Receive assistance from the RYA UK Coach as required in preparing training and competition plans.
• Attend fitness and sports science support days.
• Follow a needs based training and coaching programme.
• Have access to remote support from the RYA UK Coach.
• Receive further sports science support including information and advice on nutrition, strength and conditioning and hydration.
• Compete in a number of mandatory domestic competitions.
• Compete in a number of international competitions.
• Have access to a discounted squad clothing.