The teenage years are important to your sailing development if you want to become an expert racer. To be the best you need the correct environment on and off the water and the help of expert coaching. This is exactly what the RYA Performance Squads aim to provide for each of the RYA Recognised Youth Classes.

Entry to our squads is by selection and they operate with a very low sailor to coach ratio to make sure every sailor gets the focus and attention they need. Each class will have a lead coach and the RYA also contracts performance specialists to provide further expertise. Ultimately every youth squad sailor’s ambition should be

• To qualify to represent GBR at the Youth World Sailing Championships
• To perform at World or European Championships
• To successfully transition into the British Sailing Team (Olympic)
• To develop a lifelong passion for the sport

 RYA Performance Squads (October - September)

Applications for Youth Performance Squads are now CLOSED 

To see a list of the current selected sailors, please click HERE

This training will develop the skills and behaviours that sailors need to compete successfully both domestically and at international championships.

Age limitations

The youth sailing age is typically under 19 on Dec 31^st of the relevant competition year, although there are exceptions for some classes and squads - please read the RYA BYS Notice of Selection carefully.

Selection Policies

Disciplines

The following classes are included in the BYS programme:

• ILCA 6 - Male
• ILCA 6 - Female
• ILCA 7 - Male
• 420 - Male/Mixed
• 420 - Female
• 29er - Male/Mixed 
• 29er - Female
• iQFOiL - Male
• iQFOiL - Female
• KiteFoil - Male 
• KiteFoil - Female
• Nacra 15 - Mixed

The Training Programme

The performance squad training and event support typically consists of around 35 days from October to September. We do our best to avoid training during the busy exam periods in May / June, but occasionally this is unavoidable. If training does fall in a difficult time for you then we really encourage sailors to discuss with us so we can help where we can. Fitness training and conditioning forms an integral part of all our programmes but maintaining balance with education is the key to success in both sailing and schooling. Fitness testing or profiling may take place. Training will be held at a variety of inland and coastal locations to ensure that a wide cross section of sailing conditions can be experienced.

More information:

For further information please contact the youth racing team on youthracing@rya.org.uk