Recognised Classes

The Recognised Classes supported by British Youth Sailing for older racers (u19)

The RYA grants certain classes recognition based upon their ability to support the aim of British Youth Sailing. Recognition is a policy decision determined by the RYA Youth Steering Group. RYA Racing Committee then make the final decision.

Classes that are important to the delivery of British Youth Sailing's aims and ambition are awarded the title of Recognised Class.

In addition to being a British Youth Sailing Recognised Class, the RYA also determines the age category that it believes a class is best for. As a result, a class will be designated as being most suitable for sailors who are normally under 16 years of age (Junior Classes) or under 19 years of age (Youth Classes).

Junior Classes
BIC Techno

Recognised equipment for Junior windsurfing. Strong domestic and international racing. Good variety of training and competition provided by UKWA.

 
ILCA 4

Feeder class to the Radial and Standard rig. The ILCA 4 helps Optimist and Topper sailors get used to the Laser hull with a more forgiving sail. Lots of European competition opportunities.

 
Optimist

Size and forgiving nature make it great for very young sailors. Comprehensive open training widely available and extensive programme of international competition.

 
RS Feva XL

Double-handed asymmetric boat. RYA runs UK Junior squads and Zone squads.

 
RS Tera Sport

A relatively new Junior class. Good variety of training and competition both home and abroad.

 
Topper

Sailed extensively in the UK with regional and national training and competition.

 
Youth Classes
29er

Double-handed asymmetric boat. The Class Association runs good open training and RYA has a UK Youth Squad.

 
420

Double-handed symmetric boat. Open training run by Class Association and RYA run UK Youth Squad.

 
ILCA 6

Youth Class for girls and boys and the women's single-handed Olympic Class. Extensive open training in the UK and RYA run UK Youth Squad.

 
ILCA 7

Single-handed boys Youth Class and also an Olympic Class. Extensive training and competitions in UK and overseas.

 
iQFOiL

A relatively new Youth class. It provides a good lead into the top level Olympic class.

 
Nacra 15

Double-handed Youth twin trapeze catamaran for boys girls or mixed crews.