Youth classes

I think you should consider this. I'm in it this year, I'm 15, and it's for 15-18 year olds. It's great fun because of the large amount of people, sleeping on site etc. after 2 years in RYA squads this is soooo much more fun, with the same standard coaching (albeit 8 to 1, not 6 to 1). if you want to enjoy your sailing go to www.gbrtopper.co.uk and click on youth squad in training pages. You're too late for this year, as we've already had 2 weekends, but for next year it could be an idea?

Btw what age/ weight are you, many people think that because the Rya encourage you to move out at 15 then there are no 16+ year olds, when there are loads.

The RYA pathway doesn't suit everyone.

problem is, the rya class that as under 15 as well!!

Or get a 60+ kilo monkey and go and sail 29ers? Its the youth isaf boat in 2007 and 2008, so your a good age for it. Theres helms lighter than you sailing and the girl teams are about 105 kilos all up and there not that slow.

Just and option

Sailing is like Bruce's price is right...... you can be plenty under but not one pound over. The concept of being under weight for a class is always over stated, so long as you are not masses under - the reason is not cos more weight = more righting/sail carrying ability, the ratio of force on the sail to ability to drive weight of boat is not proportional, but because you might not achieve full waterline length (the key factor in dispacement sailing).

From my experience, you get too big for a topper when you get too tall, before you get too heavy.

Rather than worry about being the next Ben Ainslie of the youth classes consider what you enjoy, most, about the sport...... then aim to do as much of it a possible.... and note: good 50kilo crews are like gold dust anywhere in the UK.