RYA to hold 'Introduction to Team Racing' training weekend
by Matt Carter, RYA 13 Jul 2014 15:28 BST
11-13 September 2014
Sailing action in Fireflies at the 2013 RYA Eric Twiname Youth and Junior Team Racing Championships at Oxford Sailing Club, Farmoor Reservoir © Paul Wyeth / RYA
If you are a current member of the RYA Youth Racing programme, have just left and are wondering what to do next or are wishing to get involved in university sailing in the near future, then the RYA has the perfect weekend for you.
From the 11-13 September 2014 the RYA will be holding an 'Introduction to Team Racing' training weekend at Oxford Sailing Club, open to individuals aged 17-21 who are either planning to attend university or who have top level experience at national and international fleet racing events.
Team racing is an exciting and sociable sailing format in which a team of sailors work together to try and establish an overall winning combination for their team over their opposition. Team races are fast and furious and reward good starting, boat speed, boat handling, rules knowledge and team work skills.
Across the three days of training everyone will be given chance to helm and crew, with sailors swapping around over the course of the weekend. It will be a mixture of boat handling, team racing rules and racing in double handed fireflies, led by a top RYA qualified coach.
"Whether you are currently involved in the RYA Youth Racing programme looking to learn some new skills and top tips for Team Racing, or you're an aspiring Team Racer with an eye on university, our 'Introduction to Team Racing' weekend will have something for you," explained David Campbell-James, RYA Team Racing Chairman.
"We've got a well-equipped RYA coaching team on hand to offer their expertise and some top tips across the three days at Oxford Sailing Club. The weekend should be great fun whilst providing sailors with the skills and knowledge to progress in the world of Team Racing."
To sign up please complete the online application form on the RYA website. With limited places RYA event organisers are urging interested sailors to book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information on the RYA Racing Programme please visit www.rya.org.uk/racing.