RYA Scotland forms partnership to benefit young windsurfers

RYA Scotland has formed an exciting new partnership with the British Wavesailing Association and Wild Diamond on behalf of the Tiree Wave Classic organising committee which will allow Scotland's best young windsurfers access to one of the biggest wave sailing events in the UK. The partnership has brought a new youth element into the Tiree Wave Classic event which will be fed by the RYA Scotland Team15 windsurfing programme.

James Allan, RYA Scotland CEO said: "The new partnership and the connection to the Tiree Wave Classic event is a fantastic opportunity that will allow us to create a pathway into competitive wave sailing for young windsurfers in Scotland that previously has not existed.

"Being able to compete alongside their international idols and the UK's best windsurfers will be very inspiring and Tiree is the perfect place for them to learn new skills, increase their experience and gain access to some of the best coaching in the UK".

Taking place 9 – 17 October, the training camp and event ensures that the youngsters get plenty of time on the water to learn lots of new skills in wave sailing as well as getting to witness the action whilst some of the UK's best competitors fight it out in the main competition. The youngsters will also have the opportunity to compete in a youth section of the event and put into practice everything that they have learned during the camp.

As well as introducing a new pathway in wave sailing and helping participants develop skills in a new discipline, the partnership will introduce a unique training experience for both the participants and coaches, will develop opportunities for new competition formats and will be leading the way for the UK in developing a format for introducing young windsurfers into wave events.

Centre Principle at Wild Diamond, William McLean commented: "As the Event Host for Tiree Wave Classic 2015 we are delighted to be working with RYA Scotland and the British Wavesailing Association as event partners, for the next three years and hopefully onwards.

"The new structure for the youth competitors in Tiree will have some key benefits which other events of a similar nature do not currently facilitate such as dedicated training staff on site, dedicated safety crew and a real focus on the windsurfing 'stars of the future'! I can't wait to see what new raw talent that this year's RYA Scotland Team 15 Wave Camp will develop and expose."

Nigel Treacy, Chairman and Founder of BWA said: "The British Wavesailing Association is excited to see the future of wave sailing being strengthened further by a formidable partnership with RYA Scotland and Wild Diamond. The Tiree Wave Classic is one of the world's oldest and most coveted wave sailing competitions. The ultimate 'breeding ground' for every successful British Pro Sailor on their way to the world circuit, it is without doubt the very best wave event that Britain has to offer".

For more information about the Team 15 programme in Scotland or the Team 15 Tiree Wave Camp go to www.ryascotland.org.uk