Final chance to apply for the British Keelboat Academy 2016
by Imogen Stanley, RYA 17 Oct 2015 13:04 BST
17 October 2015
BKA Inter Club Challenge Cup © British Keelboat Academy
The British Keelboat Academy (BKA) is a partnership between UKSA and RYA. The BKA is designed to support young people aged between 18 and 24 in developing the skills needed to take their keelboat yacht racing to the next level, whether that is as a professional or an amateur.
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 19 October and the RYA is urging interested sailors to get their applications in fast to avoid disappointment.
Managed and delivered by UKSA, the BKA works with sailors from across all areas of the sport. The aim of the programme is to help sailors learn the skills and make industry contacts that will enable them to develop their sailing within the area they would like to pursue.
Since the programme's inception in 2003, ex-programme sailors have gone on to join Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) America's Cup team, Volvo Ocean Race teams, TP52 Super Series, Class 40 and Figaro programmes as well as racing on the World Match Race Tour and various other One Design and offshore programmes.
Sailors will receive coaching from a multitude of different experts across the sport gaining invaluable skills, experience and knowledge that will progress them in the world of keelboat racing.
The 2016 season will be split into three programmes; the One Design Programme, the Inshore Big Boat Programme and the Offshore Programme - each focusing on a different area. BKA sailors will train with their preferred squad but will also have opportunity to experience other areas of the sport throughout the season. The programme will not restrict the sailor in to one of the three areas but will actively encourage everyone to challenge themselves across the sport, creating new opportunities.
To apply for the British Keelboat Academy, you need to be aged between 18-24 years old during the squad year. You need to have a British passport and be available to train and race on the south coast. The programmes include fitness sessions aimed at improving every sailor's personal fitness.
BKA applications close at 9am on Monday 19 October. To apply, please visit the British Keelboat Academy website and click on 'How to Apply' and complete the application form.
For further information follow the BKA on Facebook.