Entries open for 2016 RYA Youth National Championships

by Imogen Stanley 29 Jan 2016 17:29 GMT 2-8 April 2016

Entries are now open for the 2016 RYA Youth National Championships at the Welsh National Sailing Academy, Plas Heli from the 2-8 April.

Over 300 sailors are expected on the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales to compete for Youth Nationals glory and a spot on the British EUROSAF Youth European Sailing Championship team, while for some, it's the chance to race on a national scale for the very first time.

The Youth National Championships is the premier event on the youth racing calendar and a proven talent indicator, previous notable winners include Ben Ainslie, Iain Percy and Sarah Ayton.

Catch up on the 2015 event highlights here from Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Sailors can enter one of the following events:

• Laser Standard - Laser Radial Girls - Laser Radial Boys
• 420 Girls - 420 Boys - 420 Mixed
• 29er Girls - 29er Boys -29er Mixed
• Spitfire Boys - Spitfire Girls - Spitfire Open
• RS:X Boys - RS:X Girls

To be eligible to compete all sailors shall be under the age of 21 on 31st December 2016, with the exception of any 420 sailors also entered into the 2016 GBR 420 Class Association World and Junior European Championship selection event.

View the full Notice of Race here.

Plas Heli, the new Welsh National Sailing Academy, opened in Pwllheli in the summer of 2015. This brand new building offers exceptional facilities for hosting large sailing events, having hosted the 29er World Championships and Optimist European Championships in 2015.

This is the first time the RYA will use the new world class facilities Bob Lowe, Vice-Chairman for the Welsh National Sailing Academy is looking forward to hosting the event: "We are delighted that the RYA Youth National Championships are being hosted in Pwllheli this Easter. This prestigious event will showcase our new shore-side facilities, that complement the superb sailing waters, to a wide audience.

"The Welsh National Sailing Academy and Events Centre, known as Plas Heli, occupies a brand new building of iconic and modern design adjacent to the launching beach.

"The new facilities provide all of the features required for a great sailing event with secure boat compound, meeting rooms and catering. There are stunning views from the restaurant and balconies of the bay and racing areas and the mountains of Snowdonia providing a spectacular backdrop.

"Plas Heli and the Sailing Club look forward to greeting you all at Easter for what is guaranteed to be a competitive and exciting event."

Laser Radial, 29er and 420
Entry Deadline – midnight Sunday 13 March 2016
Late Entry Deadline – midnight Sunday 20 March 2016 (will incur a late fee and entries will not be accepted after this time)

Laser Standard, RS:X and Spitfire
Entry Deadline – midnight Sunday 28 February 2016
Late Entry Deadline – midnight Sunday 6 March 2016 (will incur a late fee and entries will not be accepted after this time)

Enter here.

You can follow the event build-up and see the action unfold on the new event website, @RYAyouthracing. Share your comments with us using #RYAYouths.