RS Tera Sport becomes British Youth Sailing recognised class

William James (11) racing the RS Tera Sport © Emma Rhodes

The RS Tera Sport has been made an official British Youth Sailing recognised class after impressing with its potential for progression at junior level.

The RYA's Youth Racing Committee voted overwhelmingly to add the 9ft single-hander to its list of recognised classes that also includes the 29er, the Topper and the Optimist.

Recognised classes are those deemed important to British Youth Sailing's aims and ambitions to develop young racing talent towards a lifetime in the sport.

The single-sail RS Tera has become a hit at sailing clubs around the country thanks to its blend of simplicity and performance.

The Sport version of the dinghy boasts a smaller rig and soft dacron sail, making it ideal for youngsters whether they are beginners or experienced racers.

It will play a key part in British Youth Sailing's mission to develop the best young racing sailors in the world through its Junior and Youth pathways.

The class boasts an established programme of racing in the UK and around the world that will culminate in 2018 with the RS Tera World Championships held at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy from 4-10 August 2018.

Mark Nicholls, the RYA's Youth Racing Manager, said: "The RYA aims to develop sailing from a young age, and to add the RS Tera to our approved pathway structure will only benefit our sport. It offers another avenue in to the Olympic classes and comes with a solid foundation already rooted in the nation's sailing clubs."

Nicholas James, chairman of the UK RS Tera Class, added: "It's great to see the Tera class being recognised by the RYA. It's a perfect boat to start sailing in and to develop some great lifelong skills. With a really friendly class association behind it and a range of regional and national events it's easy to see why it's a growing fleet."

British Youth Sailing will support the current work undertaken by the RS Tera class association as well as investigating ways to help develop and strengthen the class to maximise the junior sailing progression.

For more information on the RS Tera visit uk.rstera.org

Full list of British Youth Sailing recognised classes:

• BIC Techno 293 OD – Junior
• Laser 4.7 – Junior
• RS Feva XL – Junior
• Cadet – Junior
• Optimist – Junior
• Topper – Junior
• RS Tera Sport – Junior
• 29er – Youth
• 420 – Youth
• Laser Radial – Youth
• Laser Standard – Youth
• RS:X 8.5 – Youth
• Nacra 15 – Youth