New Youth Performance Programme Launched at Andrew Simpson Watersports Centres

Youth Performance Programme Launched at the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centres for Aspiring Future Champions © ASF

Due to demand, the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centres have launched a new class specific performance training programme to provide young people with the opportunities to access affordable, high-level sail training in Optimists, Lasers, RS Fevas, 420s and BIC Technos.

The aim of the this programme is to provide a clear participation pathway taking young people from entry level/grassroots sailing into the recognised RYA racing pathways.

Working with class associations and highly regarded coaches, the watersports centre team have created a series of class specific open training dates in Portland, Portsmouth, Reading and Lake Garda, Italy, creating more opportunities for young people to develop their sail racing skills.

This series of weekend and week-long clinics will provide opportunities for youth sailors to train with high level coaches at the Andrew Simpson Watersports Centres and will work to complement the training already facilitated by the class associations and the RYA. All this, with an eventual aim to help retain sailors within the sport, further develop racing techniques and feed them into the RYA/Olympic Pathways.

To help facilitate the training, Andrew Simpson Watersports Centre new partners, Nautivela, have kindly provided the use of an Optimist and 420 fleet. Another new partner, Olimpic Sails will be providing the fleet with brand new sails, enabling the watersports centres to further increase participation.

To find out more information on the coaching programme, please visit aswc.co.uk/youth-and-junior-open-training or please contact Shaun Priestley on .

Equipment and Training Subsidies Available

To make this level of sailing accessible to all, and in line with the Andrew Simpson Foundation's charitable objectives, each of the watersports centres will be offering equipment and training subsidies to those who may not otherwise been able to participate due to financial constraints. If you feel like you would benefit from support for this training series, then please contact for an application form.