WANTED – Yacht racing stars of the future…

UKSA are looking for fit, enthusiastic young sailors aged between 18 and 25 to take part in the Yacht Racing Academy’s free crew selection days taking place in Cowes on 24 - 25 March and 31 March – 1 April 2007. Successful candidates will be invited to return for the Academy’s two-week training camp commencing on the 1st April which aims to develop individual talent within a team environment, creating two racing crews for the Academy’s Farr 52 racing yachts, Bear of Britain and Chernikeeff 2 for the 2007 racing season.

To apply to take part in the 2007 selection days visit www.yachtracingacademy.org and complete the application form or contact Ben Willows of UKSA on 01983 294941 for more information.

The Yacht Racing Academy aims to produce world class team racers of the future through the careful nurturing of talent and the development and progression of sailing skills through expert tuition. The Academy provides opportunity to young people from all backgrounds, giving those who would not normally get the chance to race large yachts the opportunity to grow and develop their sailing knowledge, skills and personality. With the exciting announcement of another British America’s Cup challenge, this high performance youth training scheme has become even more important in developing young talent for the future of British team racing.

The Yacht Racing Academy was created in 2006 by Kit Hobday, Peter Harrison and UKSA. It follows on from the successful ‘Bear Academy’ set up by Kit in 2000. There is no cost to those taking part thanks to the generosity of the Yacht Racing Academy’s President Peter Harrison, Bear of Britain’s new owner Andrew Palmer and UKSA’s charitable endeavours.

Those who successfully make it through the selection stage will take part in two weeks of intensive training at UKSA. With a focus on fitness, sailing skills and race tactics, candidates will prepare to take part in over 10 sailing events throughout the season starting with the Red Funnel Easter Regatta. It is hoped that the highlight of the Yacht Racing Academy’s year will be competing in the Vice Admiral’s Cup Regatta, an opportunity to showcase the young talent developed within the Academy.

Commenting on the sort of candidates the Academy hopes to attract, Yacht Racing Academy Manager Ben Willows says, “We are looking for highly motivated individuals who thrive on working in a team environment. Ideally I would like candidates with a reasonable level of fitness and some sailing experience, whether it is dinghy club racing or cruising on larger boats. We also ask crews to commit to attend regattas, events and training sessions throughout the 2007 racing season. From experience, I know the crews find taking part in the Yacht Racing Academy hugely rewarding. It is a fantastic avenue into big boat racing, nowhere else will give you the opportunity to progress onto such powerful yachts with keen like-minded people. If you want to be part of something special this summer, get online and apply!”

Once again, the Yacht Racing Academy is taking place thanks to the generosity of Peter Harrison, who shares the late Kit Hobday’s vision of a high performance youth racing training scheme and has provided Chernikeeff 2 for the Academy’s use. Another man who cares passionately about British youth racing is Andrew Palmer, owner of The Priory Bay Hotel on the Isle of Wight. He purchased Bear of Britain from the Hobdays and has kindly allowed the yacht to continue to be used by the Academy to help produce new British racing talent. UKSA continue to run and manage the Yacht Racing Academy, utilising the shore side facilities at its Cowes base, its fleet of yachts, support vessels and its team of expert staff.

More Information:

• Yacht Racing Academy website
• UKSA website