A Successful Start for the RYA’s ‘Girls 4 Gold’ Programme
RYA 'Girls for Gold' programme proves to be a big hit
The RYA and Skandia Team GBR’s ‘Girls 4 Gold’ women’s skiff open training programme has proved a big hit, as last weekend (18 -19 June) saw 16 enthusiastic female sailors converge on the waters of Weymouth and Portland for the second instalment of the RYA’s open training weekend.
Joined by coaches Tracey Covell and ex RS800 National Champion Pete Barton, the two weekends have welcomed over 23 sailors all looking to develop their skills and experience in skiff sailing after confirmation by the International Sailing Federation of a women’s skiff event for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Mary Rook, Skandia Team GBR Development Squad member and one of the 16 sailors who attended, said: “The training weekend was great fun with lots of expert advice available. Sailors got plenty of time in the boats in windy conditions and the chance to try out with lots of new people. There was successful windy sailing and a handful of fun wipe-outs which always makes it very enjoyable!”
“I will definitely be attending the next training weekend as the advice available is priceless as it comes from sailing experts. It’s also the perfect opportunity to get to grips with the new boats and to just enjoy yourself whilst sailing with new people,” concluded Rook.
Harvey Hillary, National Racing Coach, commented: “The interest so far over the two weekends has been fantastic and it’s vital that this continues to grow. The sailors who have attended the open training weekends have had access to the sport’s finest coaches and have received top tips and expert advice for their future skiff sailing.” The RYA’s intention is to now focus on the women’s RS800 coaching weekends whilst encouraging teams to participate in existing major RS800 events over the summer period.
“Over the next four weekends we need to strike a balance between developing the asymmetric racing skills of the more advanced teams while continuing to nurture new partnerships”.
Limited places are still available for individuals yet to find a suitable partner or for teams unable to get hold of a RS800 subject to application.
“The opportunity is still available for sailors to be a part of this fantastic programme and to gain a real insight into Olympic classes sailing. The weekends have been hugely popular so far and have proved to be extremely enjoyable for everyone taking part,” concluded Hillary.
Skandia Team GBR Women’s RS800 Training (Teams responsible for supplying own 800)
July 16/17 – WPNSA
Aug 6/7 – Datchet
September 10/11 – WPNSA
October 8/9 – WPNSA
Applications for the RS800 Open Training on the 16/17th July and any of the next three planned RS800 Open Training weekends are now open so sign up now.
Click here to sign up for the Women’s RS800 training weekends.
For further information on the Skandia Team GBR Women’s Skiff Programme, please contact RYA Olympic Development Squad Manager Barrie Edgington (barrie.edgington@rya.org.uk)