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British Keelboat Academy Regional Centres

A new initiative, launched in 2011, offers young keelboat sailors the opportunities to develop their skills, experience and contacts to allow them to compete at the highest level. The most promising young sailors for each regional training venue will automatically be offered a place for the competitive selections for the BKA, held in the autumn.

The Regional Centres will offer training events in conjunction with the British Keelboat Academy and RYA.  They are aimed at experienced dinghy sailors who want to make the transition into keelboats, or existing keelboat sailors who want to further their sailing.  As well as providing an avenue for talent spotting sailors for the British Keelboat Academy, these events will also assist young sailors in making the transition from dinghies or of increasing the level of skill in keelboat sailing in the area.

The training will normally be open to young sailors aged 16-21. In exceptional circumstances, and with agreement from the centre, it may be possible for younger/older sailors to attend.

The training will consist of sessions on the water covering areas including boat handling and sail trim. This will be followed up with debriefs ashore, giving the sailors feedback on the session, and also additional technical input into areas such as teamwork and tactics. All sailors will also be given advice on opportunities to develop their keelboat sailing, both locally and elsewhere.

As well as providing input during the training, coaches will also be looking to talent-spot suitable sailors for the British Keelboat Academy and advise them on the opportunities available in keelboat racing.

The weekends will be led by RYA Qualified Coaches and they will be looking to provide sailors with a range of skills over a series of weekends, ideally a minimum of 3, in order that they can make real progress and gain the most out of this initiative.

To be part of this exciting new training programme, please contact the venues directly to book.