How to get involved

The Selections for the British Keelboat Academy take place in November/December each year, with applications open from November. Keep an eye on this website, our Facebook page and the marine media for further information.

During 2013, the UKSA and RYA reviewed the current structure and decided it was time for change to make better use of the boats and funding available. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a task that could be done overnight and took the best part of 6 months to re-structure.

Now we have got of the pieces in place, we are proud to introduce the new British Keelboat Academy (BKA14). BKA14 is split in to 3 areas, depending on your sailing ability and experience.

CORE Training:

This is aimed at entry level sailors, with dinghy racing experience. The programme will introduce the key skills to be part of a successful keelboat team. We will use top locations including Weymouth and Cowes, and top coaches. Spread over 4 weekends, each weekend will use different type of keelboat, from the Olympics 6m Elliot’s to the successful one design J109 and will focus on different areas including inshore racing, match racing and offshore racing. On completion, sailors will qualify for the BKA Crewsearch programme.

CORE Squad Selection Criteria

Maximum amount of sailors:	30 Sailors
Age limits:	18-24 (Must be 18 by the 1st December 2013)
Training fee:	£350 (Food & Accommodation included) per person
Dates:	Training w/e 1: 17th-19th January 2014 (RYA Portland House, Weymouth)
	Training w/e 2: 7th-9th February 2014 (UKSA, Cowes)
	Training w/e 3: 28th-2nd March 2014 (UKSA, Cowes)
	Training w/e 2: 21st-23rd March 2014 (Hamble and UKSA, Cowes)

Apply for BKA14 Core Squad (Applications are now closed. Applications for BKA15 will open in the Autumn of 2014)

BKA Crewsearch

ELITE Squad:

The Elite Squad will take the best sailors from the BKA Crewsearch and the racing industry, and push their skills to a professional level. Sailors will spend 2 weekends training alongside Niklas Zennstrom RAN team on Farr 45’s based in the Hamble, Solent. Then will compete in 4 key events throughout 2014. Successful candidates will have opportunities to join professional teams overseas.

ELITE Squad Selection Criteria

Previous experience:	BKA Crewsearch for 2 years or equivalent
Maximum amount of sailors:	15 Sailors
Location:	Cowes and Hamble
Sailor fee:	£350
Included:	2 Weekends training with food/accommodation, plus 4 events (no food/accommodation)
Training dates:	Elite training 1: 22nd-23rd March 2014 Elite training 2: 30th-1st June 2014
Events being considered:	Warsash Spring Champs RORC Easter Challenge Vice Admirals Cup IRC Nationals Farr 45 Class event Hamble Winter Series