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The Programme

The British Keelboat Academy (BKA) is a partnership between UKSA and RYA. The BKA is designed to support young people aged between 18 and 24 in developing the skills needed to take their keelboat yacht racing to a professional level.

The British Keelboat Academy is split into 3 programmes depending on experience and future aspirations. The season starts with four winter training weekends based in Weymouth, and then moves to the Solent for the racing season. As a part of the BKA, sailors will get access to Crewsearch, a group with unlimited opportunities to join top UK boats. Will get BKA uniform with discounted waterproofs and technical clothing, discounted professional RYA courses and get taught by some of the top UK coaches.

Key dates (All Programmes):

BKA Introduction(Bath University) Saturday 22nd November 2014
BKA Training 1 (Weymouth) 17th/18th January 2015
BKA Training 2 (Weymouth) 7th/8th February 2015
BKA Training 3 (Weymouth) 14th/15th March 2015
BKA Training 4 (Weymouth) 28th/29th March 2015

Squad sailors can choose from the following programmes:

One Design Programme
The OD programme is aimed at three groups; those starting out in keelboat racing and looking to develop their basic skills and understanding, Match Racers looking to develop skills, meet new teams and gain training and funding towards national and international events; finally those looking to challenge for the international Etchells UK class youth selections trials and the chance to win a fully-funded boat for the year. The programme will not restrict the sailor in to one of the three areas but will actively encourage everyone to challenge themselves across the sport, creating new opportunities.

2015 Events include (Dates TBC):

CCYC Spring Series
CCYC Bedrock Challenge Cup
RYC Sir Kenneth Preston
RTYC New Cup Major Event
RCYC Etchells Southern
Cowes Week
Etchells Nationals

Inshore Big Boat Programme

The Inshore programme will be aimed at the more experienced keelboat sailors with a couple of seasons of experience racing on a range of keelboats. The programme will use a Farr 45 provided by the Ran racing team, based in the Hamble (Southampton) and will compete in a number of events throughout the season including the RORC Easter Challenge, IRC Nationals, Big Boat Championships and various other Solent-based events.

2015 Events include (Dates TBC)

Warsash Spring Championships
RORC Easter Challenge
Vice Admirals Cup
IRC Nationals
Royal Southern Regattas
Hamble Winter Big boat Championships

Offshore Programme

The Offshore programme is a new programme for 2015 and is aimed at sailors interested in developing their offshore racing skills. The programme will look to compete in the RORC Offshore series and, should it gain enough experience and qualification, go on to challenge in the RORC Rolex Fastnet race.

2015 Events include (Dates TBC)