Fancy being part of a team where every crew member makes a difference? Take on the wind, push yourself to the limit and race to the finish line.
Get Afloat - Yacht Racing
#ThisGirlCan Go Yacht Racing
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Is it for me?
If you’re looking for challenge, competition or the opportunity to do something different in the outdoors, then this is the sport for you. Yacht racing offers a fantastic range of mental and physical challenges which can take you around the coast or even the world. The social side is pretty good too!
Having a go
Don’t let a lack of sailing experience put you off. There are companies that offer yacht racing experiences for you to have your first taste of being part of a race team. This is a great way to learn some of the basics under the guidance of a professional.
RYA Start Yachting and Competent Crew courses are a great way to get to grips with the basics of yacht sailing and pick up the skills to help you to progress into racing.
Once you have this knowledge under your belt, there are plenty of boat owners who are looking for race crew who may welcome an extra crew member on board. Yacht clubs are great places to find people regularly looking for racing crew and some have online crew lists too.
If you’re up for a challenge, regattas like Cowes Week or Round the Island offer opportunities for beginners to take part in day races alongside experienced sailors. You can even take part in longer offshore races, including the Fastnet, after a series of training sessions.
If you’re aged 18-24, the RYA British Keelboat Academy have opportunities to take your racing onto a higher skill level.
Does it cost a lot?
Although some sailors spend a lot of money on their racing, you don’t have to! Many yacht racers don’t own their own boat because those who do always need crew. Try looking on websites including the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) or Junior Offshore Group (JOG) for crews available/wanted listings. Facebook groups are also a great place to get in touch with sailors looking for crew.
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