THE BROMSGROVE-based Worcestershire Youth Sailing Association has become one one of 15 clubs in the country to achieve a prestigious status.
The British Youth Sailing (BYS) Recognition is part of a new scheme celebrating excellence in developing sailing stars of the future.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is working alongside clubs throughout the UK to promote grassroots sailing and support junior and youth sailors as they develop racing skills.
The clubs chosen had met a series of high quality standards and must run a regular race training programme within at least one of the BYS Recognised Classes – the Optimist, Topper, Laser 4.7, Cadet, RS Tera (Sport), RS Feva XL and BIC Techno windsurfer at junior level. Others include 29er, 420, Laser Radial, Laser Standard, Nacra 15 multihull and RS:X windsurfer at youth level.
The club’s sailors must also compete at BYS Regional Junior Championships at least once every two years and training must be delivered by qualified RYA Coaches to RYA Recognised Training Centre standards or equivalent, with a Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy in place.
The Recognised Clubs scheme replaces the long-running Champion Clubs programme which came to an end at the start of 2018.
Chris Atherton, the RYA’s senior high performance manager, said he was proud to announce the first tranche of recognised clubs.
“The key challenge for our sport is to encourage more young people to start participating in sailing and progress into racing.
“This is best done at club level and a successful junior and youth training and racing programme will enable a club to flourish.
“The BYS Recognised Club status distinguishes those sailing clubs with a commitment to the development of junior and youth racing and race training, which is delivered in a safe and fun environment.”
