Final countdown to RYA Youth National Championships
by Imogen Stanley, RYA 4 Apr 2016 08:13 NZST
2-8 April 2016
Final preparation at the 2016 RYA Youth Nationals © Paul Wyeth / RYA
Boats are rigged, the equipment inspected and sailors have completed their final checks before the start of racing tomorrow (Monday 4 April) at the RYA Youth National Championships at Plas Heli.
Racing over five days, the Youth Nationals is the premier youth event in the UK. The best of the best will be aiming to top the podium and qualify to represent Britain on an international stage. For others, this is their first opportunity to race at a large multi-class event.
The forecast for the week ahead is changeable, starting with lighter winds on Monday and Tuesday before the arrival of a front on Wednesday, bringing rain and stronger winds. Follow all the step-by step-action on our event blog that will go live at 9am on Monday. You can also follow the action straight from the water as at least two classes each day will be live tracked, watch the 29er and RS:X windsurfing class racing on Monday online here.
On Tuesday, Chris Gowers, British Sailing Team lead coach will be presenting an intriguing chat to parents, titled "Unwrapping the riddle."
Michelle Gent will be speaking about High Performance Club days, explaining what they are all about and how sailors can benefit on Thursday.
HRH The Princess Royal will be attending the Youth Nationals on Friday 8 April, to greet sailors in the boat park before heading on the water.
The new catamaran class, the Nacra 15, is on display in the boat park for sailors to have a look.
Mark Nicholls, Event Director said: "I'm really excited about the week ahead, there is a good feeling in the boat park and the weather is looking good.
"The competition should be really tough, it's really hard to pick winners in all the classes as the standard is high across the board.
"There is also a lot of new sailors coming in, particularly in the 420 class a lot of new sailors have transitioned out of the Optimist and it will be really exciting to see if they will perform."
Racing starts for all classes on Monday 4 April through to Friday 8 April at Welsh National Sailing Academy, Plas Heli.
For further information please visit the RYA Youth National Championships website. You can follow the event build up and see the action unfold on the British Youth Sailing Team Facebook page and on Twitter at @RYAyouthracing. Share your preparations and comments with us using #RYAYouths.