Here at North Sails Ireland, there is nothing we like more than working with the under 25 sailing teams all over the country. This is a growing segment in Irish sailing and we are delighted to be involved from the very start.
Having been personally involved with the RCYC and FYC Teams during 2019 there is a nice steady growth in this area and it's fantastic to be at Keelboat regattas surrounded by so many young people. This year's J-24 National in Lough Erne was a great example with six under 25 teams at the regatta. It changes the whole dynamic of the event and adds a layer of fresh enthusiasm for our sport.
This segment is not all about winning, its main objective is to keep people in the Sport and offer them a place to race and opportunities to experience One Design keelboat sailing. Having said that I am sure with the right equipment and the correct level of funding it will not be long before we see more under 25 teams taking the silverware home.
It appears that the J-24 is emerging as the boat of choice in many clubs and with this, in mind, I wanted to share a story from the current world champions: World Championship winners debrief.
RCYC under 25 team gear
North Sails have been involved with the J-24 since its birth way back in the 70's and the sails have been heavily refined over that time. For more about the North Sails J-24 sail range please look here North J-24 Sail Range
Having said the above its not all about the J-24.........Many other classes are suitable such as the 1720 and the J-80. Both of these are used for Under 25 sailing and like any boat, they each offer a unique challenge in how to get the best out of them.
The under 25 1720 sporting North Sails
Short article here from earlier this year with the RCYC Under 25 squad and their 1720.
If you or your club are involved in under 25 sailing please do not hesitate to contact the North Sails Ireland Team if you need any help at all.
We look forward to training and racing against you all in 2020.
Sail FAST.