Applications are now open for the 2026 RYA Eric Twiname Youth & Junior Team Racing Championships, one of the UK's leading youth team racing events. The annual championship will take place at Oxford Sailing Club on 10–11 October, bringing together teams from sailing clubs, schools and organisations for a weekend of tactical racing and shoreside activities.
Competition will be held across three age groups. The Youth (Under 19) championship features three-versus-three racing in Fireflies, while the Junior (Under 17) and Super Junior (Under 15) events use RS Fevas in two-versus-two racing. Unlike fleet racing, team racing rewards teamwork and tactical awareness as much as boat speed.
"Success comes from combining boat handling, tactical awareness and rules knowledge to secure the best overall team result, creating exciting racing where every decision matters," said RS Sailing Training & Fleet Sales Executive Jake Elsbury.
Ready to React — Fast decision-making and teamwork are central to RS Feva racing at the RYA Eric Twiname Youth & Junior Team Racing Championships, where entries are now open for the 2026 event
With all boats supplied by the organisers, competitors race on equal terms, placing the emphasis on sailing ability rather than equipment.
Elsbury said the event is also known for its strong social atmosphere, with short races allowing sailors to spend time both competing and catching up with friends ashore. The 2025 championship attracted 62 teams and featured almost 160 races over two days, and organisers expect strong demand again this year.
The championship is organised by the RYA in partnership with the Eric Twiname Trust, which has supported junior sailing for decades through funding and development initiatives. Alongside the championships, the Trust continues to back the subsidised Eric Twiname Scheme, helping UK sailing clubs purchase RS Fevas and RS Teras for youth training and racing.
"Since the Eric Twiname Scheme began in 2011, RS Sailing has delivered more than 350 boats to sailing clubs across the UK, helping create more opportunities for young people to develop their skills, gain confidence and enjoy lifelong participation in the sport," Elsbury added.
Clubs wishing to enter the championships or apply for the subsidy scheme are encouraged to submit applications early, as funding is often oversubscribed.
