More than 90 young sailors from 22 clubs across Scotland gathered at Loch Lomond Sailing Club on 20–21 June for the 2026 RYA Scotland Pathway Championships. The two-day regatta brought together youth and junior racers from across the country to compete in a range of recognised RYA racing classes.
Formerly known as the RYA Scotland Youth & Junior Championships, the event has been rebranded to reflect updates to the governing body's Performance Pathway programme, which supports sailors as they progress from club racing to national and international competition.
Saturday delivered sunshine and steady winds, allowing race officials to complete a full programme of racing. Lighter conditions on Sunday limited opportunities on the water, with only Saturday's results ultimately shaping the overall standings. Despite the shortened schedule, organisers said the event showcased the depth of emerging sailing talent in Scotland.
Foil Flight — An iQFOiL competitor lifts clear of the water during racing at the RYA Scotland Pathway Championships on Loch Lomond. Windsurfers and dinghy sailors contested the national regatta. Photo: RYA Scotland
Cameron McDaid received the Matthew Toynbee Youth Impact Award. The annual award recognises qualities including resilience, integrity, humility and support for fellow competitors. Largs Sailing Club claimed the Dinghy Club Trophy, while Clyde Windsurf Club secured the Windsurf Club Trophy.
Reflecting on the event, RYA Scotland Head of Sport and Performance Pathways Jamie Rogers said it was "fantastic to see so many young sailors coming together over the weekend". "A huge well done to everyone who took part, and thank you to all those who helped make the weekend such a valuable experience for our sailors," he said.
The championships also marked the launch of a new partnership between RYA Scotland and sailing retailer Sailingfast. As an official RYA Scotland Pathway Partner, Sailingfast will provide support through prizes, apparel, discounts and expert advice to sailors progressing through the pathway programme.
Pathway Push — RS Feva crews race on Loch Lomond during the RYA Scotland Pathway Championships. More than 90 young sailors from 22 clubs competed across youth and junior classes. Photo: RYA Scotland
Sailingfast founder and co-director Duncan Hepplewhite said the partnership formalised the company's long-standing support of Scottish sailing. "Formalising our partnership with RYA Scotland's Performance Pathway feels like a natural next step and gives us a brilliant opportunity to build on that support," he said.
RYA Scotland thanked Loch Lomond Sailing Club, race officials and volunteers for hosting the event and helping deliver the championships. With a new event identity, strong participation and a fresh partnership in place, organisers are already looking ahead to the 2027 Pathway Championships.
