Applications are open for the RYA's British Keelboat Academy, which aims to give keelboats sailors aged between 18 and 24 a leg-up into competitive international sailing.
The programme utilises a fleet of J80s, identical to the ISA's sailfleet J80s, and also involves sailors in campaigning the TP52 John Merricks II, which is slated to compete in the Sevenstar Round Britain & Ireland later this year.
There is no similar scheme here in Ireland, but judging by recent entries to the likes of the Round Ireland, and the makeup of squads in keelboat events around Ireland, youth interest in keelboat sailing is high.
The Pride of Wicklow entry in the Round Ireland race, crewed by under-21s, surpassed all expectations by finishing fifth on the water and third in class, and the likes of the young crew on board Tiger have consistently shown a clean pair of heels to older and more experienced boats.
Interested parties must fill out the forms HERE and must be a member of the RYA. This scheme might suit young sailor studying in the UK, or those willing to travel for training on a regular basis.
