Thanks to the generosity and support of The Royal London Yacht Club, investment bank LionTree, and volunteers within the Etchells Class Association, young, talented sailors who aspire to race one design keelboats at the highest level are invited to apply for access to a fully race-prepared Etchells keelboat for the Cowes Etchells Fleet 2017 racing season.
Success at the trials means that the selected teams can benefit from the use of their own boat and participate in a full programme of competitive racing with entry fees and boat-yard costs covered by the class.
In the past 5 years, over 230 youths have competed in an Etchells in Cowes, with a significant number experiencing top level Etchells racing in Newport, USA, Hong Kong, Miami, Italy and Australia.
Entries are now being accepted for the Youth Trials to be held in Cowes on 1-2 April 2017.
Applications are welcome from both individuals and pre-formed teams of three or four sailors; the latter need to be aware of the class weight limit of 285kg.
This opportunity is only open to sailors who wish to campaign an Etchells for all (or nearly all) of the 2017 season, and are within the ages of 18 and 25 (as of January 1st 2017).
The trials will consist of one day of boat acclimatization and training, followed by one day of observed racing. There will be an informal dinner on the Saturday night.
Entry costs are £50.00 per person, to include dinner and accommodation on the Saturday evening. For those who do not require accommodation, the entry fees are reduced to £25.00 per person.
All applications should be sent to David Bedford: [email protected] and should include a sailing CV, DOB and weight.
If you have any questions, please contact David by either email or phone: 0780 8400008.
‘Please note that sailors who are members of the current BKA One Design Etchells squad do not need to apply through this route as this will be covered as part of the squad process’