15 years, more than 700 sailors, including Olympians and Ineos team players 

Identifying the challenge the Etchells class can present, the Cowes fleet has benefited from significant patronage and during the last 2 years, the Youth Academy has developed two significant new opportunities to build on the heritage of its patron, David Franks – our thanks reach out to him. Four race competitive yachts are now owned by a new Charity – the Cowes Keelboat Youth Academy – and the Cowes class invested more than £10,000 in 2025 in supporting the charity and youth participation in the season. The class runs the Academy each January to March culminating in the start of the annual calendar with the Spring Series, traditionally run with the Royal London Yacht Club.

Each team entering the training Academy pays a fee, equating to about £60 per person per day over a 5 weekend, 10 day programme. The ‘winning teams’ can benefit from bursary type funding valued at up to £5k for a season, taking part in 10-12 fantastic events – two leading 2025 youth teams secured sponsorship with loan boats to take part in the Etchells Worlds in San Diego in May ’26 – what other class gives young sailors this opportunity?

Before selection is made over a trials weekend, a series of four weekend training camps run by the Cowes fleet allow prospective teams to get used to the boat whilst enjoying World class coaching from current professional Etchells sailors.  Each training weekend includes a debrief/evening talk over dinner at the Royal London Yacht Club on the Saturday evening. This is compulsory for Academy sailors. The cost of the dinner is covered by the Academy fees. We do not provide accommodation.

The Academy also welcomes sailors who have access to an Etchells with, or, without an owner to train alongside the youth class boats. We also encourage new or existing owners to join the training to learn about the boat or build on existing skills.

The programme prefers an application as a team and can consist of 3 or 4 sailors with a weight limit of 285kg. Some teams do have a larger squad.