Don't just take our word for it
Cowes Etchells Youth Success Stories
Some of our Youth Academy graduates have gone on to reach the very highest levels in sailing, including the Olympics. Others have used it simply to get more enjoyment and be safer out there on the water. Here is what some of them had to say about their experience.
The Etchells Youth Academy plays a key role in developing young keelboat racers in the UK, supporting young sailors to develop their skills and experience and get a foot into this incredibly competitive class. With quality coaching and fantastic support from Etchells class owners it is a fantastic example of how the sailing community creates accessible opportunities to compete at the highest levels of sail racing.”
Nick Scott, Director of Racing, Royal Yachting Association
The story of the Greig City team
Jesseye
Seen collecting his award at Cowes Week, Jessye has built his next 3 years around Etchells. Whilst studying a degree in Economics and Finance in Southampton, he has spent the summer gaining formal qualifications to become a keelboat instructor so that he can specifically coach our Etchells for the next 3 seasons.
Kai
Kai was our first helm to race on Etchells with a young crew with no onboard coach. He helmed through two world championships in Cowes and Miami. Due to his ability, he has been selected as the first ever intern with SailGP Britannia and INEOS Britannia on a sailing performance pathway to be a helm of a junior AC boat in 2028. One of the conditions of his contract is that he continues to race Etchells to further develop his race craft.
Camilo
Camilo studied accountancy at Portsmouth University so he could continue Etchells sailing. Through this he made contacts with the Redshift team, becoming one of their bowman. Again through Etchells he met a sailor of a Star who wanted a competent sailor next to him. The two then gained a bronze medal in the U28 European Star Championship and he was also through this contact offered an accountancy job, which he is excelling in.
Montel (see photo)
Montel’s sailing journey saw him successfully helm the Etchells over 4 seasons. With this he gained an internship to Alex Thomsons Hugo Boss team, with his Etchells experience specifically cited.
Robby Boyd participated in the Etchells Youth Academy in 2019/20 and his is a relatively typical example whereby in his own words, “The Etchells Youth Academy played a part in getting me into….”
He has gone on to achieve, amongst other things:
• SKP 2021 1st
• Gotland Runt 2022 1st
• 2023 National Match Racing Championship 1st
• Rolex Fastnet Race 2021/23
• RORC Transatlantic Race 2024 3rd
