British Keelboat Academy opens doors for next intake

Applications are now open for the British Keelboat Academy’s next intake of young sailors.

The British Keelboat Academy (BKA) supports sailors aged 18-24 to develop the skills needed to race keelboats at a national level. No previous keelboat experience is necessary and applications for 2021/22’s cohort are welcome from young racing sailors across the sport.

The programme includes training, racing, boat maintenance, and personal preparation, providing valuable skills for dinghy sailors wanting to transition to keelboats as well as for those who may already taking part in keelboat racing.

As well as technical skills, the BKA programme is designed to develop teamwork, leadership, project management, physical fitness, and communication skills which, the BKA says, are not only crucial for a career in keelboat sailing, but are transferable to life outside of sailing.

“We are really pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2021/22 British Keelboat Academy,” says Jack Fenwick, RYA keelboat development manager. “BKA sailors receive coaching from a multitude of different experts and gain essential experience and knowledge for the world of keelboat racing. The academy is a popular and proven environment for those wanting to make the jump into keelboat racing or take their skills to the next level. We are looking forward to welcoming the next generation.”

BKA sailors are encouraged to develop their expertise and compete across a wide range of keelboat racing. Sailors from the 2020/21 intake have so far this year taken part in match racing, the British Keelboat League, the Round the Island Race, Cowes Week, and the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s offshore series, including the Rolex Fastnet Race.

Previous alumni have gone on to hold top positions in some of the world’s biggest events such as the America’s Cup, The Ocean Race and TP52 Super Series.

Those applying for the programme must be available, if invited, to attend a selection weekend at Port Solent, 13-14th November, when a group of around 60 sailors will be chosen to make up the 2021/2 British Keelboat Academy.

Subsequent training weekends will be:

• Online Theory: 18-19th December
• Spinnaker Handling, London: 29-30th January
• Inshore Yacht Training, Solent: 5-6th March
•  J/70 Training, Cowes: 9-10th April

A separate offshore training module will also be available.

BKA attendee, Haydn Sewell (19) says: “Being a part of the British Keelboat Academy has broadened not only my skill set but also my love for the sport. The opportunities to learn new skills and meet multiple people with similar ambitions creates an exciting and productive environment. I spent most of my youth sailing dinghies such as Optimists and 420s but now, thanks to the keelboat academy, I am exploring the world of match racing – an exciting new venture.”

The cost of the selection weekend will be £85 and the BKA squad fee is £315. Applicants should be aged between 18 and 24 years on 13th November, although exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

For further information and to apply, visit the RYA’s website. The deadline for applications is 26th September 2021 at 23:59.