Youth Nationals entry quota updated

British Youth Sailing has increased the entry quota for the 2020 Youth National Championships following a review of the site capacity and the number of boats that can be safely accommodated.

Originally the plan was to cap the number of boats taking part in the four-day regatta to 100, and capacity was reached in record time when entries opened at 10am on Tuesday September 2.

Following consultation with venue hosts Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, which has now played host to several regattas since racing resumed, it has been agreed that the entry limit can be safely raised.

The new quotas are as follows:

• 29er – 65 boats
• 420 – 40 boats
• ILCA 6 (formerly Laser Radial) – 80 boats

Entries have now closed, but for those on the waiting list, entry will be prioritised on prior commitment to the original cancelled event in Pwllheli, and then for those with least time left as youth age sailors (oldest first).

In order to ensure that ILCA 7 (formerly Laser Standard) youth sailors can fairly contest their youth national title, the UK Laser Association (UKLA) has agreed to award the title as part of the UKLA Autumn Qualifier at WPNSA on October 3 and 4.

“The response to Youth Nationals entries opening was incredibly positive – it’s wonderful that so many young sailors are itching to get back on the water racing,” says Mark Nicholls, RYA youth racing manager.

“We’re delighted to now be able to safely increase the initial entry quotas following positive discussions with WPNSA and what they have learnt to date.

“It’s disappointing that the ILCA 7 youth fleet will not be at the event but we are thankful to the UKLA for stepping in to make sure there is still an ILCA youth national champion in 2020.”

The Nacra 15, youth windfoil and youth kitefoil classes will contest their national title at the Olympic Classes Ranker event at WPNSA from October 30 to November 1.