New Volvo RYA Champion Clubs unveiled

by Sophie Luther on 2 Mar 2007 New Volvo RYA Champion Clubs to be unveiled at RYA Dinghy Sailing Show by Olympic silver medallist Joe Glanfield.

Three sailing clubs - Blackwater Sailing Club in Essex, Frampton Sailing Club in Gloucestershire and Itchenor Sailing Club in West Sussex - are to be awarded the prestigious Volvo RYA Champion Club status at the RYA Dinghy Sailing Show on Saturday 3 March, in recognition of their commitment towards the development of youth sail racing.

John Derbyshire, RYA Performance Director and Racing Manager, will officially announce the new Volvo RYA Champion Clubs, with presentations to be made by Olympic silver medallist Joe Glanfield.

Event: Volvo RYA Champion Club presentations
Where: RYA Dinghy Sailing Show, Alexandra Palace. Youth Programme Stand in the West Hall (stand No. F17)
When: Saturday 3 March 2007 - Time: approx. 16:20

The Volvo RYA Champion Club Programme was launched in 1997, alongside Volvo Car UK’s sponsorship of the RYA Youth Programme. Now encompassing over 137 sailing clubs, the scheme recognises those clubs with a commitment to youth sailing and race coaching. It aims to encourage young sailors and windsurfers at grass roots level to learn to compete and provide them with the skills to enjoy a lifetime within the sport.

The Volvo RYA Champion Club programme works alongside Volvo Car UK’s other sailing programmes, such as the Volvo Musto Optimist sailing, Volvo RYA Keelboat programme and Team Volvo for life. It is an integral part of Volvo’s ‘grass roots to glory’ ethos.

To achieve this recognition sailing clubs must meet the criteria laid down by the RYA, and provide structured junior and youth race training programmes within their club.