BKA Elite Squad enjoys first training weekend in Cowes

by Matt Carter on 20 Mar 2014 The British Keelboat Academy Elite Squad, a team made up of the country’s most promising young keelboat sailing talents, enjoyed their first training weekend at the UKSA headquarters in Cowes, Isle of Wight this weekend (15-16 March).

Made up of the best sailors from the BKA Crewsearch and the racing industry, the BKA Elite Squad aims to push the sailors’ skills and abilities to a professional level over two weekends of intense training.

Across two action-packed days, 13 sailors aged between 18-24 were given the opportunity to further their knowledge and understanding of campaign planning as well as an in-depth look into specific fitness regimes depending on their specific roles onboard the boat.

Joined by professional sailor Nick Cherry, the squad ran through their positions on board for the upcoming regatta season, as well as some basic manoeuvres which were deemed invaluable by the BKA sailors.

Ed Hampton-Matthews, 21 from Warsash, who is now in his second year of the BKA, said: 'This weekend will really benefit us as we are now comfortable in our positions, many of which are new to most of the crew. Having pro sailor Nick Cherry out on the boat with us was great and a real advantage in helping develop our skills and ability whilst out on the water.'

'Over the course of the weekend Cherry gave tips and guidance to every person on the boat, individually as well as all of us as a whole. Having him there will really benefit the BKA Squad going forwards as he was able to give an outsider’s view on our sailing and boat handling and he was able to share his vast knowledge with us to make our manoeuvres and boat handling slick and tidy.'

The recent graduate from Coventry University continued: 'Over the course of the weekend I think everyone faced different challenges. Going into a completely new position was challenging at times and I certainly felt some pressure to learn the basics of the position as quick as possible to keep finessing it as we progressed over the two days. It was really helpful having experienced coaches with us to provide support and guidance on what was required to master our new positions.

'This weekend has put us in a great position for the upcoming regatta season. We still have a long way to go in our preparations however we have definitely hit the ground running at our first weekend with the BKA Elite Squad.'

Nigel King, RYA Racing Keelboat Manager, added: 'The weekend provided a great opportunity for the sailors to really take control of their racing programme for the year. The professional coaches aim to inform and shape the sailors choices so that they maximise the squad’s learning. The early signs are that this group of sailors are really keen to make the most of their opportunity within the BKA programme.'

The next training weekend for the BKA Elite Squad is on the 5-6 April, while the final weekend for the BKA Core Squad concludes this weekend (22-23 British Keelboat Academy website