Last chance to apply for the British Keelboat Academy 2015

by Matt Carter on 28 Oct 2014 Young sailors who wish to break into the world of professional yacht racing or want to further their sailing skills have just under one week left to apply for the British Keelboat Academy 2015.

The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 3 November and the RYA is urging interested sailors to get their applications in fast to avoid disappointment.

Managed and delivered by UKSA, the BKA is an RYA programme developing 18 to 24 year old British Keelboat sailors, working with them across all areas of the sport. The aim of the programme is to help sailors learn the skills and make industry contacts that will enable them to develop their sailing within the area they would like to pursue.

'2015 is going to be an exciting year for the BKA, there are some exciting plans in the pipeline with some experienced sailors staying on for another year,' said James French, a BKA member since 2012.

'I would advise anyone who wants to get into or improve their yacht racing to take advantage of what the BKA has to offer. Being a part of the Academy has not only been a rewarding experience but it has also been incredibly enjoyable, even if you don't want to be a professional sailor but just want to be improve and work hard as part of a young team, then the Academy is for you.'

French has been involved in some of the world’s most prestigious yacht races through his involvement with the BKA. As a result of the BKA's strong links to the RAN Racing team, French has raced on-board Mini maxi RAN V over the past two years resulting in winning the Mini-Maxi World Championships in 2013 and competing in the 2014 Rolex Middle Sea Race.

The 21-year-old has made strong links within the RC44 class, competing at the Voiles de St Tropez as well as attending both the European and World Youth Match Racing Championships this year – all which were made available through his time spent with the BKA.

However, French goes on to explain that the BKA has a lot more to offer it’s sailors than just high profile sailing events: 'Being part of the BKA is not only about the sailing, the skills you learn are transferable into all different walks of life. Within the squad there is a strong team ethos, we spend a lot of time together and improving as a team which requires everyone to come together. One of the main things that the BKA teaches you is the importance of building a strong team and working within it.'

Nigel King, RYA Racing Keelboat Manager, commented: 'The BKA offer a unique programme for people who have a passion for sailing, are determined and enthusiastic to learn and who can work well within a team environment. James is a great example of this and is a young sailor who is developing his sailing and life skills and really working hard to create great opportunities. I would recommend to any young sailor to try the BKA, you never know where it might lead.'

The 2015 season will be split into three programmes; the One Design Programme, the Inshore Big Boat Programme and the Offshore Programme - each focusing on a different area. BKA sailors will train with their preferred squad but will also have opportunity to experience other areas of the sport throughout the season. Click here for further information on each part of the programme.

British Keelboat Academy Winter training dates (all sailors required to attend these dates):
BKA Introduction(Bath University) - Saturday 22nd November 2014
BKA Training 1 (Weymouth) - 17th-18th January 2015
BKA Training 2 (Weymouth) - seventh-8th February 2015
BKA Training 3 (Weymouth) - 14th-15th March 2015
BKA Training 4 (Weymouth) - 28th-29th March 2015

To apply for the British Keelboat Academy, you need to be aged between 18-24 years old during the squad year. You need to have a British passport and be available to train and race on the south coast. The programmes include fitness sessions aimed at improving every sailor’s personal fitness.

To apply, please visit British Keelboat Academy and click on ‘How to Apply’.