British Youth Sailing Regional Junior Championships
The event that's got something for everyone
The British Youth Sailing (BYS) Regional Junior Championships will take place at venues across England and the Home Countries this June. The regional regattas encourage juniors (under 16s) of all skill levels to participate in an action-packed and fun weekend on the water.
England events
We regretfully inform you that the RYA Regional Junior Championships 2024 has been cancelled. This effects the English Events only.
We recently completed a comprehensive review of the British Youth and Junior Sailing Pathway, which highlighted the need to deliver change within RYA programmes to best support young sailors moving forward.
This included a recommendation to decongest the calendar, support activity where it is already being successfully delivered, and work more closely with existing regional events to increase the access to high quality coaching and racing on a regional level.
As a result of this review, we have undergone significant internal changes aimed at redistributing our resources to better align with this new strategy. This restructuring, while necessary, has presented some challenges in appropriately resourcing this year's events.
In light of these considerations, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Regional Junior Championships (Dinghy Events) in England this year, which had been scheduled for 22- 23 June.
In making this decision, we have considered carefully the outcome of the review, which highlighted a need to decongest the calendar and work more closely with existing regional events to increase the access to high quality coaching and racing.
As a result, we will be redirecting our efforts towards working with event series across the country to offer additional RYA coaching support this year.
Home Countries events
Who can enter and what are the different fleets?
Junior sailors will be split into three fleets based on experience level. A fun Rookie fleet for newcomers, a coached Regatta fleet for those developing their racing skills, and a Championship fleet for experienced racers.
Rookie fleet
The Rookie fleet supported by RYA OnBoard, is designed for entry-level junior sailors. Sessions are aimed at sailors aged between 8-13, who are sailing at RYA Stage 2 ability and aim to provide a fun-filled weekend of light coaching and instructor-led games on the water.
No boat, no problem! Rookie fleet sailors can enter using a boat provided by the organisers at no extra cost. Most regional events also allow sailors to bring their own boat and you will be provided with the option at the time of booking. If bringing your own boat, please ensure it is insured with valid third-party liability insurance.
Junior sailors will need to bring their own sailing clothing which must include a buoyancy aid, wetsuit and footwear. If you need to borrow equipment, please speak to your home club or contact the individual event organiser, who will be happy to help!
Regatta fleet
The coached Regatta fleet is for intermediate junior sailors hoping to progress their skills in sailing. This fleet is tailored towards juniors who can sail around a triangle course and are ready to begin racing.
Led by British Youth Sailing Coaches, the intermediate fleet is perfect for preparing juniors to progress into the Championship fleet next year. Events will conclude with prizes presented to sailors that have shown BYS sportsmanship behaviours as well as the results
Championship fleet
The Championship fleet is for experienced junior racers who may already be actively competing in BYS Recognised Classes. Competitors will spend most of the day on the water and experience a focused championship element. The 2024 events will see new race formats added for fun and challenge.
Events will conclude with prizes presented to the top performing junior sailors in each class and Regional Champions. There are also prizes for the best performing club so why not come as a club team? There will be a prize for the club who brings the most sailors.
What classes are eligible for the Regatta and Championship fleets?
Classes will vary in each region, please check you select the right class and fleet for your junior before registering.
Dinghy classes include Optimist, Topper, RS Tera Sport and Pro as well as the RS Feva XL. There will also be Championship racing for Cadets at Grafham Water Sailing Club and ILCA 4s at Grafham Water Sailing Club, Carsington Sailing Club, Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy and all home country events.
Windsurfing events
For windsurfers we will be running events this September in conjunction with the Techno 293 class. Further details will be announced soon.