Manx Youth Sailing Squad 2009

The Manx Youth Sailing Squad Selection Trials 2009 will be held during the weekend of 25th & 26th April (most probably at 7th Wave although this will depend on the total number of entries). This year we plan to use the RS Teras for the trials so we will be able to provide some boats, but we ask anyone that has their own Tera to please use it for the trials. The Squad will be chosen by local RYA Racing Coaches in accordance with the MYSS Selection Policy. To be eligible for selection, a sailor should be age 14 and under on 30th October 2009.

There will be four training weekends throughout the summer for squad members. Training will take place at 7th Wave and all boats for training will be provided.

The team will travel to Dabchicks Sailing Club (East coast of England) for the RS Tera National Championship on the weekend of 19th & 20th September and will be accompanied by at least one of their coaches.

Dates for 2009

25th & 26th April – Selection Trials
16th & 17th May – Training 1
27th & 28th June – Training 2
8th & 9th August – Training 3
12th & 13th September – Training 4

As per 2008 we ask that anyone who applies for a place in the Manx Youth Sailing Squad is available to attend a significant number of the training sessions during the summer. Squad members are also encouraged to get as much racing experience as possible during the season by entering Club races and local regattas throughout the season. It is strongly recommended that entrants have some experience of dinghy racing prior to entering the trials, at a bare minimum entrants should have completed an RYA Start Racing course and / or competed in some local club dinghy races. Anyone entering the trials must be able to rig, launch, recover, sail around a triangular course without any assistance from an instructor and have a understanding of the basic rules and start procedure.

Parental support of Squad members will be important throughout their training although Manx Youth Sailing Squad will endeavour to keep financial implications to a bare minimum. Initial funding for the squad has been provided by a generous donor but the committee are sourcing other funds and would welcome support from other areas, commercial or private sponsors. To assist with costs there will be an entry of £5 per person for the trials and £30 per person per training weekend. Financial assistance toward travel costs is available through the MYSS.

Anyone who wishes to be considered for a place in the Manx Youth Sailing Squad 2009 is to please contact me for an application form and full details of the MYSS Selection Policy. Closing date for applications Mon 20th April.