GBR Yacht Racing Academy trainees prepare to compete in IRC Nationals

Following a nail-biting battle between Bear of Britain and Chernikeeff 2 during last weekend’s Round the Island Race, the GBR Yacht Racing Academy trainees are preparing for their next big challenge, competing in the IRC Nationals onboard the two Farr 52s.

Throughout the IRC Nationals, Bear of Britain and Chernikeeff 2 will be crewed entirely by Yacht Racing Academy trainees, some of whom had never stepped onboard a racing yacht prior to being selected for the scheme in April 2007. The hardworking crews, aged between 18 and 25 have progressed amazingly quickly, learning and developing skills through intensive training weekends and participation in various races and regattas.

Thanks to their hard work and commitment, the crews are now at a standard where they are running the large, complex yachts with minimal input from the experts who have been coaching them since April, making their entry in the IRC Nationals a huge achievement.

Academy trainee Guy Fillmore, who was selected in April 2007, explains what being part of the Yacht Racing Academy crew means to him, “It’s been a great opportunity for all of us to get an in-depth understanding of what racing big boats is all about. We’ve all been given the chance to try the different crew positions onboard the racing yachts, which I know people would normally never get the chance to do. Most importantly the Yacht Racing Academy has opened doors for me, providing the opportunity to work in the industry, something I would never have been able to do without gaining such valuable big boat racing experience through the Academy.”

Ben Willow who manages the Yacht Racing Academy is very excited about the trainees competing this weekend, “The IRC Nationals gives the Yacht Racing Academy trainees a real opportunity to show what they have learned and put all their skills and training into practice against a very competitive fleet. They have come along way in a short period of time, we are all very proud of them. We are so happy that the young crews are gaining such valuable experiences thanks to the yachts' owners Peter Harrison and Andrew Palmer, and that everyone involved has been so inspired by the opportunities they have been given.”

The GBR Yacht Racing Academy, run and managed by registered charity UKSA in Cowes, aims to inspire young people through racing and assist in their personal growth and development. To find out how to get involved or assist the youth racing scheme, visit www.uksa.org/racing