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Chris Blackburn
Chris Blackburn, High Performance Manager. email

RYA Regional Junior Racing

Since 2000 the RYA has run one of the World's most extensive racing and race training programmes for sailors under 16 with the overall aim to develop sailors of the appropriate age and ability to win medals for Great Britain at major international regattas at Youth and Olympic level.

This starts with developing the skills and identifying the talents of youngsters in the regions and culminates with the possibility of selection to the RYA National Junior Squads across seven classes – Optimist, Topper, Laser 4.7, Cadet, Mirror, RS Feva and Bic Techno windsurfer.

Sailors who feel ready to progress from club training and competition are encouraged to participate within the Regional Open Training Programme, organised and administered by the class associations in partnership with Chris Blackburn.

Sailors attending the Regional Open Training identified as being of the right age, ability and potential are then invited to join the RYA North Zone Squad where their skills and enthusiasm are nurtured further with selection to the RYA National Junior Squad the goal for the top sailors in each class.

The RYA Volvo Zone Championships Open to all sailors not yet members of Zone squads. They mark the end of the Junior racing season and are a key event for sailors wishing to be selected for RYA Zone squads. The 2010 RYA Volvo North Zone Championships take place on 25-26 September at Yorkshire Dales SC.

The RYA Eric Twiname Championships

The pinnacle of the racing calendar for the RYA Zone and Home Country squads as the nine squad teams go head-to-head over two days for the prestige of picking up the Eric Twiname Shield and being named top RYA Zone. The 2010 RYA Eric Twiname Championships take place on 8-9 May at Rutland Sailing Club.

Contact Chris Blackburn for more information on Regional Open Training and North Zone squad selection. Or visit www.rya.org.uk/racing for the latest news on squad selection policies and event entry

Racing Coach Courses

A number of courses and resources are available for those keen to get involved in race training whether dinghy or keelboat coaching. Visit the www.rya.org.uk/racing to find your nearest course. Contact Chris Blackburn to run a course at your club.

Volvo RYA Champion Clubs

Launched in 1997, the Volvo RYA Champion Club Programme (VCC) recognises those clubs with a commitment to youth sailing and race coaching.

There are currently 12 Volvo RYA Champion Clubs in the East Midlands. VCCs are sociable, fun and safe places for youngsters to receive well-organised coaching, advice, expertise and encouragement to support their development and potential progress into regional competition and RYA Zone Squads. Encouraging youngsters and their families to sailing is a sure-fire way to increase membership, raise revenue and sustain a healthy club. Many benefits are available to current VCCs or clubs working towards attaining VCC status including:

For more information about how your club could benefit from becoming a VCC or information on accessing RYA Club and Coach funding visit www.rya.org.uk/vcc or contact Chris Blackburn.

Other Key Dates

Chris Blackburn

RYA High Performance Manager for the North Zone
Email: chris.blackburn@rya.org.uk
Mobile: 07909 994637

Chris works to ensure opportunities exist for young dinghy sailors and windsurfers to move into racing. He helps sailors identified as having potential hone their skills in the RYA North Zone squad and plays a key role in feeding sailors into the RYA’s World Class racing programmes. Chris works closely with Junior Class Association Regional Reps to establish comprehensive and local winter and spring open race training and facilitates and manages an annual coach recruitment and development strategy in partnership with the RYA.

Through the Volvo RYA Champion Club programme Chris assists those clubs who wish to make a recognised commitment to introducing more young people to racing whilst also supporting their ongoing club development.