Introduction
The SYC Youth Squad is designed to introduce, develop and consolidate match racing skills in a challenging and supportive learning environment. The match racing skills developed during this course, are easily transferable to dinghy fleet racing and also to larger keelboat racing.
The program is run by experienced coaches and operates primarily over the winter months covering boat handling, sail trim, racing rules, tactics, physical fitness, campaign planning and boat maintenance. This focus is all underpinned by teamwork, perseverance and fun!
The program is centered on Match Racing and practical sailing activities will be carried out in the Club’s fleet of Beneteau First Class 7.5 high performance training boats.
Members of the program may have the opportunity to represent their Club in match racing regattas as approved by the OTBSC Committee.
Squad Training Levels
1. Youth Match Racing Development Squad – aimed at youth who have had no or minimal exposure to match racing and keelboats. This will be an excellent introduction to this exciting area of sailing.
2. Intermediate Match Racing Squad – aimed at members who have been participants of the SYC Youth Development Squad in previous years and who have developed their skills to the next level and are ready for the next challenge!
Course content
The courses will cover the following:
- Boat handling skills
- Fleet racing
- Racing rules
- Health and fitness
- Match racing
- Sports Psychology
- Management skill
Participation / Fees
The number of participants will be limited to 30. The cost for the Program will be $250.
Timeframe
Youth Match Racing Development Squad
June through to September – Sunday mornings from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Further training and racing will take place in the summer months in preparation for match racing regattas.
Intermediate Match Racing Squad
June through to September – intensive training over several weekends rather than weekly. Further training and racing will take place in the summer months in preparation for match racing regattas.
Format
The program will comprise both theory and practical work.
Theory and practical skills may be presented by various specialist instructors in the respective disciplines. Theory sessions will be conducted at the Club or other locations as required.
Practical sessions will be conducted in the Club’s Beneteau First 7.5 high performance training boats.
