Up to Speed: June 2020

INEOS Team UK Britannia June 2020 VNR 1280x720

JOIN the UK J70 Class!

Vendée Globe 2020: All Systems Go

Island Sailing Club members make a splash with return to action

Members of the Island Sailing Club-Reading were able to sail on their lake at Pingewood last Sunday for the first time since the Coronavirus lockdown. The latest Government restrictions and the guidelines from the RHA were observed to ensure the members’ safety. A good number of members turned up, some just to check on their boats and others to see how the social distancing would work. This meant a smaller number than usual took to the water for the races. These were all single-handers, two-man boats are only allowed if crewed by members of the same household. Two races were planned and the first one was held in sunshine and a gentle breeze, with Ian Wickens becoming the clubs first post lockdown winner. Unfortunately, the second race had to be abandoned after the wind died and it started to rain. Racing will continue each weekend in future and now that members can see that the new regulations can work, it is hoped that more will return to rake part.

Standard Horizon HX300E VHF - Video 2. F4 Guide: Top 5 Best Selling Hand...

Kitesurfing Poole Harbour 20200605

UK Sailing While Dolphin spotting

British Youth Sailing unveils pioneering Diploma in Sporting Excellence

British Youth Sailing is launching its new Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) supporting talented and committed young athletes with the potential to be high achievers in sailing. The Level 3 diploma, worth 64 UCAS points, combines sailing and full-time education so participants have the skills, knowledge and competence to pursue sporting excellence alongside education and a future career in sport. A first for sailing in the UK, the course will be delivered by British Youth Sailing and Loughborough College. The pilot scheme will feature 12 places, beginning in September 2020. DiSE is funded by the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) as a dual career pathway for athletes who have been recognised and nominated by their National Governing Body as having high potential for excellence. The programme is delivered over two years, with sailors able to choose their further education studies, such as A levels, BTEC or other vocational qualifications alongside DiSE. Sailors must be in full time education for the duration of the DiSE programme. Applicants must have five GCSEs of minimum grade 4 (or C), preferably including maths and English, and be starting year 12 in September 2020. Sailors should have ambition to be part of and progress within the British Youth Sailing pathway. The diploma will be delivered through 10 to 15 days of bespoke BYS training camps during weekends and holidays, on top of class training and squad activity. It will include contact days on the water, workshops, online lessons and 1:1 specialist reviews. Course modules include Lifestyle, Finance, Anti-Doping, Injury Management alongside specialist sessions in mental skills and nutrition. Assessments are through practical work, written tasks and recorded discussions. British Youth Sailing and Loughborough College will work within the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines to ensure a safe programme is delivered. “This is real positive step to further supporting our sailors in education which I am excited to see grow and develop,” said Jack Grundy, RYA Performance Manager. “This qualification gives learners the preparation they need to be able to continue to compete in their sport at elite level and/or to use the knowledge, skills and competency they have gained to progress to employment in sport or to an alternative career pathway.” To register your interest for the course, please fill out the form here. The deadline for applications is midday on June 19.

Sailors invited to join Royal Southern Yacht Club charity regatta

THE Royal Southern Yacht Club is inviting sailors to take part in a charity regatta this August. It will take place in August and has been announced after the cancellation of the Isle of Wight regatta, Cowes Week. Four days of racing is planned for club class yachts, sportsboats, dayboats and other classes with six or more entries. The regatta will be based in Hamble, and will run from August 8 to 11. The nominated charities for the Royal Southern YC Charity Cup Regatta are Solent Mind and Hamble Sea Scouts. All racing and any services ashore will be organised in line with HM Government guidance and regulations on Covid -19, and will follow all recommendations from the Harbour Authorities. A limited entry is available for the event. To reserve a place, email sailing@royal-southern.co.uk

The Foiling Optimist

Weymouth Moth Worlds Becomes UK Nationals But All Welcome

The 2020 International Moth World Championships scheduled for The UK's Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has been cancelled due to COVID-19. The Organising Committee felt that the chances of being able to hold a Worlds event in September with all countries being able to participate were 'slim at best' due to the pandemic. Leading Irish Moth sailor David Kenefick, one of a number of Irish foiling sailors who was expected to compete off the Dorset coast, has said that it was the right thing to do in the circumstances. However, the Royal Cork ace has also given a thumbs up on social media to the organisers decision to go ahead with a UK Nationals instead on the same dates, 1-11 September. The recast event comes with an open invitation to sailors from any nation to come and race if they can make it to the UK.

A Day on Squibble, Dufour 335, video by Tom Curtress