UKLA Chair Blog #88

Update on Winter Training Plans 2024/25

I know with the cold weather it seems strange to be discussing training plans for next winter, but with changes to the RYA Pathway coming down the line, I thought it worth sharing some of the principles.

UKLA ILCA4 RTGs with support of RYA

As you know for many years the RYA have run Regional Training Groups (RTGs) for the ILCA4s but as part of the Pathway Review they have decided not the run these from 2025/26 onwards. I am pleased to announce that with the support of the RYA, UKLA will run RTGs this coming winter. The plan is to run four regional weekends (in each of the three regions) and two “joint” weekends (ideally one on south coast and one in Midlands) starting in October and running through to March.

We plan for these RTGs to cater for a wide group of sailors including both those moving beyond club racing and those more experienced National racers. These will be open to U18 sailors. Like RTGs, sailors will need to commit to the full program. While we are finalising dates and venues, the plan is to go to clubs that can provide the resources to cater for our numbers (including ILCA6s).

 UKLA ILCA6 Open Regional training

Our plan is the run these alongside the ILCA4 RTGs above in the same venues and on the same dates. The booking process will be the same as currently.

 ILCA4 and ILCA6 National training

UKLA will continue to run National training during the winter, complementing our Regional training. Venues and dates are being finalised as are the specifics of qualification. However qualification will continue to be based on our events – the Nationals and the autumn qualifiers.

 ILCA7 U23 training

The feedback on this was very positive and it is our intention to run again this winter ideally in co-ordination with RYA

 Club Training

As I have mentioned before we want to promote club training and have started a coach register (please register if you are a coach) with the aim of providing members with access to coaches for this. We will also put training in our calendar if it open to non-club members - just let us know.

A bit of a plug for Weir Wood SC and Royal Lymington YC who have training scheduled in our calendar. There is also training in Plas Heli.