RYA postpones 2021 Youth National Championships

RYA Youth National Championships © RYA / British Youth Sailing / Paul Wyeth

The RYA has decided that in light of the current Covid-19 situation it is in the best interests of all parties to postpone the 2021 Youth National Championships.

The prestigious regatta, the UK's premier youth racing event, was due to take place from April 4 to 9 hosted by Plymouth Youth Sailing Club in Plymouth, Devon.

With the UK currently in lockdown and likely to revert to the tier system once restrictions ease, the decision has been made to delay the regatta until the summer.

This will give organisers the time to plan for the best possible event, as well as giving time for the nationwide vaccination programme to take effect.

We are also very mindful that the young sailors will have lost training time over the winter and this gives them time to be ready for such an event.

It is hoped the rescheduled event will take place at the same venue the week commencing August 9, 2021. It is intended that further details and any Notice of Race will be shared before the end of January.

Mark Nicholls, RYA Youth Racing Manager, said: "It's hugely disappointing that we are having to postpone the Youth Nationals for a second year running but these are extraordinary times and we want to deliver the very best event that we can.

"We would rather plan for a great event later in the year rather than press ahead with the original plan and run the risk of having to adapt or even cancel it.

"The Youth Nationals will return - and when it does it will be a joyous celebration of youth racing."

Adrian Kemp, Commodore of Plymouth Youth Sailing Club, added: "Plymouth Youth Sailing Club and the Mount Batten Centre fully support the RYA's decision to postpone the Youth Nationals. We hope to welcome all youth sailors to Plymouth when it is safe and appropriate to host this most prestigious event."

For all updates stay tuned to British Youth Sailing social media channels or go to www.britishyouthsailing.co.uk.