"I want to say thank you to all of you involved in Winter Training. You helped Tayah move from the back of the fleet last RYA championships to just behind mid fleet. Winning the first South West girl home in her 4.2.
"I can't thank you all enough."

Maggie Gilboy, parent

SYC, in association with SWYSA, runs a Winter Race Training program of fortnightly on-the-water days running between November and April. Although mainly based at Starcross, in 2022/23, sessions have rotated through different clubs in the region.

This structured programme of training through the winter is designed to build on the progress and enthusiasm that many of the Juniors have shown over the summer, and to deliver a ‘squad training’-type experience that will substantially improve their racing skills and enjoyment on the water. 

The Saturdays are run by external RYA coaches and class-specific specialists, supported by SYC's own team of qualified RYA Level 2 Race Coaches. The programme is usually oversubscribed, and had 35 sailors on board in 2022/23. Sessions are designed to develop the sailors' skills and experience, and focus on boat speed, race rules, tactics, physical and mental preparation, and a range of other topics.

In 2022/23 there were three fleets: ILCAs, Teras and Toppers, each with their own coach and bespoke training programme. Sailors joining the SWYSA programme travelled from as far as Fowey, Saltash, Torbay and Wiltshire, and the Tera group was part of the South West Squad. Winter training is advertised in the late summer.  If you would like to register interest for next year please contact us.