Congratulations to Jacob W in Year 13 on being selected for the 2022 RYA British Keelboat Academy (BKA). The BKA supports sailors aged between 18 and 24 to develop the skills they need to race Keelboats at an international level.
The selection weekend in November 2021 included a land based day at North Sails in Gosport (sessions on sails, electronics and hardware) and then a day on the water, sailing out of Port Solent on Sunsail 41ft yachts in groups with experienced coaches involved in the selection process.
Having been offered a place on the 60 strong squad, Jacob then went on to participate in five weekend sessions during the winter months.
The whole experience has been a fantastic opportunity for Jacob to develop his sailing and technical skills, enabling him to get to a standard to be able to participate in Keelboat racing this season and beyond. Being a member of the BKA has provided a useful network of contacts, plus information and encouragement to seek other opportunities.
In addition to the BKA Jacob secured a place on the Youth Development Programme of the Gentoo Sailing Team, which is an initiative setup with the aim to support and inspire the next generation of sailors. They have selected 20 sailors, aged 16-23, who come from all different backgrounds in sailing and life, each with a different focus on where sailing will take them. The sailors are receiving on and off-the-water coaching, offshore racing experience, mentoring, technical workshops, internship opportunities, and 1-2-1 support in order to achieve their unique ambitions within the sport. Gentoo is a sailing team with ambitions to compete in the 2024 Vendee Globe solo race around the world. Jacob plans to get involved in some technical aspects of boat development, which is fuelling his passion for yacht design, which he’ll start studying at Solent University later this year.
UTC Portsmouth Employer Partner Conrad Manning is involved with the Gentoo Racing Team Youth Development Programme sand has been able to offer Jacob both advice on the water and with his plans for his future studies as well.
