Victoria’s most talented youth sailors will descend on the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria in April for the return of the Victorian Youth Championships and Coaching Clinic.

Running from 15-18 April, the event will be made up of a two-day coaching clinic on 15-16 April, followed by a two-day regatta on 17-18 April across several junior and youth classes.

Many of the athletes will be eager to get out and compete for a State Youth title again after last year’s event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) member Anna Cripsey from Royal Brighton Yacht Club says the time off has also had its advantages.  “It’s been pretty tough not being able to have any time on the water this past year but luckily I’ve been able to have theory sessions online and get into the gym.  I’m more knowledgeable and fit this year so I’m excited to get out racing the 420 again.”

“I’ve done school teams racing at Royals before but not fleet racing.  It’s a great club that offers challenging racing outside the marina” Cripsey said.

“We can’t wait to host this event and work closely with Australian Sailing to showcase the best youth talent our sport has to offer,” Royal Yacht Club of Victoria General Manager Michael Neumann said.  

“Following on from the success of the Optimist Nationals held at RYCV in January 2020, we know our club is fit for purpose and capable of delivering a high-quality event both on and off the water.”

Twin crew Josh and Dan Griffith from Sandringham Yacht Club are looking forward to going into the event as one of the senior 29er crews.  “It’s been a quiet year, but it’s been a bit easier for us because we live together so we could still sail together,” Josh said.  “We are definitely looking forward to the Victorian Youth Championships.  The 29er fleet has grown a lot in the past year and is bigger than it has ever been.”

Last year Josh was crowed the inaugural winner of the Zhik Australian eSailing National Challenge.  “It was a good opportunity to practise the rules and general tactics while we couldn’t compete on water.  We are keen to get back out racing.”

The event is open to competitors under the age of 23 on 31 December 2021 and will focus on the following classes. Please note other classes that express interest in participating will also be included.

•    O’Pen Skiff
•    Optimist (Open & Intermediate)
•    Minnow
•    Laser 4.7
•    Laser Radial
•    Aero 5
•    Windsurfer LT
•    Techno 293
•    Techno 293 Plus
•    Foiling Kites
•    International 420
•    International 29er
•    Nacra 15
•    International Cadet
 
For more information head to https://www.sailingyouth.org.au/statechamps/victoria or email RYCV’s Sailing and Club Development Lead Allicia Rae at allicia.r@rycv.asn.au 

Words: Australian Sailing and Down Under Sail
Photos: Beau Outteridge