The Youth Development (YD) Program was pioneered in Australia in 1995 by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club. The club’s commitment to youth training has resulted in the creation of some of the finest sailors
racing today. We have produced sailors who have won National and International events.
Youth Development graduates have gone onto great success in various disciplines of sailing. These include the like of Zane Gills, bowman on Telefonica (Volvo Ocean Race), Nicky Souter Women’s World Match Racing Champion, Nina Curtis Qualifier for the London Olympics in Women’s Match Racing and James Spithill, the current America’s Cup winning skipper.
In 2013 a team of YD also had the opportunity to competed in the Club Marine Pittwater & Coffs Harbour Regatta, a Category 2 Offshore Race.
The team competed on Perpetual Mocean in the RPA Blue Water and SOPs program prior to the big race and undertook further training in Safety and Survial at Sea.
Both NBN News and Prime 7 covered the teams performance at Coffs Harbour.
View the Prime 7 Sport video coverage here
View the NBN News coverage here
RPAYC Youth Representative Teams
Following the completion of the Youth Development Programs, the RPAYC Youth Selection Committee will select one or two teams (depending on numbers within the youth programs) to represent the club in the following youth Match Racing regattas;
- Musto International at CYCA Sydney
- Harken International Youth at RPAYC Sydney
- RNZYS Youth International Auckland
- CentrePort Cup at RPNYC Wellington
- Governors Cup at BYC Corona Del Mar USA*
* This event will be dependant on results and performance at previous regattas as to whether RPAYC will be sending its representative team.
Athletes and parents should be aware that continued training as well as some financial commitment is required when being selected in the RPAYC Youth Team. The International Yachting Fund while covering some of the cost of the team such as coaching support and entries, does not cover all the costs.
Should an athlete or parent require any further information about the selection criteria or potential events, please see the Selection Criteria document in the Entry Documentation section.