RPAYC

2010 Youth Development Expressions of Interest NOW OPEN! Click here

The Alfred's has a long history of excellence in yachting. We were pioneers in the establishment of youth development keelboat programs and our commitment to training youth has resulted in the creation of some of the finest men and women sailors racing today. We have won National and International events with one woman's team currently ranked 8^th in the world in Women's match racing.

Intermediate Youth Development Program (IYD)

For sailors (girls and boys) aged between 13 and 16*, this program introduces younger sailors to the unique aspects of keelboat sailing aboard our fleet of Force 24 training yachts. Sailors will learn seamanship, team work, communication, problem solving, handling large equipment, commitment and planning through activities associated with fleet racing, match racing, general boat handling, rules and tactics & strategy.

As well as the important sailing skills learnt throughout this program, IYD also covers topics that are useful beyond the sport environment, these topics include Health & Fitness, Time Management and being prepared for competition and presentations.

All these skills will be taught through a combination of lectures and on-water activities which in turn will set sailors up for progressing to our advanced keelboat squad (YD) and will enhance the enjoyment and productivity of participants in all activities in which they partake.

When - The program will be run through parts of the April and July school holidays. It is designed not to interfere with Centreboard training at the club, however some cross overs are inevitable. It is recommended that a competent level of sailing skill can be demonstrated prior to attending this course. The opportunity exists to represent the RPAYC in an interclub competition between RPAYC, RSYS and CYCA, comprising of three Sundays over May and June.

Youth Development Program (YD)

For competent sailors (young men and women) aged between 17 and 21*, this streamlined program provides participants with intensive high performance tuition with a match racing focus. It is aimed at sailors who are committed to making the transition to keelboat sailing or returning to active club participation. It is recommended that sailors have a medium to high level of skill and wish to advance to higher levels within the sport of yachting. 

Participants will be provided with knowledge in seamanship, sports psychology, professionalism, communication, campaign planning, setting training programs, goal setting, performance analysis, time management, fitness and nutrition, boat optimisation, weather, advanced match racing, fleet racing and action planning.

When - The training program will be run from the start of May through to the end of August and comprises Friday night lectures and Saturday (and some Sunday) training. This squad requires a large amount of time and energy and culminates with a number of local and overseas match racing regatta opportunities for some YD participants.

Youth Development is a competitive, physical and very rewarding program that requires 100% commitment and 100% attendance.

RPAYC Youth Representative Teams

Follow 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;

 ·         Bavaria Cup at CYCA Sydney

·         Harken International Youth at RPAYC Sydney

·         National Bank Cup at RNZYS 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.