Performance Academy sailors delivered outstanding performances at this year’s RYA Youth Nationals, showcasing the strength and depth of our training and development pathways. 

In the ILCA 6 class, Toby Waggett claimed a dominant 1st place in the Men’s fleet. Toby is a regular member of the PA ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 training squads, programmes designed to support talented sailors with year-round technical coaching, racing development, and pathway progression toward international competition. 

Meanwhile, Poppy Luxton, part of the PASS 2023 cohort, took 1st place in the Women’s ILCA 6 fleet, demonstrating the skill, discipline, and outstanding sailing through the week. The Performance Academy Sailing Scholarship (PASS) programme helps support sailors by providing opportunities for subsidised additional training and support

In the Windsurfing class, the impact of the Performance Academy’s wind foil pathway and PASS support was also on show. Sophie Clark topped the Girls’ windsurfing fleet with a brilliant 1st place finish, closely followed by her sister Evelyn Clark in 2nd, with Abi Smith (PASS 2022) following in 3rd — completing an all Performance Academy and PASS alumni podium. All three girls train regularly with the Performance Academy’s wind foil development programme, which offers structured technical sessions, equipment support, and pathway advice to help young riders reach elite youth and senior levels. 

At the heart of these successes lies the Performance Academy’s commitment to structured, long-term athlete development. Our ILCA training squads and wind foil pathways are designed to provide regular, high-quality coaching for motivated young sailors and riders, supporting technical skills, tactical understanding, and personal development on and off the water. 

Meanwhile, the PASS programme plays a key role in providing opportunities for pathway sailors to access subsidised additional training and support through the Performance Academy programmes. PASS offers talent sailors in need of additional support the opportunities, mentoring helping them to achieve their goals 

We are incredibly proud of all the sailors who have been a part of our programmes that took part in the event. We look forward to continuing to support their journeys as they take the next steps in their sailing and windsurfing careers. 

For a full break-down of the RYA Youth Nationals results, visit  https://www.rya.org.uk/racing/british-youth-sailing/events/rya-youth-nationals