UK Etchells Class – Training Academy 2026
The UK Etchells Class is proud to confirm it will run the 15th Training Academy in Cowes 2026. More than 700 sailors have taken part in this excellent training programme since its formation ~15 years ago, many carrying their sailing activities forward to build careers as professional sailors.David Bedford and Duncan Truswell will lead the programme which they have successfully built up over many years.
The programme continues to enjoy active support from many volunteers and previous participants – ‘Alumni sailors’ – including some top-level sailors – i.e. Freddie Carr of INEOS fame. With affiliation with the RYA, the UK Class will run the event in association with the Royal London Yacht Club, continuing to develop the long partnership the Class enjoys with the Club. Thanks go out again to the generous support of past and present individuals who have provided funding to enable this training programme to develop from strength to strength over the years - and as in previous years, the best teams can win a ‘gifted’ race prepared Etchells Yacht for the 2026 (t&c’s apply) season.
Interested teams are encouraged to register their interest at the earliest opportunity. There are a limited number of places using 4 Etchells Yachts loaned to the UK Class by the recently formed Cowes Keelboat Youth Charity and other Etchells yachts loaned to the Class by UK owners.
CLOSING DATE is 30th November ’25 and we try to make it first come, first served, subject to teams being above minimum competence levels.
Plans are in hand for up to 8 Yachts to be available and ‘Alumni’ and ‘other Owner teams’ have expressed interest in taking part in selected weekends within the programme on separate terms – including the successful Youth Alumni team from Greig City Academy sailing their own Etchells ‘Palaver’.
Dates 2026:
- January 24/25th
- February 7/8th
- February 21/22nd
- Feb 28th /March 1st (spare weekend)
- March 14/15th
- RLYC Regatta, inc. Youth Selection Trials: March 28/29th
UK Class Secretary, August ’25.Email David Bedford: [email protected]