You’ve probably seen U23 Youth Scheme sailors out on the water, so here’s a bit about who they are, and what they get up to.
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- Takahashi and his winning Crew
The Under 23 Youth Scheme offers a match racing programme for Wellington’s elite and up and coming youth sailors. Of the team’s sailors, 5 are ranked in the World Sailing top 400, including 2 in the top 200. The programme covers all areas of match racing, from pre-starts to macro course tactics. The Youth Scheme has a 4-boat fleet of Elliott 6-meters. The Elliot 6s are equipped with square-top mainsails and the choice of symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnakers.
Trainings occur several times a week in preparation for the busy regatta season. Teams represents RPNYC at events in Sydney, Auckland, and Wellington throughout the year. Competition is typically fierce, hailing from New Zealand, Australia, the U.S., New Caledonia, and further afield.
Notable recent results include a 2nd at the NZ Youth Worlds Trials, 3rd at the Nespresso Youth International, and 2nd at the Centerport Youth International. Sailors are currently preparing for the season’s first regattas, starting with the Harken Youth International in Sydney. Our first home regatta will be from the 12th to the 15th of December. Be sure to keep an eye out for the team when you’re next on the water.
