RYA Youth National Championships to welcome HRH The Princess Royal

Great Britain’s top youth sailors will have the chance to showcase their talents in front of a royal audience following confirmation that HRH The Princess Royal will be attending the 2017 RYA Youth National Championships (8-14 April).

More than 300 of the country’s best youth racers are expected to take to the waters of Hayling Island between Saturday 8 April and Friday 14 April to compete for event honours.

Her Royal Highness, President of the Royal Yachting Association, who visited the event in Plas Heli last year, will again see the latest crop of talented sailors on Thursday 13 April as they vie for event titles, squad selection and international travel grants.

Mark Nicholls, Event Director and RYA Youth Racing Manager, said: “We are delighted to once again welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the RYA Youth National Championships.

“It is a prestigious event and a brilliant opportunity for the next generation to showcase their talents. Having a royal audience will no doubt inspire the young sailors to race hard, compete fairly and enjoy meeting new friends from across the country.

“Her Royal Highness’ attendance once again affirms the status of the regatta as the premier youth racing event and we look forward to welcoming her to watch the action unfold” concluded Nicholls.

Racing will be held for boys in Laser Standards, boys and girls in Laser Radials, Neil Pryde RS:X 8.5 and Techno 7.8 windsurfers, and for all-boy, all-girl and mixed crews in 420s, 29ers and Catamaran Handicap Open fleet.

The entry deadline for the 2017 RYA Youth National Championships is 2359 on 5 March. Late entries will be accepted until 2359 on 12 March subject to a late entry fee. No entries will be accepted after this date.

To enter the event and for further information please visit the RYA Youth National Championships event website, Facebook and Twitter.

22/2/2017 16:11