MK & Bucks Youth Sailing Association
The Milton Keynes & Bucks Youth Sailing Association (MKBYSA) is a collaboration between five local sailing clubs, and is also the name given to the joint team entered each year for the National Schools Sailing Association (NSSA) Regatta. Those attending are chosen during the NSSA Trials which take place in November at Haversham Sailing Club. The MKBYSA provides sail training and competitive dinghy race coaching to young sailors aged up to 18 years through a structured programme of monthly events held in rotation at the participating club venues. Aspiring youngsters must be able to rig and de-rig a boat, launch and retrieve it, be confident enough to sail a controlled triangular course, and know how to right their boat without assistance should they capsize.

There is a modest admin fee (typically £7.50p) per session. Youngsters are encouraged to use their own boat, but the participating clubs can usually offer boats for loan, free of charge. Proper clothing is essential, especially in the winter months when wet- or dry suits are mandatory. Participants should bring their own packed lunch/snacks.

Training sessions are led by appropriately qualified coaches or Instructors with DBS/CRB clearance, and full safety boat cover is provided. There is a formal registration process for joiners: a declaration form needs to be signed when sailors first attend, to allow the event organisers to act in loco parentis should parents/guardians not want to stay for the day – although they are very welcome to do so.

The MKBYSA subscribes to the RYA Safe and Fun protocols, which may be accessed via the RYA website.

You can find a direct link to the NSSA website – here..

Any queries should be directed to Julie Wilson at [email protected]