GYC on way to becoming a ‘centre of excellence’

They have been recognised as a British Sailing Pathway club, a testament to their commitment to supporting young sailors and racing endeavours.

Created by UK governing body the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the British Youth and Junior Sailing Pathway has long been a foundation for success for aspiring sailors.

The club programme underpins the pathway’s ‘Racing for Life’ initiative, aiming to make competition fun, develop strong sailing fundamentals, and foster a lifelong love of the sport.

It is a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying and developing clubs across the UK to become centres of excellence for junior racing, offering affordable, high-quality sailing and coaching close to home for junior racers.

By becoming a British Sailing Pathway club, the GYC joins a network committed to creating fun and accessible racing communities where young sailors can develop fundamental skills and feel part of a team.

RYA pathway club manager Hannah Wilcox was ‘thrilled’ to welcome the GYC into the network.

‘Their commitment to fostering young talent and promoting accessible, high-quality racing and race training aligns perfectly with the goals of the programme,’ she said.

‘We look forward to supporting their efforts in inspiring the next generation of sailors.’

RYA director of racing Nick Scott added: ‘The British Sailing Pathway Club Programme is a vital initiative in ensuring young sailors across the UK have access to high-quality training and racing opportunities.

‘Clubs like the GYC play a crucial role in nurturing the future of our sport.

‘Their dedication to providing a structured, fun and inspiring environment for junior racers will set up the next generation of sailing superstars as well as those who love the sport for life.’

Equally, GYC senior coach, director and rear commodore for juniors Mike Chapple is ‘delighted’ with the recognition.

‘The club has worked very hard over recent years to enhance the facilities and sailing experience for sailors aged as young as five years old.

‘As a British Sailing Pathway club, the GYC will continue to enhance its training programmes, collaborate closely with the RYA, and support young sailors in their journey towards higher levels of competition.

‘The club is excited about the opportunities this status brings and is committed to developing an active junior community that fosters a lifelong love of sailing.’

This comes as the GYC celebrates 135 years of existence – making it one of the island’s oldest sporting clubs.

It was 30 years ago that the club’s junior section put in place dedicated race training to encourage juniors to participate in major competitions in the UK and further afield.

The first notable junior success was Michael Henning, who won the National Schools’ Championship in 1999 sailing a Laser Radial.

A year later Clare Chapple became Optimist Southwest area champion and was the first sailor to be inducted into a UK National Squad, aged 12, then made the British Youth Squad as a 16-year-old.

Many more sailors followed a similar route.

Currently, 17-year-old Jess Watson is third on the U19 female UK ranking.

Monty Desforges, 18, is ranked 20th U19 male.

Meanwhile, in his first year of national competition, 13-year-old Monty Remfrey moved into the UK top 150 at the start of the year and now risen to 72nd U15, together with being junior Channel Islands Optimist champion.

‘We have had many successes both nationally and internationally,’ Chapple added.

‘Like many island-based sports, there are complexities in travel especially with the equipment involved.

‘Competing off-island is essential to race against the best in the UK.

‘The RYA has previously acknowledged our achievements, but Pathway status is a vindication of the approach that the club is now taking, through its five-year Sports Development Plan, to promote and develop sailing further.’