The 2019-2020 WYST season is upon us! This year we are again offering three programmes for sailors with different skillsets and sailing career objectives. The programmes will give young sailors the opportunity to learn new skills in keelboats or extend themselves to the exciting world of match racing if their keelboat skills are already developed.
Programme 1: Introduction to youth keelboats
This year we are going to run one 5 day holiday course, where sailors will learn all positions (helm, mainsheet, jib, spinnaker) in an Elliot 6, and how to sail as a team. The week will culminate in a small fleet racing regatta.
When: Secondary School holidays July 2019
Who: Sailors with proven sailing ability and commitment at Club, Regional or National levels. Preference will be given to sailors with wider experience than Optimists.
Please apply here by 19 May 2019
Programme 2: Development squad
(12-16 persons, >14 years old)
The Development Squad is aimed at those who already have sailing experience, although this doesn’t have to be extensive. It is a wider programme that above and is designed to teach sailors how to handle and get the most out of small keelboats, and provide an introduction to the exciting world of match racing. Successful applicants will have intensive training, and the squad will race with the Under 23 squad throughout the season.
When: Sundays 9am-midday
Applicants for the Development Squad will be evaluated and selected through a trial process.
Please apply here by 19 May 2019.
Programme 3: Under 23 Match Racing Squad
The Under 23 Match Racing Squad comprises Wellington’s most experienced racers selected from sailors who have extensive knowledge of match racing, dinghy, and bigger boat experience. Development squad members and external sailors may apply, but Under 23 squad members will be selected through a robust evaluation, with trials where necessary.
When: Full day Saturday’s (formal), and the WYST boats are available for training whenever sailors want to practice.
Please apply here by 19 May 2019. Sailors will be notified as soon as possible after applications close.
For further information on any of the above programmes please feel free to contact youth.scheme@rpnyc.org.nz
FURTHER INFORMATION
Do you want to be a part of a world-class organisation? If developing internationally relevant skills, both in sailing and in a greater context sounds like a bit of you, we would want you to join the Wellington Youth Sailing Trust as a squad member for the 2019-20 season. The only caveat is that in joining us, you are also joining a club with a historic tradition and you will be adding to this living history – you’ll become a part of this culture and then take part in passing it on.
Our ideal applicant has sailing experience, although this is not essential, and a keen interest in sailing and desire to learn will see you go far. The candidate will be expected to learn to sail our boats in training and in competition. They will mentor/coach youth members of the squad and display leadership. Squad members also maintain the boats regularly and represent the club in character – we are prominent in the community, taking part and hosting charity events and being a part of the greater social fabric of Wellington City.
You will be sailing in the Elliott 6m Sport. Designed by Greg Elliot, these class of boats are sailed throughout the world in top competitions and proficiency on these boats is a valuable skill. The boats are berthed in Chaffer’s Marina and squad members have the privilege of accessing the boats throughout the week for training. Where we sail is world-class. Needless to say, consistent wind is a given. Straight northerlies and southerlies are the norm. The coastline is diverse and contains an abundance of bays, all of which offer a different reason to sail and a new experience to develop from.
Being a squad member entails being part of a club culture with a deep history; you will be joining a team which offers unrivaled opportunities for personal development and professional connection. The opportunities come with an equal commitment to embody the club culture and appropriately represent us in a variety of contexts.
The WYST aims for success in national and international arenas. However, we equally value the passing of knowledge and tradition from squad member to squad member as our history becomes deeper. Past members have enjoyed success in international sailing and high-level coaching, but have also achieved other ambitions such as airplane piloting, digital design and more – this is a sailing opportunity but it is also an opportunity to develop yourself at a deeper level. Basically, this is an opportunity to develop diverse skills which will serve you well throughout your life.
By becoming a squad member, you’ll be adding a lot of things to your life. At the same time, you’ll be taking on a responsibility, so make sure you have the time and space for this. Getting a lot out of an opportunity takes putting a lot in – we are offering both of these chances.
