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Recognised Classes

The British Sailing junior recognised classes

With so many classes of boat to choose from, the British Sailing Pathway focusses its training and resources on a number of key junior and youth classes that offer a range of sailing experiences and that we know can give young sailors a great time and develop their skills. We call these the British Sailing Recognised Classes with those suitable for under 16s being ‘junior’ and those suitable for under 19s being ‘youth’ classes.

ILCA 4
The ilca 4 is the feeder class to both the ilca 6 and ilca 7 rig with a smaller, yet still quite powerful sail, which easily allows sailors to transition. Very popular in Europe, a spell in the ilca 4 helps Optimist and Topper sailors get used to the ilca hull with a more forgiving sail. Often raced at European Laser regattas, sailors can get valuable experience of European venues and international competition easily and appropriately.

- Type: Single hander - Weight Range(KG): 55-70 - Recommended Max Age: 16

TECHNO
The Techno 2930D is the recognised equipment for Junior windsurfing. With strong domestic and international racing, it provides a great foundation for the windsurfing pathway. There is a good variety of training and competition provided through UKWA.

- Type: Windsurfer - Weight Range(KG): 30-68 - Recommended Max Age: 16

OPTIMIST
The Optimist's size and forgiving nature makes it great for introducing sailors at a very early age. Small, yet extremely technical, it engenders all the physical, technical and racing skills needed to succeed at Youth and Olympic level. The Class offers a comprehensive programme of open training and regional and Home Country event and popular and appropriate programme of national competition.

- Type: Single hander - Weight Range(KG): 38-54 - Recommended Max Age: 15

RS TERA SPORT
The RS Tera Sport is a relatively new Junior Class. The Tera Sport has a good variety of training and racing on offer within the UK as well as some international competition.

- Type: Single hander - Weight Range(KG): 30-45 - Recommended Max Age: 15

RS FEVA XL
This RS Feva XL is a double handed asymmetric Junior Class which feeds many of the Youth Classes. The Class Association runs open training with a wide ability level, and the RYA runs UK U16 International Teams and Regional Training Groups.

- Type: Double hander - Weight Range(KG): 85-110 Combined - Recommended Max Age: 15

TOPPER
The Topper is and excellent Junior Class that is sailed extensively throughout the UK. The Topper Class Association organised a thorough programme of open training as well as regional and national competitions. The Topper is also a prominent feeder into the Youth Classes and onto Olympic sailing.

- Type: Single hander - Weight Range(KG): 40-60 - Recommended Max Age: 15

CADET
The Cadet is a double-handed symmetric Junior Class which feeds many of the Youth Classes. The Class association runs open training with a wide ability level, and the RYA runs a BYS U16 International Team.

- Type: Double hander - Weight Range(KG): 85-105 Combined - Recommended Max Age: 15

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