The countdown is on! Applications are open for the RYA Eric Twiname Youth & Junior Team Racing Championships 2026. Exciting, tactical, sociable! This youth sailing event is a firm favourite in the UK racing calendar.
Taking place at Oxford Sailing Club on 10-11 October, the annual championship brings together youth teams from sailing clubs, schools and organisations for a weekend of fast-paced racing, teamwork and plenty of fun ashore.
Team racing at its best
Organised by the RYA in partnership with the Eric Twiname Trust, the championships offer competition across three age categories:
- Youth (Under 19) – 3v3 team racing in Fireflies (teams of six sailors)
- Junior (Under 17) – 2v2 team racing in RS Fevas (teams of four sailors)
- Super Junior (Under 15) – 2v2 team racing in RS Fevas (teams of four sailors)
“Unlike traditional fleet racing, team racing is all about working together,” explains RS Sailing’s Training & Fleet Sales Executive, Jakes Elsbury. “Success comes from combining boat handling, tactical awareness and rules knowledge to secure the best overall team result, creating exciting racing where every decision matters.”
With all boats provided by the organisers, the focus is on sailor skill rather than equipment, making it a true level playing field and an ideal introduction to competitive team racing.
“The event is also renowned for its fantastic atmosphere. Races last around 10 minutes, meaning sailors spend plenty of time both on and off the water – competing, spectating and catching up with friends between races,” Jake adds.
Following another successful event in 2025, which saw 62 teams and almost 160 races over the weekend, entries are expected to be popular once again.
If your club or school has a team ready to race, now is the time to apply: NOR and Application Form.
Supporting the next generation through the Eric Twiname Trust
The Eric Twiname Trust has been instrumental in helping young sailors access opportunities like these for decades, with a mission to support junior sailors and encourage participation in competitive sailing.
RS Sailing is proud to continue working alongside the Eric Twiname Trust through the Subsidised ET Scheme, helping sailing clubs across the UK grow youth racing by making RS Fevas and RS Teras more accessible.
The scheme allows eligible UK clubs to apply for subsidised fleets, with the boats intended primarily for junior training and competitive racing for sailors under 18. By reducing the cost of expanding club programmes, the initiative helps more young sailors experience racing in one of the world’s most successful double-handed youth classes.
Applications are assessed by the Eric Twiname Trust, with boats allocated to successful projects. As funding can be oversubscribed, clubs are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The impact of the partnership has already been significant: “Since the Eric Twiname Scheme began in 2011, RS Sailing has delivered more than 350 boats to sailing clubs across the UK, helping create more opportunities for young people to develop their skills, gain confidence and enjoy lifelong participation in the sport,” explains Jake.
Whether it’s introducing new sailors to racing at club level or providing the platform for future competitors at events like the RYA Eric Twiname Youth & Junior Team Racing Championships, the RS Feva continues to play a vital role in developing the next generation of team racers.
If your club is looking to strengthen its junior racing programme, there’s never been a better time to explore the RS Feva ET Scheme and RS Tera ET Scheme and discover how it could help bring more young sailors onto the start line.
