Training Opportunities
Information on the RYA Scotland Performance Pathway Training Opportunities
Open Training
Our Open Training programme for Junior Sailors (sailors sailing in recognised Junior Classes, i.e. Optimist, Topper, Feva, and Techno) is designed to support sailors who are looking to further develop their racing skills.
RYA Scotland’s Open Training programme starts in September and finishes at the end of March, providing sailors with high quality training during the months their home clubs may be less active. Open Training is delivered at several clubs and venues across Scotland.
Sailors require their own boat/board for training, and (with support of a parent / carer) are required to bring this to the training venue. Open Training is entry level for those new to racing, and although we do not require sailors to have their RYA Stages, we do strongly recommend they are competent on the water (i.e. can sail strongly upwind, sail round a triangle course in medium/strong winds and right a capsize with little assistance).
A link to Open Training Dates & Bookings for 2026-27 will be posted here once available.
Club Racing Academies
Club Racing Academies enable national level race training within RYA affiliated clubs with support from an RYA Scotland Pathway Coach. These days are club organised and supported by RYAS and are co-designed with the club. There is a nominal associated fee to cover the Pathway coach fees and expenses, however this is subsidised by RYA Scotland.
Sessions can be tailored to the needs and wants of the club, however, RYA Scotland would expect the club to have either 6 participating single handers or 3 double handers per provided coach to allow for a 1:6 coaching ratio. RYA Scotland Pathway Coaches will require access to a training / classroom space as well as a club powerboat.
Club Racing Academies can also support club coach development, with interaction between RYA Scotland Pathway and Club coaches encouraged throughout the day, with potential for follow up conversations to assist in the development of club coaching.
Enquire about a Club Racing Academy at your club
You can also speak with your RYA Scotland Regional Development Officer for initial information on Scottish Sailing Club Racing Academies.
Open Training FAQ's
Bookings for our 2026-27 Open Training block aren't yet open. We'll share a link here as soon as bookings go live.
All bookings close 12 days prior (at midnight) before the first training session. It Is important we have 12 days available in order to organise the logistics of the programme for all classes. When you sign up, you will automatically receive a confirmation email (please check your junk box for this). Our Head Coach should be in touch at least 4 days prior to the first session. The Coach will contact you via RYA Scotland's Spond Platform with plans for the session and inform you of any other additional information.
You may cancel your booking up to 12 days before the event and receive a full refund. There may also be the option to transfer your booking to an alternative event. Requests to cancel within this 12 day period should be sent to Pathway@ryascotland.org.uk stating the reason for your request. No refunds will be made within this period unless there are exceptional circumstances, given the logistics of organising coaches and ribs and adhering to safety ratios. Occasionally, it is necessary for RYA Scotland to cancel an event that we have organised. In these circumstances, we will offer a full refund of the event fee paid. We will make every effort to process a refund as soon as possible, but individuals should allow up to 21 working days for refunds to reach them.
Please contact the Pathway team directly via pathway@ryascotland.org.uk if a change of plan affects a booking. The team are able to respond to queries between working hours of 9-5, Monday to Friday. If it is an emergency on the day or you cannot make training, you must contact your coach directly.
It is essential your sailor has the correct sailing gear and lots of layers to keep warm, especially during the winter. Training during the winter block can be very cold, so we recommend lots of layers, hat, buff, sailing gloves, racing watch (if applicable) rash vests, coats and wet gear. Some coaches may also ask the sailors to bring gym kit. Please bring your own food, hot drink/water for non-residential training, if you have a dry bag for your boat it is a good idea to pack a drink and snack for on the water. Don't forget towels and a change of clothes, again layers are crucial!
If you have any other questions or would like to have a chat about training sessions, please contact the Pathway Team via email on pathway@ryascotland.org.uk.
If you have any other questions or would like to have a chat about Academies please contact pathway@ryascotland.org.uk.