The BYS J/70 Youth Squad

BYS is passionate about engaging our young members and ensuring that sailors who have progressed through our junior and youth pathways have further opportunities to learn new skills and participate in racing.

The BYS J/70 Youth Squad was developed by Intermediate BYS members in 2019. The Youth Squad is for BYS members aged 16 to 30 and utilises the three BYS-owned J/70s. This program offers participants the opportunity to train in the J/70s, race is BYS club events, and represent BYS in various sailing regattas throughout the season.

The Youth Squad provides a pathway for current sailors to develop a wide range of skills, including teamwork and the use of an asymmetric spinnaker. It's also a great group to join, even if you have limited sailing experience, as there is a role for everyone on board.

In addition to sailing, Youth Squad members assist in running J/70 club races by volunteering on race days as start boat crew, safety boat operators, and radio operators.

When does the youth squad start?

The Youth Squad trains on various weekends from October to April, depending on the availability of participants and boats. Squad members then participate in BYS Sunday J/70 class racing throughout the season, dates are available on the club race program.

J/70 Class racing is scheduled for:

• 22 & 29 September (boats allocated to states regatta teams)
• 20 October
• 3 & 17 November
• 1 & 15 December (boats allocated to national regatta teams)
• 5 January (boats allocated to national regatta teams)
• 26 January
• 9 & 23 February
• 9 & 23 March
• 13 April

As there is always a lot happening, BYS members can join the Youth Squad at any point during the season.

The BYS J/70 Youth Squad also competes in regattas throughout the season, including the Women's Sportsboat Regatta in March and the Youth Sportboat Regatta in April. When interest in competing in regattas exceeds availability, selection criteria will be set with teams chosen by a selection panel.

Join the squad as:

• Youth J/70 Club Squad Sailor: Participate in Sunday J/70 racing according to your schedule, keelboat club races on Fridays and Saturdays, and BYS regattas, the Women's Sportsboat Regatta and the Youth Sportsboat Regatta. 
• Youth J/70 Regatta Squad Sailor: Gain the opportunity for regatta team selection at representative events such as the J/70 Victorian Championship, J/70 National Championship, Sailing Championship League and Australian 2K Team Racing Championship.

Fees:

• Youth J/70 Club Squad Sailor: $150
• Youth J/70 Regatta Squad Sailor: +$100

If you want to learn more about the BYS J/70 Youth Squad and see if it's the program for you, please contact the sailing office.