Youth Development

It would be great to get more young sailors representing the club, whether racing or just using the facilities to have a leisurely sail down the river. From inexperienced youngsters with no boat to sail, to those with many miles under their belt, there is something for everyone! There are boats to be borrowed, and always someone around to help with rigging if anyone is unsure.

Continuing from the success of previous years, ‘Club Sailing’ takes place most weeks for those looking for a bit of fun messing around in toppers, RS Fevas, RS Q’bas as well as other boats for some coaching and games. This is successful in teaching you the basics when the weather’s nice and the water’s calm. It is usually very popular with many young faces around, perfect for meeting new people with similar interests! There’s also both sailing and race training available to anyone as well as ‘club nights’ involving lots of young people.

There are lots to do for those with a bit more experience too; competitive races take place every weekend from the end of March through to October. Anyone of any ability is welcome to join in with the races and it would be fantastic to see as many young people involved as possible.

Youth Development Funding

The Deben Yacht Club Youth Development Fund was established to help club members who wish to compete in open or national events. The aim is to further develop and support “Junior, Youth and U18” DYC sailors and encourage sailing to a higher level, whilst raising the profile of the club at the same time.

The criteria are:

  • that they have to be under 18 on 1st January of the year in which the event,
  • they will only receive a maximum of £200 per application,
  • there is a maximum of one grant per person per calendar year if sufficient funds are available,
  • they race regularly at DYC
  • they commit to writing a report on the event for the DYC website or similar.

Applications are not accepted after events have taken place and no application will be considered for keelboat events apart from match or team racing events.

Please complete the Youth Development Fund Application Form and send it to the DYC Honorary Secretary.

Applications will be considered by three non-related members of the General Committee, who will endeavour to give you a decision within one month, but please don’t leave it until the last moment!

We would remind you that funding is limited by budget and demand, and will be allocated on a case-by-case basis.