Program Overview

The Royal Geelong Yacht Club Winter Youth Squad Program is an exciting opportunity for competitive sailors aged 13–22 to fast-track their keelboat racing skills and join a supportive, performance-driven environment.

Running from May to July 2025 using RGYC’s fleet of RS21 keelboats, the program focuses on race craft, tactics, teamwork, and match racing formats. It complements individual class training while developing the essential skills to move toward high-performance sailing pathways.

Following a successful pilot in 2024, the program now aligns with the Australian Sailing participation pathway, offering a structured and aspirational stepping stone for emerging athletes.

Program Objectives

Through targeted coaching and racing experience, sailors will:

• Develop advanced small keelboat skills, including asymmetric spinnaker handling.
• Learn fleet, team, and match racing formats and strategies.
• Improve tactical decision-making and Racing Rules of Sailing knowledge.
• Build teamwork and leadership through rotating crew roles.
• Be identified for future RGYC Youth Development and High-Performance Squads.
• Prepare for potential selection in local, state, and national representative regattas.

Program Structure and Schedule

Duration: May–July 2025
Format: Nine practical on-water sessions + two evening theory seminars

The program is divided into two progressive phases:

• Weeks 1 - 3: Focus on fleet racing, RS21 tuning, and rotating crew combinations.
• Weeks 4 - 9: Focus on match racing techniques, start sequences, and consolidated crew positions.

Sessions run predominantly on Sunday mornings (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM), with some Friday evening theory workshops.
Attendance is expected at most sessions to ensure team cohesion and skill progression.

Coaching Team

The squad is coached by highly respected professionals:

• Tony Bull – RGYC Head Coach, National & World Champion coach, Sailmaker
• Mark Tonner-Joyce – Intnernational-level coach with extensive youth and Olympic development experience.

Our coaching philosophy blends high-performance expectations with a positive, athlete-focused environment. Training will include tactical instruction, boat handling drills, match racing preparation, and holistic athlete development (mental and physical).

Draft Schedule

T = Theory sessions       P = Practical sessions

Date	Notes	Coaches
Friday 16th May 2025 18:00 – 19:30	Squad Introduction & Briefing	Tony Bull & Mark Tonner-Joyce
Sunday 18th May 2025 09:00 – 13:00		Tony Bull & Mark Tonner-Joyce
Sunday 25th May 2025 09:00 – 13:00	OTB Presentation night before	TBC
Sunday 1st June 2025 09:00 – 13:00		Tony Bull & Mark Tonner-Joyce
Sunday 15th June 2025 09:00 – 13:00		Mark Tonner-Joyce
Sunday 22nd June 2025 09:00 – 13:00	KB Presentation night before	Tony Bull & Mark-Tonner Joyce
Sunday 29th June 2025 09:00 – 13:00		Tony Bull
Sunday 6th July 2025 09:00 – 13:00		Tony Bull
Sunday 13th July 2025 09:00 – 13:00		Mark Tonner-Joyce
Sunday 20th July 2025 09:00 – 13:00		Tony Bull & Mark Tonner-Joyce

Program Cost

Full Program Fee: AUD $650 (inc. GST)

The fee includes:

• Full access to RGYC’s RS21 keelboats
• Coaching by our expert team
• Theory seminars and debriefs
• Youth squad team kit (where applicable)
• Regatta coaching support where applicable

Payment plans are available if required. RGYC is committed to supporting sailors' development regardless of financial background. Any RGYC Member representing the club at major regattas (such as National and World Championships) are encouraged to participate. Pro-rata rates are available based on availability for eligible members.

Eligibility

Participants must:

• Be aged 13–23 years old (as of 31 December 2025).
• Be current financial members of RGYC.
• Have strong racing skills and the ability to sail a course independently.
• Demonstrate a commitment to regular attendance, positive teamwork, and personal improvement.

This is not a learn-to-sail program. Prior racing experience (dinghy or keelboat) is essential.

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Program Focus:

The Intermediate Fleet Program includes scheduled and regular coaching. Allowing you to practice and race in club and class association programs at clubs.

At Intermediate Fleet level you may remain active- for-life, and enjoy lifelong activity which can cross multiple disciplines, and class of boat or board. 

During the Intermediate Fleet Program, there is continued freesail opportunity to support further enjoyment in the sport and environment.