More than 1,000 of the nation’s Olympic sailing hopefuls of the future have their first chance to shine on a national stage this weekend (27 – 28 September) as the 2008 RYA Zone and Home Country Championships take place across Great Britain.

The RYA Zone and Home Country Championships traditionally mark the end of the Junior racing season and the start of a hard winter’s training. They are a key event for any young sailor wishing to be selected for the RYA Zone and Home Country squads, which are the first step on the pathway to Olympic Classes sailing.

Having honed their skills at club training and competitions throughout the year, the annual Championships present the opportunity for the young sailors to challenge themselves against the best of their peers within their area, under the watchful eye of their local RYA High Performance Managers and other senior RYA racing staff.

This weekend eight venues in England, Scotland and Wales will stage Zone and Home Country Championship events with racing taking place in eight Junior dinghy and windsurfer classes.

Meanwhile, for the first time in 2008, three of the Zone Championship events – those taking place in the East, South East and South West zones – will be backed by Volvo as part of their extensive support of British sailing. The East Zone Championships are also being supported by Co-op. 

The 2008 RYA Zone and Home Country Championships will be staged at the following venues:North – Scaling Dam Sailing Club, North Yorkshire, South – Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Dorset, West – Blithfield Sailing Club, Staffordshire, South West – Chew Valley Sailing Club, Gloucestershire, East – Dabchicks and West Mersea Yacht Club, Essex, South East – Bewl Valley Sailing Club, Kent, Scotland – Largs Sailing Club, Wales – Pwllheli Sailing Club

For further information visit www.ryaracingevents.org.uk