Welcome to the RYA Optimist Zone Squad application page.

Applications for the RYA Optimist Zone Squad open on 1st August 2015.
Applications within the Optimist Class are for RYA Zone Squads only. You do not need to apply for all other Optimist squads - follow the links below for more information. 

Applications for RYA Optimist Zone Squads close 4th October 2015
NB: Applications after this dates may not be accepted.

To the right you will find the 'Application Check-list' document, which will help you gather the relevant information prior to inputting your application on-line.

The Squads Explained

 The first step in Optimist squads are the RYA Zone Squads.

1. RYA Zone Squads - North Zone Squad, Midlands Zone Squad, East Zone Squad, South Zone Squad,  South East Zone Squad & South West Zone Squad.

For sailors normally of sailing age under 13 years (their age on the 31st December on year of selection), the squads are organised on a regional basis.  The Zone Squads in England are organised by the RYA.  Interested sailors in Scotland and Wales should contact RYA Scotland and the WYA respectively.  These squads provide coaching for sailors who are aspiring to progress to the RYA UK Junior Squads More information on RYA Zone Squads.

To proceed with your application for an RYA Zone Squad click on APPLY above. 

2. RYA/ IOCA(UK) UK Intermediate Junior Squad
Invitations are issued, after the UK Junior Squad is selected, based on a sailor’s overall position on the Official IOCA(UK) Ranking List which is published after the End of Season Championship.  The UK Junior Squad provides coaching for sailors who are aspiring to progress to the RYA UK Junior Squad or the RYA Transition Training Squad More information on IOCA RYA UK Intermediate Junior Squad.

3. RYA/ IOCA(UK) UK Junior Squad
The next step is the UK Junior Squad.  Again invitations are issued based on a sailor’s overall position on the Official IOCA Ranking List which is published after the End of Season Championship.  The UK Junior Squad provides coaching for sailors who are aspiring to progress to the RYA Transition Training Squads that feed through to the RYA UK Youth Squads More information on IOCA RYA UK Junior Squad.

4. IOCA(UK) Development Squad
The IOCA(UK) Development Squad is for set up for the benefit of experienced Optimist sailors that are normally sailing age over 13 years (their age on the 31st December on year of selection) and are not selected for one of the UK, Intermediate or RYA Zone squads.  Invitations are issued after the other squads are selected, based on a sailor’s overall position on the Official IOCA Ranking List which is published after the End of Season Championship. More information on IOCA RYA Development Squad.

Go back to the RYA Junior Squad Application page.