Welcome to BSDRA 2009!
This association aims to promote the sport of sailing and team racing in British schools. Members enjoy the benefit of advice from member schools, a programme of regional and national team-racing championships, and an annual Inservice training day for teachers. Joining Form. Contact BSDRA.

The RYA Youth and Junior Championships held at Oxford this autumn saw BSDRA Schools at their best. Twenty two teams in the Youth fleet and nearly half from member schools. Less in number in the huge Junior event, but still some impressive results, especially from Oakham.

Just as impressive is the line up for the ISAF Team Race Worlds where half of GBR team helms for the Open Championships are ex BSDRA sailors. 

This year more schools are turning to the Firefly dinghy which allows the sailors to gain the skills to compete at University events. MCS Oxford and Sevenoaks have done this for some time, but this year they have been joined by several others.  Coaching the Oxford teams a few weeks ago brought smiles as I found old rivals from Tonbridge, Kings, Sevenoaks and MCS all in dark blue jackets.

As winter takes a firmer grip I hope that the attractions of a sunny week at Itchenor and two days of exciting team racing at the Internationals will encourage you to reach for the entry forms. Itchenor have been listening hard to new ideas and are planning an exciting and varied programme. Do look at the website (fixtures page) as there are a host of excellent events and opportunities coming up.

The INSET planned for 19th March (see below) will get staff on the water, perfecting the art of umpiring. For all sailors reading this do send me your email address so we can let you know directly what is happening. 

Bruce Hebbert
Commodore

• 2008 RESULTS ARCHIVED - see here

Watch here for the 2009 PROGRAMME as it evolves.

• Thu 19th March at Oxford SC (Farmoor) -
BSDRA IN-SERVICE TRAINING DAY
Topics: The new rules, teaching the rules, umpiring in theory and in practice...on the water. AGM

• Sat 28th - Sun 29th March 2009 at Oxford SC (Farmoor)
RYA COACHES and NATIONAL UMPIRE COURSES -

1. RYA Coaches Level 2 Course [need Powerboat L2 and First Aid]
2. RYA National Umpires Course [need Powerboat L2]
also there is an exam and later an on-the-water assessment.

This Umpire course is invaluable for those coaching team racing or running school team racing. Please contact Helen Cartwright at he RYA if you are interested in attending.