A SAILING club has opened a new academy to help budding seafarers boost their skills.

Marconi Sailing Club, based in Steeple, has launched the Keelboat Academy after receiving a cash boost from Sports England.

They are now taking applications from those between the ages of 14 and 24 who have a keen interest in the team sport of keelboat sailing.

Peter Ward, one of the “driving forces” behind the academy, said: “Currently there’s a clear development pathway for dinghy sailors across the UK, but hardly any for young keelboat sailors.

“In recent years there has been a huge surge of interest in keelboat racing, driven primarily through the start of the Sailing Champions League.

“Through the training the academy provides, we hope to open up new opportunities for our sailors on those boats.”

Members will train together once a month and participate in events during the season.

They will also receive coaching on board a fleet of SB20 keelboats from regional sailing coaches and racers.

In September, members will participate in an end-of-season regatta, and a team of four will be selected to represent the academy at the youth event of the British Keelboat League in Cowes in the Isle of Wight during June.

To apply, contact keelboats@marconi-sc.org.uk.