The Welsh Yachting Association (W.Y.A) squad system has been in place for over 15 years based at the National Watersports Centre; Plas Menai, National Events Centre; Pwllheli and more recently in South Wales; Cardiff Bay Yacht Club. 

The National Squad program has a proud history with current and ex World Champions having been through (or still are) part of the program.  Within that Wales contributes 8 athletes to the Olympic Squad, and with 5 sailors in both the Great Britain Optimist and Topper Squads the next Olympic sailors on TV in 2016 or later could well be you. 

Whilst providing pathways to reach the very top of International & Olympic Class sailing for those that so desire, our squads equip all our sailors with not only solid racing background for later life, it  also equips sailors with many important life skills, opportunities to travel and make new friends and provides vital advice and support along every step of the pathway.

Many ex-squad sailors can be seen at the front of many forms of racing, from Club, University Team Racing to Keelboats and for many earning additional income from instructing and coaching.  Whilst, the W.Y.A and our team of 16 coaches facilitate the squads and our domestic events it’s the clubs, parent volunteers who make so much of our sport happen.  We continually try and support and enhance this structure throughout Wales and due to our success and continued support from the Sports Council Wales we now have more club support and performance support than ever before!!

Squad applications are now closed for W.Y.A squads 2008 2009. The application process will re open next summer.

I hope the information on this website is useful.  We look forward to seeing you on the water training or racing this year!