PROJECT THEIA

team racing programme

PROJECT THEIA

PurposeAs part of the Northern Ireland RYA Strategy “Navigating the Future” our mission is to support
participation across all aspects of our sport. “Project Theia” is the beginning of a Pilot Project
developed by the Pathways Officer, the project aims to shine upon Pathway routes andopportunities within the world of sailing. With “Re-Imagined Pathways” embedded in ourstrategy, Project Theia aims to inspire and develop sailors across Northern Ireland.
The Project name “Theia” is based on the Goddess of Sight & Vision in Greek mythology. Wewant people who are involved in all aspects of our sport, to see the pathways that sailing canoffer them and embrace the opportunities that sailing provides. Project Theia encourages
additional opportunities for sailors across Northern Ireland, making pathways more accessible
across our sport.

What does the project stand for?

Thraining & Racing Opportunities

eiaeighten support for Women + Girls & Disabled People

ducational opportunities across all aspects of the sport

nspiring people to develop & progress in their chosen pathway

chieving goals & celebrating successPROJECT THEIA
AREAS OF FOCUS

Women on Water
Development
Programme

Sailability
Participation &Competition

RYANI Team
Racing
Programme

Development
Academyteam racing programmeWhat is the TEAM RACING PROGRAMME?

The RYA Northern Ireland Team Racing Programme (TRP) is a key area of our new pilot project, “Project Theia”. We hope to create drivearound clubs in Northern Ireland by developing a Team Racing Scene and to see growth of Team Racing Programmes within Clubs as analternative racing pathway for people of all ages and abilities.
This will be delivered by:
1. Development of a Northern Ireland Team - The Team Racing Team is aimed towards over 16s – under 19s, with the intention of a teambeing selected to represent RYA Northern Ireland in the Elmo Trophy which takes place at the end of August each year. The TRP will
aim to have six open training sessions delivered by the Pathway Coaches, one selection weekend and six Training Camps for theselected team prior to the Elmo Trophy. The six open training sessions will likely dive into boat handling, tactics and strategy, racing
rules, race scenarios and teamwork. Selection weekend will have an application process open prior to this, which will be shared withthe lead coach to assess who will be part of the team moving forwards. Six sailors will be selected with the possibility of having tworeserves. To apply for the RYANI Team Squad all applications must be completed and criteria met. Selections will be made by theLead Coach and the RYA Performance Committee. Timings for training will run from 9am – 5pm.
2. Working with Clubs to develop a Team Racing Pathway across Northern Ireland, with the potential of a Team Racing Series/NationalCup to be implemented. Details of this are still to be discussed and confirmed. We believe that this could be a very successful pathway
for youth and above and will also support one of our focus areas “Women and Girls”. Additionally, the pathway will support youth andadult sailors with the Racing Rules of Sailing, Tactics, Strategy, Teamwork and will provide skills in double handed sailing for thosewanting to go down the coaching and instructing pathway.

TEAM RACING PROVISIONAL CALENDAR 2024
OPEN TRAINING SESSIONS
Week 1 - February 17th
Week 2 - March 2nd
Week 3 - March 16th
Week 4 - April 6th
Week 5 - April 20th
Week 6 - May 11th

SELECTION WEEKEND18th & 19th May
TEAM RACING SQUADAPPLICATIONS OPEN Week commencing 4thMarchTEAM RACING SQUADAPPLICATIONS CLOSED Week commencing April
22ndSELECTED SQUADPROVISIONAL CAMPSCamp 1 - June 1st + 2ndCamp 2 - June 15th + 16th
Camp 3 - July 6th + 7thCamp 4 -July 13th + 14th
Camp 5 - August 10th +11thCamp 6 - August 24th +25th

ELMO TROPHY
AUGUST 31ST - 1ST
SEPTEMBER

EXPECTED COSTS TEAM RACING PROGRAMMEOPEN TRAINING SESSIONSSELECTION WEEKEND
18th & 19th May

SELECTED SQUADPROVISIONAL CAMPS£40 PER SESSION - RYA
MEMBER£80 WEEKEND - RYA
MEMBER£80 WEEKEND - RYA
MEMBER£50 PER SESSION - NON
RYA MEMBER£90 WEEKEND - NON RYAMEMBER£90 WEEKEND - NON RYA
MEMBERELMO TROPHYESTIMATED £100 / £200
ENTRY FEE FOR WEEKEND

PROJECT THEIA

Sailor FAQ’s - Team Racing
Do I need to attend all the open training weekends to apply for the Team Racing Squad?
No, however this is your opportunity as a sailor to learn more about team racing and enables the coaches leading the programme to see yourprogression on and off the water before selections. Additionally attendance for open training is likely to be recorded for the selection panel for those
applying to the Team Racing Squad.

Do I need my own boat for training and for the Elmo Trophy?
No, boats will be provided for all the sessions and for the Elmo Trophy?

What should I pack in my sailing bag?
You should bring, wet gear, towel, change of clothes, gym kit, notebook and pen, water bottle, snacks, lunch, racing watch, hat, gloves,sun cream.

How does selection work?
Selection weekend will be based on the selection policy and criteria. The sailors applying for selection will be assessed by a Lead coach andapplications will be reviewed by the Performance committee, Lead Coach and Pathways Officer. There will be no appeals against thepublished selection criteria or the actions of the selectors, provided they follow the selection criteria.
Selection Criteria which will be embedded in the policy
Only 2 sailors allowed to be accepted if applying as a current NI squad member.
Must be 3 girls selected and 3 boys selected to complete a squad.
Total of 6 sailors selected to complete a squad, it is likely we will offer spaces for up to four reserves.

PROJECT THEIA

Next steps - Team Racing
Host Team RYA Team Racing Open Training - SquadFor the first year running this we will be focusing on two host clubs which the Pathways Officer
will approach independently. After the Team Racing programme is finished, which will be after
the Elmo Trophy. There will be an application process clubs to apply for hosting the following
year and an opportunity to meet with the Pathways Officer to discuss next steps in growing aTeam Racing Pathway at your Club.
Key things to consider for future applications or expressions of interest:
Clubs investing in double handed classes that are suitable for youth and adults progressing
within this pathway - what training and racing opportunities will you provide?
A clear development plan and vision for supporting double handed pathways and teamracing within your club. Host clubs must have x6 double handers available for training.

Team Racing programme
Applications to host for 2025 will be open in September 2024
Any questions regarding applications for hosting in 2025 or to book in a meeting
to support a Team Racing Development Plan please contact the Pathways Officer- Kate Broderick
E: kate.pounder@rya.org.uk
M: 074-350-214-19