OPPORTUNITY knocks for 40 lucky young sailors from the Isle of Wight and beyond to join selection weekends on The Solent as part of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's plans to promote youth sailing in 2024. 

Over the years, through the generosity of RORC members, the Griffin Fund has helped provide race boats and experienced sailors to improve young sailors’ understanding of offshore racing.

In March, candidates will be assessed for their current sailing skills on the new Sun Fast 30 One Design, as well as their attitude and abilities to be good team players ashore and afloat.

"These are all important considerations when racing offshore," an RORC spokesperson said. 

The Griffin training and selection weekend will be run on behalf of RORC by FourthCape, a Cowes-based sailing project management company. 

After the selection trials, 20 sailors will be chosen to form four crews, that will be coached by a group of world class sailors, which includes the Island's double Olympic gold medallist, Shirley Robertson, before competing as the RORC Griffin teams of 2024. 

Each will compete in two RORC races, together with either the Cowes–St Malo, or the Drheam Cup.

Sailors, aged 18-30 years, as of January 1, who wish to participate in the selection weekend, are invited to attend a Zoom Webinar on Thursday, January 11. 

Sailors should complete this simple form, to gain access to the Zoom Webinar.  

Full applications for a place at a selection weekend will open on January 12 and close on January 31, with invites to selection weekends made before February 10.