THE British Keelboat Academy (BKA) 2015 applications are now open for the next wave of young British sailors to get involved.

Managed and delivered by the UK Sailing Association, the BKA is a Royal Yachting Association programme developing British sailors and working with them across all areas of the sport.

The aim of the programme is to help sailors learn the skills and make industry contacts that will enable them to develop their sailing within the area they would like to pursue.

Since the programme’s inception in 2003, ex-programme sailors have gone on to join Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) America’s Cup team, Volvo Ocean Race teams, TP52 Super Series, Class 40 and Figaro programmes as well as racing on the World Match Race Tour and various other One Design and offshore programmes.

The season will be split into three sections; the One Design Programme, the Inshore Big Boat Programme and the Offshore Programme – each focusing on a different area.

BKA sailors will train with their preferred squad but will also have opportunity to experience other areas of the sport throughout the season.

To apply for the academy, you need to be aged between 18-24-years-old during the squad year. You need to have a British passport and be available to train and race on the south coast.

The programmes include sessions aimed at improving every sailor’s personal fitness.

BKA applications close at 9am on Monday, November 3.

To apply, visit britishkeelboatacademy.org and click on ‘How to Apply’.

For more information about the British Keelboat Academy visit britishkeelboatacad emy.org or follow the BKA on Facebook or on Twitter (@tweetbka).