For many sailors, transitioning into a new youth class provides an opportunity to showcase the skills developed already in the junior/youth pathway, whilst being able to learn new skills and behaviours which will stay with you for the rest of your life. The Nacra 15 provides the perfect platform to develop into a high-performance sailor, well equipped for your future both in sailing and in life, all whilst creating incredible memories and making lifelong friends.
In the UK, we have seen sailors from a wide range of youth and junior RYA classes successfully transition into the Nacra 15. The RS Feva, RS Tera and Topper are the most popular pathways from the Junior RYA classes into the Nacra 15 with our current sailors. We have also seen others successfully transitioning from the Optimist, RS Tera and ILCA 4 classes.
There are always a few that that have tried other Youth RYA double-hander classes first before then joining the Nacra 15 class - most notably the 420 and 29er classes. So don't be put off trying alternative youth classes if you don't feel the 420 or 29er are the right fit for you. Regardless of your background, the Nacra 15 is the perfect pathway to your sailing future!
Ideally, the younger you start sailing the Nacra 15, the better - so from age 13 upwards. This will give you a good number of years in the boat to build up skills and experience on the water, which will lead to more opportunities to compete at the higher levels and for selection to the RYA Youth Squad.
But don't be put off if you are older than this - we have had other sailors that have started sailing a Nacra 15 at age 15 or 16, who have gone on be selected for the Youth World Championships. So it's never too late to join the Nacra 15 class.
The UK Nacra 15 class is a really welcoming group of sailors and parents, all keen to support new sailors as they learn about the boat, regardless of sailing background, making for a smooth transition from junior classes or other youth classes. If you have any questions regarding your transition into the Nacra 15 please contact us via nacra15uk@gmail.com
Such a welcoming and friendly class, which made for a fun and easy transition from junior sailing. I have made great friends and have learnt so much from some amazing coaches!" - Tara Scully (2020-Present)
The UK Nacra 15 Class Association, offer taster sessions alongside our UK training camps. This provides an opportunity to get on the water and experience the thrill of the Nacra 15 first hand with an experienced Nacra 15 helm. Our coaches will always be nearby to provide support on the water if needed. This is a unique chance to be introduced to the boat in a safe and welcoming environment, where you can hear directly from other sailors and parents who have made the transition into the Nacra 15. Use the link below to sign up for a 'Taster Sail', or get in touch by email if you have any questions nacra15uk@gmail.com.
We have created a list of Frequently Answered Questions to answer some of the questions we receive most often. These have been answered by experienced sailors and parents, and can be found here.
There are often boats for sale in the UK, with good second-hand boats available at great value. Check out our Boats For Sale page where you can find out about the second-hand Nacra 15 boats currently available for sale in the UK. New boats are available to purchase through the UK Nacra dealer Nacra UK.
Make sure to join our 'UK Nacra 15 Sailors' Facebook Group, where you can ask any questions you might have, and be answered by our friendly community of past, present and future Nacra 15 sailors and parents!