May TY BaseCamp Programme
SailCoach TY BaseCamp – May 2026, Valencia, Spain
SailCoach’s TY BaseCamp has become a long standing and highly respected program among Irish families, known for providing a unique and transformative experience during Transition Year. Trusted by parents and loved by the students who take part, it’s widely regarded as a “must” for any young sailor looking to make the most of this special school year. Held at our Valencia SailBase, the October 2025 edition offers an ideal opportunity to build racing skills, grow in confidence, and live independently in a supportive environment. The program is also open to international sailors who wish to join for an extended block of structured training alongside their Irish peers.
While originally designed with Irish TY students in mind, the program is also open to motivated young sailors from other countries who are eager to train alongside their peers. We typically welcome sailors aged 15 to 16, with a focus on ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 racing.
Why Join A TY BaseCamp?
- High-level ILCA training
- Exposure to full-time athlete routines
- Supportive mentoring by professional coaches
- Development of independence, discipline, and self-confidence
- Age-appropriate fitness training to support overall well-being
Pre-Entry Experience
The TY BaseCamp is designed for sailors who are highly motivated to improve their racing skills and take a meaningful step toward national level performance. While most participants sail ILCA Dinghies, we also welcome those transitioning from other youth classes such as Topper, 29er, or 420. To ensure safety and training values, sailors should be confident sailing in 16 to 20 knots of wind on the open sea. We value varied sailing pathways and experiences in experience and background—what matters most is a shared commitment to progress and a passion for dinghy racing.
SailCoach’s Coaching Philosophy
- We aim to:
- Inspire young people through a structured yet adventurous program
- Support the development of confidence, leadership, and decision-making
- Equip students with skills that will serve them well in sport, school, and life
We aim to give young TY students an unforgettable experience that will stay with them for life. For us, sailing is more than just a sport, it’s a way to help young people grow and learn. While we offer high-quality race training, we also focus on building character, confidence, and self-belief, both on and off the water.
At SailCoach, we want to make a lasting difference in the lives of the young sailors we work with. We don’t just measure success by results on the racecourse, but also by the personal progress our TY students make. Our coaches believe that every young person has the potential to succeed and discover what they’re truly capable of. During Transition Year, we help them develop important life skills that support success in school, including the Leaving Cert, and beyond. Our aim is to give them the tools they need for a bright and confident future.
A typical day
Each day at TY BaseCamp follows a structured routine designed to help students get the most out of their training, while also supporting their well-being and independence.
The morning begins with students preparing their own breakfast and packed lunch in their shared accommodation, helping build practical life skills. They then head to the SailBase for a physical activation session led by our in-house Strength & Conditioning coach, with exercises tailored to suit their age and fitness level.
Before heading out on the water, the coaching team holds a short briefing to set the goals for the day and outline the training plan based on the weather conditions. The afternoon is spent on the water, focusing on racing skills and boat handling in ILCA Dinghies, with sessions typically lasting two to three hours.
Once back ashore, sailors take part in a recovery session, which might include light stretching, swimming, or even an ice bath, depending on the day’s intensity. The group then comes together for a debrief to reflect on the day’s training and highlight key learning points.
Evenings are relaxed and social. Students have dinner together at a nearby restaurant and wind down before lights out, ready to do it all again the next day. The balance of hard work, structured routine, and down time helps students develop discipline, build friendships, and stay motivated throughout the camp.
Beyond Sailing
While the focus of TY BaseCamp is on developing sailing and life skills, we also believe it’s important for students to enjoy new experiences and create lasting memories. In the evenings, the group is fully supervised by our staff as they eat out together in local restaurants, giving them a safe and structured opportunity to enjoy Spanish culture, relax, and socialise in a supportive environment.
To keep things fun and varied, we organise occasional activities like go-karting, paintball, “escape room” challenges, and trips into the city, where students can explore, soak up the atmosphere, and even pick up a few souvenirs for granny. These shared moments add to the sense of adventure, build friendships, and give students a well-rounded and unforgettable Transition Year experience.
