The Eric Twiname Junior Championships is back after a two-year absence – and entries are now open.

The RYA’s iconic “battle of the regions” pits young sailors from across the country against each other, representing their RYA Region or Home Country.

But the regatta is so much more than just a competition – it’s as much about nurturing young sailors in a racing environment and empowering them to learn and develop.

The Eric Twiname Junior Championships, lovingly known as the ETs, will once again return to long-term hosts Rutland Sailing Club from April 30 to May 2.

It takes place in the British Youth Sailing recognised junior classes – Optimist, RS Tera Sport, RS Feva, Topper and ILCA 4 dinghies plus four different rig sizes of Bic Techno windsurfer.

This year, ETs entry for the ILCA 4 and RS Tera Sport classes is open to all young sailors. Entry for the Optimist, RS Feva, Topper and Bic Techno is by invite, through British Youth Sailing’s Regional Training Groups.

Chris Atherton, RYA National Performance Manager, said: “After a two-year forced absence we are absolutely delighted to see the Eric Twiname Junior Championships back with a bang.

“Huge thanks go to Rutland Sailing Club, long-term supporters of this much-loved event, who have once again made this year’s event possible with their backing and generosity.

“We can’t wait to see everyone at Rutland over the early May bank holiday for a long weekend of great sailing and racing, and lots of fun.”

The first event took place in 1986 and has seen thousands of young sailors compete, including Olympians past and present. Sailing stars Ben Ainslie and Iain Percy were among the early winners of the regatta before going on to Olympic greatness.

The regatta, named in memory of legendary sailor, author and journalist Eric Twiname, is regarded by many young racers as a rite of passage as they continue their journey to become top-level racers.

Twiname made his name in sailing winning numerous national titles in a range of dinghy classes, as well as in team racing where he captained the British Universities Sailing Association.

He was also greatly influential in shaping the Racing Rules which govern racing in the UK, sitting on the RYA’s Racing Rules Committee and working as the Racing Rules Advisor to the British Olympic Association.

For more information, and to enter, click here.