RYA welcomes UK Sport funding for LA 2028 cycle

Ellie Aldridge (GBR) wins Women's Kite gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics © World Sailing / Jean-Louis Carli

The RYA has welcomed today's announcement from UK Sport outlining a record £330 million of Government and National Lottery investment in Olympic and Paralympic sport over the next four years.

The RYA's World Class Programme will receive £23,950,000 between 2025 and 2029, a seven percent increase on funding for the Paris 2024 cycle and which includes some specific provisions for certain areas such as the talent pathway.

The funding will cover the elite-level British Sailing Team, the development academy British Sailing Squad and the Transition programme that helps athletes progress from the British Youth Sailing talent pathway.

It will ensure that athletes targeting success not just at Los Angeles 2028 but also Brisbane 2032 and beyond are supported to the highest level both on and off the water.

UK Sport's greatest investment to date will see a larger breadth of sports than ever before receiving investment towards winning well in LA and beyond, continuing UK Sport's commitment to supporting long term success and a broader range of champions and medallists. The funding package has also been designed to support both sports and athletes in the current financial climate.

Mark Robinson, the RYA's Performance Director, said: "Today's announcement is very positive for sailing. We are incredibly grateful to UK Sport for continuing to support sailing and all the other Olympic and Paralympic sports.

"We are confident that with this funding we can continue to deliver world-class support for our athletes, in both the short and long term. It will give us the financial certainty to head full steam towards Los Angeles 2028 where we will aim to continue our strong tradition of Olympic success and inspire future generations along the way."

John Gimson, Tokyo 2020 silver medallist and a member of the British Sailing Team since 2005, added: "I speak for all World Class Programme sailors in thanking UK Sport for the ongoing support - we really wouldn't be where we are today without it."

Dr Kate Baker, Director of Performance and People, UK Sport, said:?"Following the spectacular performances of Team GB and ParalympicsGB in Paris this summer, it's so important for us to be able to keep the momentum going as we head into the LA cycle. This is our greatest investment to date, with more sports set to embark on an Olympic and Paralympic campaign with us than ever before.

"With every Games cycle comes new sports and athletes with new stories to tell and inspiration to share. With our investment supporting more breadth than ever before, as well as the entertainment, drama and spectacle we'll no doubt experience from a Games taking place in LA, I can't wait to see what our athletes can achieve in four years' time."?