Two young windsurfers selected for Scottish Sailing Team

Anna Phillips and Bende Szincsak from Clyde Windsurfing Club, based in Lochwinnoch, have been selected to compete and train as part of RYA Scotland’s 2025–26 Scottish Sailing Team.

This team is RYA Scotland’s top-level programme within the Scottish performance pathway for youth sailors.

Both youngsters, who have impressive records racing their iQFOiL windsurfers, were invited to join by the RYA Scotland selection panel, with strong backing from the RYA Scotland performance committee.

Anna said: “This is the highlight of my year – to be selected for the Scottish Sailing Team after strong competition at the Techno Windsurf World Champs in Pwllheli, North Wales, in August and the RYA Scotland Youth and Junior Championships on Loch Lomond in June.”

Anna Phillips and Bende Szincsak of Clyde Windsurfing Club have been selected to compete and train as part of governing body RYA Scotland’s 2025-26 Scottish Sailing Team (Image: Victoria Phillips)

Anna Phillips and Bende Szincsak of Clyde Windsurfing Club have been selected to compete and train as part of governing body RYA Scotland’s 2025-26 Scottish Sailing Team (Image: Dougie Bell)

Bende said: “I feel honoured.

“It’s great fun and it’s so helpful in terms of improving my windsurfing to get to where I want to be in the future.”

RYA Scotland’s performance pathway programme offers high-level coaching and development opportunities for young sailors.

The programme is designed to help athletes stay focused and continue improving throughout the year, especially during the winter months.

Team members regularly compete at major regattas, supported by an intensive programme that includes on-water training, tactical development and fitness preparation.

Anna Phillips and Bende Szincsak of Clyde Windsurfing Club have been selected to compete and train as part of governing body RYA Scotland’s 2025-26 Scottish Sailing Team (Image: Suppied)

Jamie Rogers, performance pathway manager at RYA Scotland, said: “As RYA Scotland, we are deeply excited by the talent and passion within the Scottish Sailing Team.

“It’s fantastic to be bringing together such a motivated group of sailors in a competitive and supportive environment, allowing them to challenge each other and unlock their full potential.

“As we move through the winter training block, it’s inspiring to see the growing impact of high-level coaching and athlete support.

“We look forward to seeing what the team can achieve next year.”