Here are a few points to help you get started in the 420 Class

	Look for a boat. Check Small Ads on this website.
	Join the Class Association. For just �20 per year you will receive the 420 magazine, a handbook, tuning guides etc. and you will be eligible for National and Inland Championships. As a member of the British 420 Class Association you will join a great social group. The UK Class Association sends over forty 420 sailors to represent Great Britain at international events every year and has an excellent results record.
	There are many schools which also use the 420 dinghy as one of their main classes.
	See Technical Page for to download guide to buying 2nd hand boats.

Joining the Class

What do you get from joining the class?

	Enjoy high quality competitive sailing.
	Make many new sailing friends.
	Have access to expert training.
	Receive communications, tuning guides, buying a secondhand boat guide etc.
	Be eligible to enter British National Championships.

Membership application form (including details of fees) may be downloaded above. For more information please contact the Membership Secretary (Send Email)

Training

Training is provided at several levels. It is expected that sailors sailing a 420 have already experienced sailing a dinghy, but need not have trapezed, or sailed a 2 man / 3 sail boat before. Many 420 sailors come from Optimists, Cadets, Toppers or Mirrors. Typically they are aged from 14 to 19 as this is predominantly a youth boat.

There are class coaches who provide coaching at national level, but are there for advice to all Association members:

The following training is typical in a year:

	Regional training run by the regional organisers
	RYA Youth Squad weekends by invitation (selection from Youth Nationals at Easter)
	Championship Club Scheme sponsored by VOLVO - ask your local club
	National Class Training camp at the UKSA sailing centre in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. This is excellent for both for new entrants into the class, and for experienced 420 sailors.
	Sailors may also choose to arrange for coaching in small groups in their local area - this is usually organised by a group of local sailors.

Typical Sailing Program

The John Merricks Tiger Trophy - Feb
Youth squad training - Feb / March
Selection weekends - March / April
RYA Youth Nationals - Easter
RYA Youth Squad training -April / May
Open meetings - May to Sept
Youth Spa Regatta, Belgium - July
420 Worlds - July
420 Junior Europeans - Aug
420 UK Nationals - Aug
Late season training camp - Oct half term
Inland championships - Oct
RYA Winter training - Nov / Dec