Former British Youth National Laser champion Sean Evans has been appointed as advanced racing coach of Royal Bermuda Yacht Club’s (RBYC) sailing academy.As a qualified RYA Senior Instructor, RYA Racing Instructor and RYA Powerboat Instructor, the Englishman’s primary focus during his stint at the RBYC will be on high performance coaching in single-handed sailing dinghies.RBYC Commodore Jonathan Brewin said Evans joins the club’s Sailing Academy at “an exciting time” as Bermuda’s only Royal Yachting Association Training Centre gets ramped up fors summer fun for kids and adults.“Sean started sailing aged eight in an Optimist and he advanced through the GBR Optimist squads to compete at the highest levels internationally,” he added. “Sean transitioned into the Laser where he achieved significant success, including becoming the GBR Youth National Champion against some stiff competition.“Sean represented the UK at the ISAF Youth Worlds. After suffering an injury which prevented him from continuing his rapid progression in the international fleet, he jumped into High Performance Coaching with the RYA.“His sailors won the 2012 GBR Youth National Championships for the Laser Radial (boys and girls).RBYC Rear Commodore Leatrice Roman said Evans would bring “a wealth of experience” that will benefit all of the club’s sailors.“His racing instructor qualifications will greatly enhance our young Bermuda athletes’ experience at international regattas and with his strong RYA background he’ll be a great mentor for the Bermudian instructors taking RYA instructor certifications this summer,” she added.RBYC sailing Director Tom Herbert-Evans said the RBYC were “lucky” to have someone of Evans’ pedigree.“I’m really pleased that Sean has joined the RBYC Sailing Academy,” he said. “He’s got fantastic enthusiasm and experience with school programmes and race coaching.”In addition to the RYA Youth and National sailing schemes, the RBYC Sailing Academy now offers RYA Powerboat II training and certification.The RBYC is also working closely with the Water Safety Council and several of the Island’s marine insurance companies to help recognise PBII certificate holders.Ten percent discount off boat owner’s marine insurance is one of the potential benefits.RYA courses currently available at the RBYC include: Summer and Autumn, Sea Squirts Introduction to Sailing (5-6), Junior Sailing (7 -14), Youth Dinghy and Keelboat Sailing (15-21), Adults Keelboat classes and Powerboat II classes.More information can be obtained by contacting the Sailing Office at 294-6716 or sailingoffice@rbyc.bm.