The Old Structure
Previously, we offered selection-only squad training for sailors in U18 and U23 squads, as well as training alongside opportunities for sailors who were not successful in the squad applications.
- U18 Tasters
- U18 Squad // U18 Train Alongside
- U23 Squad // U23 Train Alongside
The New Structure
- U18 Tasters
- U18 Open Training
- U18 Squad
- Performance Open Training
- Youth AC40 Simulator Open Training
This year, the structure will continue to offer U18 Tasters for new foiling sailors, but the structure beyond that has shifted. This has been done with the intention of providing more support and development opportunities for younger sailors who will ultimately have more time within the pathway towards the youth and women’s America’s Cup.
We will be continuing with the U18 squad, selected based upon completion of an application form as well as results at specified selection events. Sailors selected into the U18 Squad will be invited to regular training weekends and sessions on the AC40 simulator.
Alongside the selected U18 Squad, we will be running regular U18 Open Training weekends for all U18 WASZP sailors, regardless of whether or not they are in the squad.
For sailors over 18, we will be running Performance Open Training in place of the U23 squad. This training is open to all WASZP sailors, no upper age limit, but will be high-performance, looking to provide quality training for sailors looking to push themselves on the racecourse.
On top of this, we will be running Youth AC40 Simulator Open Training. These will be bookable, separate sessions that U18 Squad sailors can sign up to alongside the sessions they will have as part of the squad. This training will be open to youth sailors as a whole, not just WASZP sailors, aimed at sailors nationally ranked in the top 50% of their class fleet. Sailors should be aged 15-25 to sign up for these sessions.
The addition of these Youth AC40 Simulator Open Training sessions allows the pathway to become a broader athlete development environment for sailors across multiple classes, offering ambitious sailors the opportunity to access high-level coaching and development across disciplines. This also allows the Athena Pathway to connect dedicated sailors to the Athena ecosystem and broaden the talent pool for future campaigns and projects.
We appreciate that this is not a small change, but we believe that it will provide more sailors with more opportunities to get out on the water for coaching and development.
2026/27 Training Dates
U18 Squad
- Nov 7/8
- Dec 19/20
- Jan 23/24
- Feb 13/14
- Mar 13/14
- Apr 3/4
Youth Open Sim
- Nov 28/29 (TBC)
- Jan 2/3
- Jan 9/10 (TBC)
- Mar 20/21
Performance Open Training
- Sept 26/27
- Nov 14/15
- Feb 27/28
- Mar 20/21
U18 Open Training
- Oct 10/11
- Dec 12/13
- Jan 9/10
- Apr 17/18
U18 Tasters
- Dates TBC
