SailGP Launch Racing And Learning Programs
SailGP has launched its Inspire Racing x WASZP and Inspire Learning programs, with applications now being accepted.
A spokesperson said, “With the highly anticipated Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, presented by Hamilton Princess, taking place May 14 to May 15, 2022, the global league’s Inspire Racing x WASZP program is accepting applications to make foiling more accessible to the youth sailing community, while on land the Inspire Learning program looks to discover the future of Bermuda’s boat designers.
“The thrilling experience of foiling technology will be amplified for 16 aspiring young foiling sailors as they get the amazing opportunity to hone their abilities and race on the same spectacular Bermuda waters as the supercharged F50 catamarans. Winners – the top male and top female – from every event this season will be invited back to the Season 3 Grand Final in San Francisco.
Tre Maxwell and Taj Maxwell, 2021 SailGP x WASZP Racing candidates on the Great Sound, Bermuda
St. George’s Dinghy & Sports Club member and past Chairperson, Leatrice Oatley, said, “We look forward to another exciting race weekend and thank SailGP for the opportunity for our youth to compete in its Inspire x WASZP Racing Program.
“The promotion SailGP extends to the sailing world shines a spotlight on Bermuda and its talented youth, creating pathways to future opportunities in the sport and in the maritime industry the world over.”
The spokesperson said, “Inspire Racing x WASZP is a world-class program that provides a great way for the islands’ Under 21 youth sailors to develop their foiling skills with the potential to become an athlete aboard the F50 catamarans. Interested sailors can apply by visitingsailgp.com/general/inspire/racing.”
SailGP Inspire youth program manager, Tom Herbert-Evans, said, “Impacting young athletes and inspiring a love for sailing is a focus for us. We are thrilled to give young sailors a chance to develop their passion for the sport along with their sailing abilities, and the WASZP training sessions will do just that.”
Inspire Learning Boat Design Challenge
The spokesperson said, “Bermuda’s youth can also compete in the upcoming grand prix event – virtually – by designing their own version of a modern-day Bermuda Sloop to outperform the SailGP F50 catamarans in the Virtual Boat Design Challenge.
“Participants can either draw a design of their boat or create one from recycled materials from home and show how it would be faster or more sustainable than the F50s. Photo or video entries must be submitted by Sunday, May 1, 2022.
The iconic Bermuda Sloop dates back to the 1600s and was once the fastest sailboat in the world. Building on its original design, the F50’s innovative Bermuda rig model is now the world’s fastest sail racing boat, and the rig design is used by more than 90% of the world
“The top ten designs will win a pair of tickets to the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess on May 14 –15, 2022. The winners of the Challenge will also receive an exclusive tour of the SailGP Technical Base during the event week along with a goodie bag.”
Mr. Herbert-Evans said, “Igniting the SailGP design challenge, we want to get young Bermudians inspired and connected to the incredible maritime heritage that Bermuda hosts. With the world becoming more focused on efficiency, everything we do needs to consider energy use and this challenge is about just that. The ‘Bermuda rig’, designed in the 1600s, became the basis for all modern sailing yachts.
“The reason for this is owed to its ability to sail upwind. We want to see Bermuda’s next generation continue that innovation by coming up with their own futuristic creation that encompasses a sustainable design and thought process.”
The smiles on those faces say it all. Young men out there competing, making decisions for themselves & being responsible for those decisions. Excellent preparation for adult life.
Nice to see that Government invests in the future of such programs so important for building character & self responsibility.
NOTTT!!!!