RS Sailing
Premier Way, Abbey Park
Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ
01794 526760
RS Sailing
Premier Way, Abbey Park
Romsey Hampshire SO51 9DQ
01794 526760

SailGP stars take to the water to kick off future-focused Inspire program

August 10, 2019
SailGP Inspire

First of its kind, global community, education and outreach program debuts at Cowes SailGP

As part of its commitment to sustainable development, SailGP officially launched the foundation phase of a robust community, education and outreach initiative – SailGP Inspire. The six helmsmen of the new global league joined the maiden group of youth participants for the program aimed at using sailing as a force for good. SailGP Inspire broadens access to the sport, offers a career pathway and aims to leave a meaningful legacy in SailGP host cities.

SailGP Inspire is comprised of three innovative programmes – Learning, Careers and Racing – giving young girls, boys, women and men (ages 9-23) from all backgrounds life-changing opportunities on and off the water.

SailGP Inspire is supported by four founding partners – boat suppliers RS Sailing and WASZP, technical clothing provider Rooster and robotic mark producer MarkSetBot. RS Sailing will provide the catamarans that will serve as the platform for youth being introduced to sailing for the first time, as well as the racing program for junior sailors at each SailGP event. From 2020 onward, WASZP will provide an opportunity for high-performing youth sailors to receive instruction and race foiling boats at SailGP events, while also offering a pathway to international competition. Rooster will serve as the official technical clothing supplier to SailGP Inspire, and the revolutionary and environmentally friendly MarkSetBots will be used to set on-water courses for the programme.

“Equally important to building a sustainable, professional high-performance league is creating a pathway for young people to learn and develop experience for a future in sailing,” said SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts. “We’re aiming to ignite a passion in the next generation in a fun and experiential way, with a goal of delivering one of the most progressive youth initiatives in our sport.

“There are many young sailors out there who are very capable of sailing high-performance boats, but they often don’t get the opportunity. We are hoping to stimulate a new wave of youth development, and look forward to helping to shape an exciting new future alongside our fantastic partners – RS Sailing, WASZP, Rooster and MarkSetBot.”

“The beauty and freedom of our sport is surreal – we are emerged in nature with always changing opportunities,” said Great Britain SailGP Team helmsman Fletcher. “This is athletic excellence mixed with challenging the mind; we are always learning new techniques, analysing, prioritising and adapting – all skills that help with growth and development. Being able to share our passion with young people is incredibly rewarding, as we mix fun and education while ensuring a future for our sport.”

SailGP Inspire’s Learning program aims to provide local youth with the ultimate education experience through sailing. For two days leading up to each SailGP event, students will receive a hands-on learning experience using experiential STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education, problem solving and intro-to-sailing sessions on the water. In addition, as an extension of the Learning program, local youth sailors will be offered the opportunity to participate in a pre-show – ‘the Rippers’ – on each SailGP race day. The male and female participants (50-50 split) will be selected in coordination with local sailing associations in each market, showcasing their talents in front of SailGP crowds and on big screens in the Race Villages.

Next, the Careers program is aimed at students 16 years old and above who are interested in the sports and/or marine industries. It introduces young men and women to professional careers in 10 areas throughout SailGP, highlighting the various professional pathways that are available, and leaving a lasting legacy for the candidates involved.

Finally, the Racing program is set to launch in 2020 and will be an intermediate program geared toward young competitive sailors with an interest in hydrofoiling and racing. Each season, one girl and one boy will be funded to compete at the International WASZP Games to further broaden their experience.

SailGP Inspire will also offer community-based technical tours that explore the science of sailing and provide students with exclusive behind-the-scenes access. In addition, SailGP Race Villages will provide hands-on opportunities for visitors to enjoy educational activations courtesy of SailGP Inspire.

At each event, SailGP Inspire will join with local partners to ensure opportunity and legacy within the local community. For the program’s launch during Cowes SailGP, SailGP Inspire partnered with the United Kingdom Sailing Academy and the Royal Yachting Association.

Yesterday and today (August 8-9), a total of 48 local schoolchildren are participating in the Learning program, with the first half of each day spent participating in onshore activations that demonstrate the science behind sailing. The afternoons will consist of intro-to-sailing sessions onboard RS Cat 14 boats. In addition, tours were given to both the RYA Onboard program and students from the Isle of Wight College.

Nine local sailing clubs each selected one boy and one girl (ages 13-15) from the RYA South Zone regional performance clubs to participate in the Rippers racing in front of the SailGP Race Village and Grandstand. Meanwhile, 11 young adults from the Isle of Wight College and other local universities are shadowing some of the most fascinating careers within SailGP – boat building, rigging and hydraulics; on-water management; media operations and communications; and hospitality.

Finally, £2 from every ticket sold to Cowes SailGP is being donated to UKSA. In addition, UKSA is auctioning four major experiences for winners to collect over the weekend, including a Guest Chaser Experience package, a private tour and meet & greet with the Great Britain SailGP Team, tickets to see SailGP’s European debut, and the ultra-exclusive Sixth Sailor Experience that includes a ride onboard the revolutionary F50 catamaran.

“We are so pleased and excited to be partnering with SailGP to deliver the Inspire programme here in the UK,” said UKSA CEO Ben Willows. “UKSA is absolutely committed to supporting the most deserving young people and children here on Cowes to be able to access the amazing experiences and opportunities that being on the water provides. Together, we are aiming to continue to offer every year 6 child on the island a sailing session at UKSA through our Test the Water programme. It is great to see SailGP supporting the local community here in Cowes and on the island, and we look forward to working with SailGP over the next few years as this event and partnership continues to develop and grow.”

Jon Partridge, CEO, RS Sailing: “RS Sailing is excited by any program that will inspire the next generation of sailors, so when Russell Coutts asked if we would like to get involved with SailGP Inspire, there was only one answer. We believe this programme will introduce young people to our sport, give up-and-coming young sailors an opportunity to race in front of a crowd, and create memories that will last a lifetime. It is an honour to partner with an organisation that is going to redefine the sport of sailing.”

More information about SailGP Inspire can be found at SailGP.com/Inspire.

 

 

 

SUBSCRIBE

  • Sign up for RS stories, offers, epic wipeout videos and much more!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Grant Dalton OBE on Introducing His Son to Sailing: Why the RS Quest is the Perfect Fit

When it comes to sailing, few names are as well-respected as Grant Dalton OBE, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand. With six Volvo and Whitbread races under his belt, and his wealth of experience and...

Iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes sponsors RS Fest Miami

RS Sailing are excited to announce a new sponsor onboard for RS Fest Miami 2025, iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes. The second edition of RS Fest Miami, our multi-class RS...

The RS Feva Eurocup Series is back for 2025!

The International RS Feva Class are excited to announce the Eurocup Series is back for 2025.   Check out the calendar and event details below;   Eurocup 1 19-21 April 2025 RS Feva French...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

By the RS Venture Connect Class The RS Venture Connect Class is pleased to announce that the 2025 European Championship will be hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) in Oslo, Norway. This...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

Iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes sponsors RS Fest Miami

RS Sailing are excited to announce a new sponsor onboard for RS Fest Miami 2025, iconic British rope manufacturer Kingfisher Yacht Ropes. The second edition of RS Fest Miami, our multi-class RS...

The RS Feva Eurocup Series is back for 2025!

The International RS Feva Class are excited to announce the Eurocup Series is back for 2025.   Check out the calendar and event details below;   Eurocup 1 19-21 April 2025 RS Feva French...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

By the RS Venture Connect Class The RS Venture Connect Class is pleased to announce that the 2025 European Championship will be hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) in Oslo, Norway. This...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

10 events of 2025 – RS200 National Championship

Event – RS200 Noble Marine National Championship 2025 Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Event Schedule - Sunday 3rd - optional coaching, a gate start seminar, race briefing and commodores's...

The RS Feva Eurocup Series is back for 2025!

The International RS Feva Class are excited to announce the Eurocup Series is back for 2025.   Check out the calendar and event details below;   Eurocup 1 19-21 April 2025 RS Feva French...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

By the RS Venture Connect Class The RS Venture Connect Class is pleased to announce that the 2025 European Championship will be hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) in Oslo, Norway. This...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

10 events of 2025 – RS200 National Championship

Event – RS200 Noble Marine National Championship 2025 Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Event Schedule - Sunday 3rd - optional coaching, a gate start seminar, race briefing and commodores's...

10 events of 2025 – RS21 World Championship 2025

Event - RS21 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 24-27 September 2025* Where - Tuscany, Italy. The International RS21 Class Association, in collaboration with RS Sailing and the RS21...

1 month to go until the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025

It's one month until our favourite Boat Show of the year, the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show! We're buzzing with excitement to welcome you onto our magenta carpet, with the RS Team and a boatload...

RS Sailing at boot Düsseldorf 2025: What’s On The Stand?

It's showtime! The magenta carpet is rolled out... we are excited to return to boot Düsseldorf, one of the largest boat shows in the world. This year’s exhibition marks a significant milestone for...

2025 RS Venture Connect European Championship to take place in Norway

By the RS Venture Connect Class The RS Venture Connect Class is pleased to announce that the 2025 European Championship will be hosted by the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club (KNS) in Oslo, Norway. This...

10 events of 2025 – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup

Event – 2025 RS21 UK & Ireland Cup Event Dates - 6 events from April through to October 2025 Format - 6 Rounds, 50 Races, 1 Champion! Hosted by - Hamble One Design Spring Champs, Royal...

UK & Irish RS400 National Championship

Event – UK & Irish RS400 National Championship Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Hosted by - Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club Where – Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club, Cultra,...

10 events of 2025 – RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025

Event - RS Feva Sail GP Inspire Program 2025 Event Dates - 16-19th January 2025 Hosted by - SailGP Inspire & Royal Akarana Yacht Club Where - Royal Akarana Yacht Club, Auckland, New Zealand...

10 events of 2025 – RS500 World Championship 2025

Event - RS500 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 4-8th August 2025* Hosted by - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica Where - Gruppo Vela LNI Follonica, Follonica, Italy How to enter - The NOR isn't released...

10 events of 2025 – RS200 National Championship

Event – RS200 Noble Marine National Championship 2025 Event Dates - 3rd to 8th August 2025* Event Schedule - Sunday 3rd - optional coaching, a gate start seminar, race briefing and commodores's...

10 events of 2025 – RS21 World Championship 2025

Event - RS21 World Championship 2025 Event Dates - 24-27 September 2025* Where - Tuscany, Italy. The International RS21 Class Association, in collaboration with RS Sailing and the RS21...

10 events of 2025 – RS Fest Miami 2025

Event – RS Fest Miami 2025 Event Dates : March 28th - 30th 2025 Hosted by – Coconut Grove Sailing Club Where – Miami, USA at Coconut Grove Sailing Club Dates – Check out the full...

Pin It on Pinterest