State Sailing Pathway Program (SSPP) Selection in 2021

Due to the impact of COVID-19 related event cancellations on the previously communicated selection criteria for SSPPs in 2021, AS will be releasing new SSPP selection considerations in January. As we work to finalise the selection considerations, all sailors interested in being considered for an SSPP in 2021 are encouraged to participate in local and state racing wherever possible to allow State Coaches to observe sailors in action and assess performance and potential. Further details regarding AS Performance Pathway support for the 2021-2022 season will be released in December.

If you have any questions, please contact AS Performance Pathway Manager @ Ashley.brunning@sailing.org.au

NAIDOC Week – AIS Share a Yarn Initiative

Congratulations to Bec Hancock – NSWIS Share a Yarn ambassador for NAIDOC Week. Bec received a greater appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through connecting with local indigenous custodians, learning about the history and significance of the land on which we reside, and also building ongoing relationships between NSWIS and the indigenous community in the local area.  To find out more about Bec’s involvement in NAIDOC Week  >> Click Here to view a video.

Youth Sailor of the Year

Congratulations to Scott Whitehead from QLD - TYC for taking out the Australian Sailing Youth Sailor of the Year. Congratulations also to finalists Michael Compton from WA – FSC/SOPYC, Ethan Galbraith & Charlie Zeeman from TAS - SBSC and Daniel Links & Jack Ferguson from NSW – RPAYC/RSYC.

Scott has been sailing sailor since he was very young, growing up on his family’s cruising yacht and competing at state and national level in the Flying 11 and 29er classes. More recently he transitioned to Kite Foil Racing and the current Australian Hydrofoil Kite Racing Champion. >> Click Here to view the award announcement video.

Kite Foil Racing

Several Kite Foil Racing initiatives have been taking place in QLD recently, with the introduction of Kite Foil Racing at QLD Youth Champs and the QLD Kite Foil Racing State Championship known as the Rumble on the Reef in Mackay.  Australian Sailing Kite Foil Racing National Pathway Coordinator, Ryan Palk,  led high energy coaching clinics in the lead up to both events, with a particular focus on:

• Learning how to work within a training group
• Developing frameworks for racing and enhancing training quality to reach goals

Other Kite Foil Racing initiatives are currently being planned around the country, including:

• SA 2020 Kite Foiling Launch Camp 17 – 21 December @ Largs Bay Sailing Club
• 2021 Preregatta training camps in WA, VIC, NSW and QLD    Click here to express your interest in learning more about these upcoming events

If you have any questions regarding Kite Foil Racing, please contact AS National Pathway Coordinator – Kite Foil Racing, Ryan Palk @ ryan.palk@sailing.org.au

Wind Foiling

Wind Foiling is set to making its debut at Sail Sydney on 10 – 13 December. To date, 12 competitors have registered for the regatta.  AS National Pathway Coordinator – Windfoiling, Arthur Brett, has organised coaching support to be on hand at Sail Sydney for the Windfoiling class.  Windfoiling sailors of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to attend!

If you have any questions regarding Windfoiling, please contact AS National Pathway Coordinator – Windfoiling, Arthur Brett @ Arthur.brett@sailing.org.au