Youfor2032 is an initiative created from a partnership between the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) and Australian Sailing. The purpose of the program is to utilise the QAS school talent search to identify potential sailors, based on projected height and weight, risk appetite, love of the water and growth mindsets.

The goal is finding new sailors from different sporting backgrounds for the Sailing Performance Pathway and the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games with a target age somewhere between 13 – 21 for foilers and female crews.

During December, Performance Pathways Technical Manager Ash Brunning and the coaching team, led by Mitchell Pearson and Annie Eastgate were proud to host a series of female crew and foiling ‘Youth for 32’ workshops at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, on the bay from the proposed 2032 Olympic Sailing site. 

Providing an overview of the program Ash said “this is new ground for Sailing and it is most common that sailors come through traditional pathways because their families sailed. Youfor32 opens the door to youth, especially girls from different backgrounds and locations, it gives them a chance to learn the sport, fall in love and show their mettle. Who knows, maybe one day they too may earn a place in the QAS Sailing team”.

“Today we have been blessed with great conditions on water and thanks to our sponsor North Sails we have some quality Kite and Wing kits to get out there on”. 

After taking to the water AFL athlete Madeline Wilson said “The foiling this morning was absolutely insane, it just felt so weightless and was an amazing feeling”.

Josie Holmes from Surf Lifesaving reflected on the experience saying “It’s been awesome, very different from what I usually do, jumping on boards with wind but very cool though”.

Sailing staff and the QAS are seeking the best ways to continue the learning for budding new sailors and foilers between camps. Part of the challenge for Sailing’s coaches and instructors is working how to enhance and accelerate the learning of the principles of Sailing, with youth who in most cases are already quality athletes both physically and mentally.

The next steps for the Youfor32 program are two camps this month, again out of RQYS. There will be multiple camps in the program across both the female crew and foil space and potential for further Youfor32 intakes in years to come.

To find out how to start your sailing journey visit the Discover Sailing website by clicking here.

If you want to find out more about the Australian Sailing (AS) Performance Pathway which is a guided progression from competitive Club sailing through to the Australian Sailing Team for Olympic and Olympic pathway classes please click here.