SailGP inspires Bermuda’s youth with the launch of its Racing and Learning Programs

Inspire Racing x WASZP applications open to local youth sailors under 21
Virtual Boat Design challenge launched to kickoff Inspire Learning activities on the island

With the highly anticipated Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess taking place May 14 –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.

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.”

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 visiting sailgp.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
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 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.

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 1600’s, 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.”