First-ever SailGP Inspire Learning Camp on Lake Macquarie

SailGP Inspire aims to get young people, sailors and non-sailors alike, involved with the sport across all levels - whether it’s trying sailing for the first time or going to the Olympics, SailGP Inspire strives to make the sport more accessible for all.

At the end of January, the global championship partnered with the New South Wales Government, through the Office of Sport, to host 21 young people from across the state to participate in the first-ever SailGP Inspire Learning Camp at Point Wolsoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre.

The four-day program, which was free-of-charge, provided the opportunity for first-timers to learn to sail aboard Inspire’s fleet of RS Cat14s and culminated with a visit from reigning SailGP champion Kyle Langford.

“As a kid, the biggest thing that I enjoyed about sailing on Lake Macquarie was being out on the water, that feeling of freedom and being with my mates,” said Kyle Langford, a Lake Macquarie local and reigning SailGP champion.

Along with sharing some sailing tips and encouraging words, Langford brought some silverware with him to Lake Macquarie to inspire the youth – the SailGP Championship trophy that the Australians will look to retain when the second season of SailGP kicks off on February 28-29.

SailGP Youth Program Manager Tom Herbert-Evans said: “In working with the NSW Government, we had some children come from drought-affected areas, and some of them hadn’t seen water in a very long time or even been near the coast. By the end of the four days it was amazing to see the enjoyment they got from the sport and the increase in confidence at the end of the camp.”

The goal of the SailGP Inspire Learning pathway is to provide young people with the opportunity to have hands-on lessons, mentorship and team building activities focused around the sport.

Office of Sport Chief Executive Karen Jones said: “The Office of Sport is delighted to have partnered with SailGP to deliver the first SailGP Inspire Camp at Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation Centre. Initiatives like this ensure that a lasting legacy is realized from hosting major events in NSW like Sydney SailGP.”

Sydney SailGP will kick off season-long programming for SailGP Inspire which will feature various new components throughout the year and provide a variety of life-changing opportunities and experiences for young people through Inspire’s three pathways - Racing, Careers and Learning. Find out more here SailGP.com/Inspire.