Opening the pipeline for youth sailors

The America’s Cup had been a conduit within the United States for educating and motivating the next generation of US sailors, with the elite crew of the country impacting the goals and ambitions for future champions.

And while that connection was fractured during the Larry Ellison era as his team was led and manned by internationals, the New York Yacht Club American Magic, Challenger for the 36th America’s Cup, is seeking to open the pipeline again.

American Magic will send sailing team members to coach competitors during the 2019 U.S. Youth Sailing Championships on June 21-25 at Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club in Beach Haven, New Jersey.

As the premier annual regatta in American youth sailing, Youth Champs brings together over 125 talented young athletes in six classes. The American Magic coaches for the event will be Olympians Andrew Campbell (San Diego, Calif.) and Bora Gulari (Detroit, Mich.) along with skilled high performance sailor Trevor Burd (Marblehead, Mass.).

“US Sailing is doing critical work helping young sailors, and we’re just excited to assist however we can,” said Terry Hutchinson (Annapolis, Md.), Skipper and Executive Director of American Magic. “It will be awesome for American Magic to be a part of Youth Champs this year, and to spend time with a bunch of really motivated kids who have worked hard to get there.”

“American Magic has so much knowledge to share and inspiring stories to tell, and for many, Youth Champs was a launch pad for their careers,” said Jack Gierhart, Chief Executive Officer of US Sailing. “Andrew, Bora, and Trevor were all members of the US Sailing Team earlier in their careers and pursued Olympic campaigns.”

“US Sailing is committed to providing world class education and youth development opportunities to sailors at every level,” said John Pearce, Youth Director of US Sailing. “This year’s Youth Champs will offer a chance for the nation’s top youth athletes to learn from some of the world’s best sailors.”

Since the first edition of the Youth Champs in 1973, the regatta has served as a transformative step for young sailors who aspire to reach the highest levels of sailing, and is part of the pathway for ambitious athletes who hope to earn a place on the US Sailing Team, and ultimately at the Olympic Games.

Source: US Sailing, American Magic, Scuttlebutt