The newly formed Youth Pathways Team has begun connecting with parents, coaches, clubs and Youth Pathway Class Associations across Australia. These conversations are building a clearer national picture of what is happening, what is working well and where targeted support can have the greatest impact. 

A key priority is facilitating more regular opportunities for sailors in Youth Pathway Classes to access quality local coaching, while building the skills and class-specific technical knowledge of the coaches who support them. 

Working in partnership with Youth Pathway Class Associations, Australian Sailing will support classes to plan and run regular coaching clinics and training programs and provide targeted support for coaches based on their needs. This will help sailors access more consistent local coaching, give coaches valuable practical experience, and help prepare the next generation of coaches so programs can be sustained over time. 

That work is already under way, with the team working alongside Class Associations and clubs in several states to support clinics and programs throughout the 2026/27 season. The 29er Nationals, ILCA Nationals and ILCA U21 Worlds, all taking place at Sandringham Yacht Club in January 2027, will offer further opportunities to work alongside class coaches and support the development of both sailors and coaches in a regatta environment. 

2025 Youth World Championships - World Sailing

Australian Sailing’s National Youth Programs also play an important role. The 2026 Noakes Group National Youth Squad on-water camps at YouthSail WA, Sail Melbourne, Sail Brisbane and the National Training Centre in Middle Harbour, along with the Youth Sailing World Championships in Vilamoura and the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, provide aspiration for younger sailors, support stage appropriate development, and give coaches valuable national and international experience. That knowledge can then be shared with other coaches and sailors in their home state, class and club, extending the benefits to the wider sailing community. 

Discussions with Youth Pathway Class Associations and clubs will continue across all states to identify where support is most needed. Planning will also progress for key national youth programs and events in 2027, including sailing’s first inclusion in the Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta, the National Youth Squad Program throughout the year at various domestic venues, and the Youth Sailing World Championships in La Palma, Spain. 

In the meantime, the team is using event participation, conversations and observations across the country to build a clearer, data-led picture of Youth Pathway Class depth, activity and coaching capacity. This will show where Australian Sailing can make the greatest difference and guide the team’s work through 2027 and beyond. 

The first few months have focused on listening, gathering data and beginning to build relationships. The next step is to turn these insights into practical action: working with classes, clubs and coaches to improve development opportunities for youth sailors and build a stronger coaching network for the future of Youth Pathway Classes in Australia. 

Australian Sailing would like to thank Noakes Group in their role as the Official Partner of Youth Sailing for their support of our Youth Pathways, helping with  thedevelopment of young sailors and strengthening connections between clubs, classes, coaches and Australian Sailing’s national programs. 

Further information 

Recognised Youth Pathway Classes 

Nacra 15 | iQFOiL Youth | Formula Kite | ILCA 4 | ILCA 6 | 420 | 29er