2015 ISAF Youth Sailing World – Emerging Nations Programme announced

by ISAF on 24 Feb 2015 2015 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship – The International Sailing Federation is pleased to announce an Emerging Nations Programme that will create opportunities and better prepare young sailors as they build up to the 2015 ISAF Youth Worlds set to be held in Langkawi, Malaysia from 27 December 2015 to 3 January 2016.

ISAF will host regional performance clinics in five continents to provide class specific coaching expertise. Furthermore, training tips, rules sessions and more will be delivered to enable young sailors to become better all-round competitors.

ISAF President Carlo Croce said, 'Through initiatives such as the Youth Worlds Emerging Nations Programme, ISAF is focused on reducing the performance gap between nations. ISAF will be monitoring the sailors post-event and ensuring our MNAs have access to on-going high level support.

'We hope this programme will not only create champions of the future but will enable increasing participation in the Youth Worlds and enhance the long term participation in the Youth Olympics and Olympic Games. Excitement; Youths and sailing equal the perfect formula for success.'

Clinics are scheduled in the following locations:
Suva, Fiji – 24 to 30 April
Balatonfüred, Hungary - 9 to 15 May
Maputo, Mozambique - 16 to 22 May
National Sailing Academy, Antigua - 14 to 21 July
Langkawi, Malaysia - 24 to 30 October

The Youth Worlds Emerging Nations Programme will provide significant funding subsidies to one coach and up to three sailors (minimum one female) per emerging nation. This will give both the coaches and sailors a greater chance to build knowledge and further develop national training schemes in their home countries, for future generations to benefit from.

Through a seven day intense programme, which culminates in a two day regatta, the ENP sailors and coaches will be working on development of skills both on and off the water. Alongside traditional sailing skills and coaching techniques, they will be fronted with an ISAF TV presence to further their media skills and enhance sailing’s profile within their nation.

Upon completion of each regional performance clinic, attending nations will be encouraged to apply for up to two ISAF Youth Worlds ‘ENP Scholarships’. ISAF will provide successful candidates with additional financial support for attendance at the 2015 ISAF Youth Worlds, including entry fees and equipment charter.

Click here to find out more about the Emerging Nations Programme.